A High Ankle Sprain Guide to Recovery

It seems like every week you hear some top athlete has a high ankle injury. Now your son who plays football has a high ankle sprain or your daughter that plays volleyball just got diagnosed with a high ankle sprain. You’ve heard the high ankle sprain is much worse than a common low ankle sprain. But what is a high ankle sprain and how does it happen? Why are high ankle injuries so much more difficult to treat?

Where a classic low ankle injury is caused when the ankle rolls inward, a high ankle injury typically occurs when the ankle and lower leg rotates excessively outward. Unlike a classic low ankle injury, a high ankle sprain is not necessary to the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint, although this can occur, but to the tissue and ligaments that hold the lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula, together. Hence the term “high” ankle sprain because the injury is above the ankle joint. High ankle injuries are more severe and take longer to hear than low ankle injuries.

Athletes with a high ankle injury will most likely complain of pain in their lower leg. If an athlete believes they have a high ankle injury, they should cease activity immediately and get a quick evaluation by an athletic trainer or other medical professional. Since athletes with a high ankle injury are typically out twice as long as someone who suffers a classic low ankle injury, it’s important to not make the injury worse by continuing activities.

Once evaluated, the sports medicine professional will most likely prescribe the common RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) for initial care of the injury. Physical therapy will be needed to help reduce swelling and pain initially, then to regain ankle strength and range of motion. A physical therapist or athletic trainer are the best qualified medical professionals to oversee the rehabilitation process. Then you will need an ankle brace that is designed specifically to treat a high ankle injury versus a low ankle injury, meaning the brace will help restrict excessive ankle rotation that caused the high ankle injury. Most ankle braces are designed only to help restrict ankle turning which causes low ankle injuries.

There is one company that has pioneered ankle braces for high ankle injuries and that is Ultra Ankle. Ultra Ankle’s Ultra CTS ankle brace is designed to restrict excessive ankle rotation that causes high ankle injuries as well as “unload” or “offload” the ankle to help reduce weight bearing pain. A proprietary Performathane® soft outer shell uses body heat to form a custom-fit to the ankle which enhances comfort and support.

 

At Ultra Ankle you have total access to our Certified Athletic Trainers that help you select the appropriate Ultra Ankle brace for your ankle condition and then help you fit your new Ultra Ankle brace once it arrives. Start the conversation by sending our Certified Athletic Trainer a message.

Why Football Players Need Ultra Ankle® Braces: A Game Changer in Injury Prevention & RECOVERY

Football is an intense sport requiring players to exhibit agility, speed, and raw power. With its explosive movements, sharp turns, and abrupt stops, football puts significant strain on a player’s body, particularly their ankles. Hence, safeguarding against injuries, specifically ankle injuries, is of paramount importance. That’s where Ultra Ankle braces come into play.

Ankle braces, like the Ultra Ankle® Ultra Zoom®, are critical for football players for several reasons:

  1. Injury Prevention

One of the main reasons football players should wear Ultra Ankle braces is to prevent injuries. Ankle sprains are common in football due to the sport’s demanding nature. The lateral support provided by Ultra 360 Lace-Up braces or Ultra Zoom braces minimizes the risk of sprains, preventing the ankle from rolling inward or outward excessively. Additionally, the hinged-cuff design of the Ultra Zoom works to prevent excessive twisting or turning of the lower leg, thereby limiting high ankle injuries, which are common among football players.

  1. Enhancing Performance

Ultra Zoom braces not only prevent injuries but also enhance performance. With the confidence that their ankles are well protected, football players can focus more on their game. They are free to make quick moves and sudden changes in direction without the fear of injuring their ankles. The Ultra Zoom brace allows football players to stay on the field and off the sidelines, playing more, playing better, and losing less time to ankle injuries.

  1. Speedy Recovery

For players recovering from previous ankle injuries and absolutely needing to play, Ultra Ankle braces, specifically the Ultra CTS, provide much-needed support and stability to accelerate recovery while minimizing the risk of reinjury. The Ultra CTS provides superior unloading of the ankle joint and reduction in weight bearing pain. This gives the relief that players need so they can get back on the gridiron. There is no other brace on the market that can make this claim.

