High Ankle Sprains
A high ankle sprain is a rotational injury in which the ligaments between the tibia and fibula become torn or stretched. This is a serious injury and takes about twice as long as a common sprain to heal. Patients will be required to wear a walking boot for several weeks, followed by an ankle brace. Sometimes surgery is required to repair the ligament.
Low Ankle Sprain
A low ankle sprain—where the ankle is rolled, and the outer ligaments are stretched—is much more common, thus the name. Treatment usually consists of wearing an ankle brace and physical therapy.