Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
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 to book at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Watch: Fix TWISTED Ankle, ROLLED Ankle or SPRAINED Ankle Ligaments FASTER! — MichiganFootDoctors YouTube
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.
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.
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 expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
OrthoInfo – AAOS: Sprained Ankle
Ready to Get Relief?
Book online 24/7 in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
4.9★ | 1,200+ Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
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.