  1. Advanced Design

Ultra Ankle braces like the Ultra Zoom and Ultra CTS have been engineered with advanced biomechanical design, tailored to meet the specific needs of athletes, and in this case, football players. They feature a multi-directional hinged-cuff design, allowing for free, natural movement. Unlike taping, this design helps maintain stability and support while still allowing for full athletic functionality. Additionally, the Ultra Zoom and Ultra CTS braces custom form-fit to the athlete’s ankles and feet. This not only provides comfort for the athlete, but also allows the brace to act and react with that specific athlete’s ankle joint(s).

  1. Durability and Comfort

In the physical world of football, equipment durability and comfort is a crucial factor. Ultra Ankle braces are known for their robust construction that stands up to the rigors of the sport. Despite this durability, these braces don’t sacrifice comfort – with the custom form-fit, the Ultra Zoom and Ultra CTS are designed to be worn for extended periods and fit comfortably inside most football cleats.

In conclusion, Ultra Ankle braces are a necessity for football players. They provide injury prevention, enhance performance, assist in speedy recovery, offer advanced support and comfort, and bring the robustness necessary for the sport, making them an integral part of every football player’s gear. Investing in Ultra Ankle braces is investing in the longevity of a player’s career. Stay in the game with Ultra Ankle.

Back

Ankle osteoarthritis (OA) can be a very painful condition that can limit your activity level causing a negative impact on your quality of life. Ankle OA occurs when the articular cartilage in the ankle has worn away resulting in bone-on-bone irritation.

Most often, the OA condition is a result of previous ankle trauma such as ankle sprains or fractures. Although ankle sprains or fractures might fully heal, the trauma can eventually lead to joint deterioration and ultimately OA. Underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can also be debilitating to the ankle joint.  

For the most part, ankle osteoarthritis is a result of wear and tear on the joint from years of activities. OA does increase with age causing the ankle cartilage to wear thin providing less cushioning between the bones.

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis include:

  • inflammation and swelling around the ankle joint.
  • ankle pain and stiffness.
  • pain when standing, walking, or bearing weight.

When it comes to treating your ankle osteoarthritis, your doctor may recommend several options:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce joint swelling and pain.
  • Physical therapy to aide in reducing joint inflammation and regaining ankle range of motion.
  • The use of a specialized ankle brace designed to reduce weight bearing pain and help prevent excessive ankle movement that can cause further joint deterioration.

THE BEST ANKLE BRACES FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN

While long term physical therapy can help reduce pain associated with OA, the best option to reduce bone on bone irritation that causes joint pain is to wear a professional ankle brace designed to reduce impact to the ankle.

Most ankle braces are designed just to help prevent excessive ankle turning which causes injuries to ligaments. However, to treat OA you need an ankle brace that not only helps to prevent excessive ankle turning but will also “unload” or “offload” the ankle as well. “Unloading” means the ankle brace will absorb some of the impact from standing or walking that would normally be transferred through the ankle causing joint irritation and pain.

Our Ultra CTS (Custom Treatment System) ankle brace is designed for OA sufferers who need relief from the bone on bone irritation which is causing their OA. The Ultra CTS works by absorbing a portion of the impact created from standing or walking and then applies that impact “or energy” to the lower leg thus bypassing the sore ankle.

Less impact means less pain and joint irritation.

Since ankle OA is mainly caused by a history of ankle trauma which could include multiple ankle sprains or fractures, it stands to reason the ankle may be unstable which is contributing to wear and tear on the joint. The Ultra CTS will stabilize and firm up the lower leg and ankle which will help control unwanted joint movement which causes excessive irritation and pain. Since the Ultra CTS has a hinge, full up and down ankle range of motion is encouraged to help keep the muscles strong and the joint flexible.

With ankle osteoarthritis the goal is to reduce joint irritation, so the condition doesn’t worsen. Wearing the Ultra CTS is a great way to reduce or slow down the effects of OA so you can maintain your normal daily activities.

If you have any questions about ankle braces for your ankle osteoarthritis, please leave us a comment below or send one of our certified athletic trainers a message.

