What is the most common type of ankle sprain?

Lateral ankle sprains — injuries to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament — account for approximately 85% of all ankle sprains. They occur when the foot rolls inward during sports, running on uneven surfaces, or missing a step. High-ankle sprains (syndesmotic injuries) are less common but take 2–3 times longer to heal.

How long does a sprained ankle take to heal?

Grade 1 sprains (ligament stretch) heal in 1–3 weeks. Grade 2 (partial tear) take 3–6 weeks. Grade 3 (complete tear) take 6–12 weeks and may require a boot or physical therapy. Chronic ankle instability develops in up to 40% of patients who do not complete adequate rehabilitation.

How do I know if my ankle needs imaging after an injury?

The Ottawa Ankle Rules guide imaging: bone tenderness along the posterior fibula or tibia, inability to bear weight for 4+ steps, or tenderness over the navicular or fifth metatarsal base. MRI is warranted when symptoms do not improve after 6–8 weeks or cartilage/tendon damage is suspected.

When should I see a podiatrist after an ankle injury?

See a podiatrist if you cannot bear weight, swelling and bruising are severe, pain is directly over a bone, or an older sprain never fully resolved. Many ankle fractures are initially diagnosed as sprains. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills offers same-day injury evaluations. Call (810) 206-1402.

High Ankle Sprain in Soccer 2026 | Podiatrist

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · Balance Foot & Ankle · (810) 206-1402

Last reviewed: May 2026

Quick Answer

This page covers the clinical evaluation, evidence-based treatment options, and recovery timeline for high ankle sprain in soccer at Balance Foot & Ankle in Michigan. For same-week appointments at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills offices, call (810) 206-1402.

high-ankle-sprain-soccer - Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan

Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · 3,000+ surgeries · @MichiganFootDoctors (950K+ subscribers)

Last reviewed May 11, 2026 · (810) 206-1402

Watch: Fix TWISTED Ankle, ROLLED Ankle or SPRAINED Ankle Ligaments FASTER! — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube

High Ankle Sprain in Soccer: Recovery Guide

Quick answer: Soccer Ankle Sprain requires sport-specific care. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM works with athletes at all levels.

Watch: Sports injury prevention & treatment

Recovery Timeline

Acute phase, weight-bearing progression, return to sport — staged carefully to prevent re-injury.

Schedule

Call (810) 206-1402.

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In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your ankle sprains, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

OrthoInfo – AAOS: Sprained Ankle

Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402

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