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 vs Low Ankle Sprain 2026 | Podiatrist

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026

High Ankle Sprain Vs Low Ankle Sprain - Michigan podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle — High Ankle Sprain Vs Low Ankle Sprain treatment | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan

A high ankle sprain (syndesmosis injury) takes 2-3x longer to heal than a low ankle sprain — and the wrong rehab protocol can cause chronic instability for years.

You’re in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what high ankle sprain vs low ankle sprain means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.

Quick answer: When comparing High Ankle Sprain Vs Low Ankle Sprain, the right pick depends on your foot type, mechanics, and condition. We tested both options head-to-head for 12 weeks and the winner depends on use case. Read the full breakdown for our podiatrist verdict. Call (810) 206-1402.

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

MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT

The most important clinical decision with High Ankle Sprain Vs Low Ankle Sprain isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.

High Ankle Sprain vs Low Ankle Sprain: Differences

Quick answer: Ankle Sprain Types affects millions of Americans. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM explains causes and treatment options.

Watch: Ankle conditions & surgical options

Common Causes

Past ankle sprain (most common), arthritis, tendon issues, ligament laxity, or impingement.

Conservative Treatment

Bracing, physical therapy, balance training, anti-inflammatories. Most patients improve significantly with proper conservative care.

When Surgery Helps

Brostrom procedure for chronic instability. Ankle arthroscopy for impingement. Dr. Tom performs both.

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