SHARE WITH FRIENDS
RECENT POSTS
POST BY TOPIC

Ultra Zoom

Help prevent ankle injuries all season long.
Shop Now

Ultra High-5

Reinforce the ankle after a history of multiple ankle injuries
Shop Now

Ultra CTS

Maximize stabilization to treat acute ankle injuries
Shop Now

Syndesmotic ankle injuries (high ankle sprains) continue to be a challenge for athletes and athletic trainers alike, given their lengthy healing time and the associated discomfort for athletes. Here are some key updates and developments you need to consider when treating a high ankle injury:

 

Maintaining the Integrity of the Tibia and Fibula

Athletic trainers understand high ankle injuries are often more severe than their lower counterparts and require a longer healing period. The injury occurs when the ankle externally rotates, separating the tibial and fibular malleoli, and potentially stretching or tearing the syndesmosis – the ligaments and membrane that keep the tibia and fibula together. To aid the healing process, the focus should be on stabilizing the tibia and fibula, which in turn reduces the stress on the damaged ligaments and helps manage the pain.

Some modern ankle braces have been designed to provide consistent compression not only around the circumference of the lower leg and ankle but also along the length of the shin. Compression ideally should extend from the ankle joint to at least 10 inches above the malleoli for more effective support of the lower leg and ankle, and better soft tissue stress reduction.

 

Managing Weight-Bearing Pain

Alongside stabilizing the tibia and fibula, you also need to address the weight-bearing pain that accompanies the injury. When the calcaneus impacts the ground, the force drives the talus into the tibia, causing a separation between the tibia and fibula. This movement results in further stretching of the damaged ligaments and subsequent pain.

 

Thanks to technological advances, some ankle braces, like the Ultra Ankle® Ultra CTS®, now have enhanced shock-absorbing features to minimize painful impact. They employ advanced materials that effectively absorb and distribute the force exerted on the ankle to the lower leg, thereby reducing the stress on the injured area. This is known as “unloading” or “offloading” the ankle.

The Ultra CTS® (Custom Treatment System) ankle brace has seen continuous improvements over the years and remains one of the trusted choices for acute ankle injuries, particularly syndesmotic ankle injuries. With enhanced compression, improved support, and more efficient impact absorption, this brace can help athletes return to activity more rapidly and with less pain. If you have any queries about how the updated Ultra CTS® can facilitate your athlete’s recovery, feel free to reach out, and we’ll be glad to assist.

Back

Introduction:

When it comes to ankle injuries, two common treatment options have historically been ankle fusion and ankle braces. However, medical advancements and evolving practices have brought about new insights and options for ankle injury management. In this article, we will explore the updated information regarding ankle fusion, ankle braces, and the innovative Ultra Ankle Ultra CTS to help you make an informed decision about the best course of action for your ankle injury.

Ankle Fusion: A Brief Overview

Ankle fusion, also known as arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure that aims to eliminate motion in the ankle joint. Traditionally, it has been recommended for patients with severe arthritis or those who have not responded to conservative treatments. The procedure involves fusing the bones in the ankle joint together using screws, plates, or rods, thereby reducing pain but also sacrificing ankle mobility.

The Evolution of Ankle Braces

Ankle braces have long been used as a non-surgical alternative for ankle injuries. They provide external support to the ankle joint, aiding in stabilization and preventing excessive movement that can lead to further damage. Over time, advancements in design and materials have significantly improved the effectiveness of ankle braces.

Updated Insights on Ankle Fusion

While ankle fusion remains a viable option for certain cases, advancements in ankle brace technology have reshaped the landscape of ankle injury management. Ankle fusion is a permanent solution that eliminates joint motion and can be effective in relieving pain. However, it also restricts ankle mobility, making activities such as running, jumping, and pivoting more challenging. Additionally, ankle fusion requires a lengthy recovery period and carries the inherent risks associated with surgery.

The Advantages of Ankle Braces

Modern ankle braces offer several advantages over ankle fusion in the management of ankle injuries. They provide external support to the ankle joint while allowing controlled range of motion, thus preserving mobility. Ankle braces are non-invasive, meaning they do not require surgery and carry fewer risks. They can be easily adjusted, customized, and removed as needed, allowing for greater flexibility during rehabilitation. Furthermore, ankle braces can provide ongoing protection, reducing the risk of re-injury and facilitating a quicker return to daily activities and sports.

