![High Ankle Sprain & Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain [Test & Recovery Time] | Balance Foot & Ankle](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2022/07/high-ankle-sprain-syndesmotic-ankle-sprain-test-recovery-time.avif)
Quick answer: High Ankle Sprain Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain Test Recovery Time affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
High Ankle Sprain 2026: Syndesmotic Sprain Test & Recov relates to foot/ankle injury — typically caused by trauma or twist. Most patients improve in 4-8 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
High Ankle Sprain & Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain [Test & Recovery Time]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD5FvLufbaY High Ankle Sprain & Syndesmotic Ankle Sprain [Test & Recovery Time] 🦶 What is a High Ankle Sprain? What is the High Ankle Sprain Recovery time? This is also known as a Syndesmosis injury or syndesmotic sprain. 🦶 We review the BEST high ankle sprain treatment & Best Syndesmosis ankle sprain treatments. A high ankle sprain is also known as a syndesmosis injury, a syndesmotic ankle sprain, or a syndesmotic injury. We remove a squeeze test for a syndesmotic injury or high ankle sprain. 0:00 High Ankle Sprain vs Syndesmosis ankle sprain 0:34 What is a high ankle sprain, syndesmosis injury, or syndesmotic sprain? 1:20 High ankle sprain area & anatomy of the high ankle sprain 2:10 High Ankle Sprain Test & high ankle sprain squeeze test 2:50 high vs low ankle sprain 3:30 Syndesmotic ankle sprain & high ankle sprain symptoms 4:00 high ankle sprain healing time 4:30 High ankle sprain recovery time 5:10 High ankle sprain treatment & sprained ankle treatment 5:50 Rest Ice compression & elevation 6:20 High ankle sprain braces & high ankle sprain taping 6:50 Best shoes for a sprained ankle 7:35 Best orthotics for a sprained ankle 8:20 How to treat a high ankle sprain 10:00 Best compression socks for ankle sprains 12:00 best brace for high ankle sprain 12:50 Best Ankle taping & braces 13:30 Physical therapy 13:50 high ankle sprain rehab 14:20 Exercises 15:00 Massage 15:25 Medications 15:50 Massage Gun 18:00 Rehab 19:10 If your high ankle sprain is not healing after 3 months or more 19:30 Sprained ankle rehab 👉– Shoes –👈 Our Recommended Shoes: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/podiatrist-recommended-shoes/ Our Recommended Products: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/recommended-foot-doctor-products/// 👉– LINKS –👈 (With some links, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission. Check with your doctor before using any product!) Compression socks: Note: Start Light & always check with your podiatrist if you have a medical condition. Best 8-15 mmHg budget compression stockings: https://geni.us/NmvRw Best 20-30 mmHg compression stocking: https://geni.us/bqasGh (Amazon) Orthotics: Best Overall Orthotic: https://geni.us/PowerStepOrthotics (Amazon) Best Heavy Duty Orthotic: https://geni.us/HeavyDutyOrthotics (Amazon) Best Women’s Orthotic: https://geni.us/BestWomensOrthotic (Amazon) Best sub $25 Soft Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetSoftOrthotic (Amazon) Best sub $25 Budget Orthotic: https://geni.us/BudgetOrthotic (Amazon) Best Ankle Pain Braces: Best Overall Ankle Stability Brace: https://geni.us/GreatBrace (Amazon) Best Overall Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/GreatCompressionBrace (Amazon) Best Budget Ankle Stability Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleStability (Amazon) Best Budget Compression Ankle Brace: https://geni.us/AnkleCompression (Amazon) Swollen Feet & Swollen Ankles Exercises & Stretches: Best Ankle Stretch Incline Board: https://geni.us/z7bq (Amazon) Best Budget Stretching Device: https://geni.us/BudgetFasciitisStretch (Amazon) Massage Gun: Note: This is for sore, tight muscles, not a cure for lymphedema. My favorite massage gun: https://geni.us/xWf6RJ (Amazon) Best Selling massage gun: https://geni.us/HaFcA (Amazon) Best budget massage gun: https://geni.us/82VZB (Amazon) 📢See a Podiatrist!📢 If you have a specific foot, ankle, or health problem, see a podiatrist. This information is NOT specific to your medical problem. If in Michigan, consider seeing us at our clinic: https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/ https://g.page/r/CaxJ9b-O6o27EAE 📢Disclaimer:📢 This video and description contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click on one of the product links. Thank you for your support of this channel! This is opinion only: For the viewer or reader: Do not consider this video as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly urge you to contact your own physician with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you are having an emergency, call 911 immediately or see your physician. Do not allow this information to let you disregard your professional’s medical advice or delay seeking information from this content. Do not rely on information provided by this general education video. Healthcare practitioners: The content here is for education purposes only. The authors have done their best to provide the most up-to-date evidence-based information, but this content should definitely not be considered any type of medical standard. It does not reflect individual practices in other geographic areas. This is strictly for medical education purposes only, and it is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. The information in these videos is the author’s opinion and is not an official opinion of any organizations that the authors may be a part of. The authors or speakers are not associated with any of the above products.