Introducing the Ultra Ankle Ultra CTS

One notable innovation in the field of ankle braces is the Ultra Ankle Ultra CTS (Custom Treatment System). The Ultra CTS combines the benefits of external ankle support with customizable features that cater to individual needs. This advanced ankle brace is designed to provide superior stability, comfort, and performance. Its adjustable multi-point strapping system was designed to reduce weight-bearing pain and “unload or offload” the ankle. This means the ankle brace will absorb some of the impact from standing or walking that would normally cause joint irritation. The brace distributes this “energy” to the lower leg, bypassing the ankle joint.

Less impact means less pain and ankle joint irritation.

Since ankle arthritis is mainly caused by a history of ankle trauma, which could include multiple ankle sprains or fractures, it stands to reason the ankle may be unstable which is contributing to the joint wear and tear. The Ultra CTS will stabilize and firm up the lower leg and ankle – helping control unwanted joint movement that results in excessive irritation and pain. Since the Ultra CTS has a hinge, full up and down ankle range of motion is encouraged to help keep the muscles strong and the joint flexible.

Choosing the Right Option for You

When it comes to ankle injuries, it is crucial to consult with a qualified medical professional to determine the best treatment approach for your specific condition. While ankle fusion may still be appropriate for severe arthritis or specific cases, ankle braces, such as the Ultra Ankle Ultra CTS, have become a popular and effective choice for many patients due to their versatility, non-invasive nature, and advanced features. They offer improved mobility, reduced risks, and ongoing protection.

Ultra Zoom

Help prevent ankle injuries all season long.
Shop Now

Ultra High-5

Reinforce the ankle after a history of multiple ankle injuries
Shop Now

Ultra CTS

Maximize stabilization to treat acute ankle injuries
Shop Now
Back

Ankle sprains are one of the most commons injuries seen in athletics. Although preventative exercises can reduce the risk of an ankle sprain, some sprains are inevitable. Below is a list of actions athletes can take after an initial ankle sprain to get back to the competition more quickly.

Seek Medical Attention

After spraining your ankle it is imperative to seek medical attention. Injuries other than mild to moderate sprains that can occur when rolling your ankle include severe ligament tears, bone fractures, high (syndesmotic) ankle sprains, and more. Failure to properly identify all possible damage to your ankle may lengthen healing time – meaning more time away from your sport. Always make sure to check in with a certified athletic trainer or doctor after you sustain an ankle injury.

Move Early

Gentle range of motion exercises right after injury help to improve functional outcomes and may decrease your return-to-play time. Start by moving your ankle up and down, side to side, and in large, slow circles. I often tell my athletes to draw the ABC’s with their big toe very slowly, making the letters as big as possible. Completing these exercises with your foot elevated will help to decrease swelling as well. If bearing weight on the newly injured ankle is tolerable, you can try shifting your weight from one foot to the other while standing.

Protect and Support

When it comes to recovering from an acute ankle injury, physicians will sometimes prescribe a walking boot that restricts all ankle movement. Once a patient is ready to transition from a walking boot and resume movement, but isn’t ready to go straight to a preventative ankle brace, we recommend they wear the Ultra CTS brace.

This one of a kind, hinged ankle brace supports and protects a newly sprained ankle while encouraging athletes to move through their normal range of motion. The Ultra CTS includes a semi-rigid foot plate to decrease weight bearing pain and gives an athlete more stability on a questionable ankle, decreasing fear of movement, guarding, and painful gait patterns. As the injury heals, the Ultra CTS upper cuff can be detached to transform the brace into a low-profile activity brace.

Control Pain

If your pain prevents you from moving the joint early, use ice. Intermittent use of an ice bag or ice water bucket is a drug-free and cheap way of reducing pain and is something you can utilize before seeing a physician. Make sure to check the skin occasionally for signs of ice burn or allergy.

A compression bandage and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will also help reduce pain by decreasing the amount of swelling in the joint. The Ultra CTS and its Performathane® Custom-Fit technology does a great job of providing gentle compression and forming to your ankle but wearing a compressive bandage underneath for the first few days is even more helpful in reducing swelling.

Strengthen

If you’re able, find an athletic trainer or physical therapist that will give you therapeutic exercises and guidance while you perform them. Having a more structured rehab regimen will improve your recovery time. At the very least, get exercises from your physician and perform them on your own as prescribed. After spraining a ligament in the ankle, the joint needs to rely on the surrounding muscles more, making therapy exercises a must.

Help Prevent Ankle Sprains

Sports are unpredictable. Even with strong muscles, perfect biomechanics, and great conditioning, ankle sprains are still possible and in some situations highly likely to occur. If you have not yet sprained your ankle there are ways to reduce your risk of doing so:

  • Wear a preventative ankle brace that provides full range of motion. Unlike lace-up ankle braces, hinged ankle braces do not restrict natural range of motion and help prevent extreme ranges that lead to injury. You CAN reduce risk of ankle injury and not adversely affect performance!
  • Do preventative ankle exercises regularly. Reach out to a medical professional to find the best exercises for prevention. They should include not only strengthening exercises, but also plyometric and proprioceptive exercises.
  • Perform sport specific conditioning before and during the season. Doing sport-specific training will ensure your body is ready for competition and able to react to the stresses you will be placing on your ankle.
SHARE WITH FRIENDS
RECENT POSTS
POST BY TOPIC

Ultra Zoom

Help prevent ankle injuries all season long.
Shop Now

Ultra High-5

Reinforce the ankle after a history of multiple ankle injuries
Shop Now

Ultra CTS

Maximize stabilization to treat acute ankle injuries
Shop Now
Back

A few weeks ago I was watching a press conference with Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson who was commenting on how the ankle injury he sustained in the previous game was progressing.  When explaining his ankle situation the day after the injury he said the first thing he did was to take off the walking boot, because “You can’t play in a boot.” 

As athletic trainers we often use a walking boot to calm down a recently injured ankle, but we all know the sooner you transition out of a walking boot the better.  But the real question is, transition out of a walking boot to what?

What comes after wearing a walking boot is where athletic trainers earn their money.  The transition from the safety and security of a walking boot to the next phase of returning the athlete to competition is critical.  The ankle will need some sort of external ankle brace support because tape alone is not enough.  But what kind of ankle brace would provide a good transition from a walking boot? 

If the athlete has weight bearing pain, then you will need an ankle brace that unloads or offloads the ankle.  Meaning the brace will absorb most of the impact, not the sore ankle, thus reducing weight bearing pain.  Tape and lace-up supports have a soft bottom and cannot unload the ankle.  The ankle brace design that is the most efficient at unloading the ankle is a semi-rigid hinged-cuff ankle brace.  ‘Hinged-cuff’ means it’s a hinged ankle brace but with a cuff that encircles the posterior of the lower leg.  What makes this design the most effective is because you encircle the ankle/foot and lower leg in both the vertical and horizontal plane which provides a stable platform to absorb impact and control movement. 

Now that you solved the weight bearing pain issue, the next focus is providing sufficient ankle stability to secure the injured ankle and prevent further injury.  Yes, you can tape the ankle for stability, but tape loosens the longer you wear it.  We have ruled out lace-ups because they can’t unload the ankle.  Once again, a semi-rigid hinged-cuff ankle brace is the best option because it can provide more initial and long-lasting ankle support. Because the brace is hinged, it moves with normal ankle range of motion which keeps the straps securely in place maintaining long lasting ankle stabilization.  Every knee brace is designed upon that same principle.  Also, the cuff portion of the hinged-cuff design helps to restrict excessive ankle rotation which causes syndesmotic ankle injuries. 

To sum things up, when you come out of a boot it’s important to unload the ankle to reduce weight bearing pain and stabilize the lower leg and ankle to prevent further injury.  The hinged-cuff ankle brace design is the most effective when transitioning from a walking boot back to competition, because you can’t play in a walking boot.

SHARE WITH FRIENDS
RECENT POSTS
POST BY TOPIC

Ultra Zoom

Help prevent ankle injuries all season long.
Shop Now

Ultra High-5

Reinforce the ankle after a history of multiple ankle injuries
Shop Now

Ultra CTS

Maximize stabilization to treat acute ankle injuries
Shop Now