Foot and Ankle Structural Problems in Michigan: Diagnosis and Surgical Options
Michigan patients with structural foot and ankle problems — bunions, hammertoes, flatfoot deformity, cavus foot, ankle arthritis, or tendon disorders — benefit from evaluation by a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon who can provide the full range of treatment options from conservative management through surgical correction. At Balance Foot & Ankle, structural foot problem evaluation always begins with a conservative trial when appropriate: custom orthotics, bracing, footwear modification, physical therapy, and injection therapy are offered and optimized before surgical options are discussed. When surgery is indicated, we use minimally invasive techniques where evidence supports them and open surgical correction for problems that require it. Our Michigan patients benefit from in-office X-ray, surgical facilities with modern fixation systems, and a coordinated post-operative rehabilitation protocol. Michigan patients with structural foot or ankle problems ready for a definitive evaluation can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for an appointment at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Related Treatment Guides
- Ankle Sprain Treatment
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- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Medical References & Sources
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Ankle Sprain
- PubMed Research — Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Ankle Sprain Essentials
Stability Walking/Running Shoe
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 — lateral support during recovery walking.
KT Tape for Ankle Support
KT Tape — proprioceptive support for athletic return-to-play.
Supportive Insole
PowerStep Pinnacle — arch support reduces re-injury risk during recovery.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
A sprain that hasn’t fully recovered after 6 weeks often has residual ligament laxity or occult fracture that keeps the ankle unstable. Balance Foot & Ankle X-rays and stress-tests every lingering sprain — if the ligament is torn, we offer bracing, PRP, and (for chronic instability) minimally-invasive repair. Don’t keep re-rolling the same ankle; let us stabilize it properly.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Ankle Sprain & Instability Treatment in Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
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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.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What is a high ankle sprain and how is it different from a regular ankle sprain?
A high ankle sprain (syndesmotic sprain) involves injury to the syndesmotic ligaments that hold the tibia and fibula together just above the ankle joint — distinct from the more common low ankle sprain which tears the lateral (outer) ankle ligaments. High ankle sprains account for about 10–20% of ankle sprains and are most common in contact sports. They cause pain above the ankle (not on the outer ankle), tenderness with squeezing the tibia and fibula together (squeeze test), and pain with external rotation of the foot. Recovery takes 2–4x longer than typical lateral ankle sprains and may require surgical fixation if the syndesmosis is unstable. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208) — call (810) 206-1402.
How long does recovery from a high ankle sprain take?
High ankle sprain recovery is significantly longer than typical ankle sprains: mild syndesmotic sprains (stable) recover in 6–10 weeks with protected weight bearing and rehabilitation; moderate sprains may take 3–4 months; severe syndesmotic injuries requiring surgical fixation (syndesmotic screws or tightrope) typically require 4–6 months before return to full activity. Professional athletes with high ankle sprains typically miss 6–8 weeks minimum. Premature return to activity risks chronic instability, arthritis, and persistent pain. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide accurate diagnosis and structured rehabilitation for syndesmotic injuries — call (810) 206-1402.
What tests diagnose a high ankle sprain?
Clinical tests for syndesmotic injury include: the Squeeze Test (compress tibia and fibula at mid-calf — pain at ankle indicates syndesmotic damage), External Rotation Stress Test (passive external rotation of foot with knee flexed — pain above ankle is positive), and the Cotton Test (lateral translation of talus in the ankle mortise). Weight-bearing X-rays assess tibiofibular clear space and overlap. MRI is most sensitive for identifying syndesmotic ligament tears. CT scan evaluates bony architecture. Advanced imaging is essential for surgical planning. At Balance Foot & Ankle, digital X-rays and clinical testing confirm the diagnosis — call (810) 206-1402.
When does a high ankle sprain require surgery?
Surgical fixation of a high ankle (syndesmotic) sprain is indicated when: the syndesmosis is unstable (abnormal widening of the tibiofibular joint on stress X-rays), there is an associated fibula fracture with syndesmotic disruption (Maisonneuve fracture pattern), conservative treatment fails to restore stability, or initial stress testing shows frank diastasis (separation) of the ankle mortise. Surgery typically involves syndesmotic screws or flexible suture-button fixation (TightRope) through the fibula and tibia to compress the joint. Removal of syndesmotic screws may be needed at 3–4 months. Balance Foot & Ankle evaluates syndesmotic stability and performs ankle surgery — call (810) 206-1402.
How can I tell if my high ankle sprain is healing properly?
Signs of proper high ankle sprain healing: decreasing pain with weight bearing, resolution of swelling, restoration of ankle range of motion, improving single-leg balance and proprioception, ability to perform progressive activities (walking, then jogging, then cutting) without pain. Warning signs of inadequate healing: persistent pain with weight bearing beyond 6–8 weeks, widening or instability on follow-up X-rays, inability to progress through rehabilitation stages, or recurrence with minimal trauma. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we monitor syndesmotic healing with clinical tests and follow-up imaging as needed — call (810) 206-1402 in Howell or Bloomfield Township, MI.
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Grade 1: 1-3 weeks. Grade 2: 3-6 weeks. Grade 3: 6-12 weeks. Proper rehabilitation prevents chronic instability, which affects up to 40% of inadequately treated patients.
When should I see a doctor for a sprained ankle?
See a professional if you can't bear weight, notice significant swelling, heard a pop, have numbness, or pain hasn't improved after 5-7 days. Dr. Biernacki offers same-day urgent evaluations: 810-206-1402.
Can a sprained ankle heal without treatment?
Mild sprains may heal with rest, but undiagnosed tears frequently lead to chronic instability and early arthritis. Proper evaluation reduces long-term complication risk significantly.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.