Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
A low ankle sprain — the most common type — involves injury to the lateral ligament complex on the outer ankle, typically caused by an inversion mechanism where the foot rolls inward. A high ankle sprain, by contrast, involves injury to the syndesmotic ligaments that bind the tibia and fibula together just above the ankle joint, most commonly caused by an external rotation mechanism. High ankle sprains are far less common, significantly more painful with weight-bearing, and take two to three times longer to heal than equivalent-severity low ankle sprains — yet they are frequently misdiagnosed as standard lateral sprains in urgent care and emergency settings because they share similar swelling and bruising patterns. At Healthy Feet Podiatry, our NYC ankle specialists perform the squeeze test, external rotation stress test, and diagnostic ultrasound or MRI when syndesmotic injury is suspected — because a missed high ankle sprain managed as a low sprain is one of the most common causes of prolonged ankle disability in active patients.
Low ankle sprains are managed with early functional mobilization — progressive weight-bearing, proprioceptive rehabilitation, and graduated return to activity — because controlled movement promotes ligament healing and reduces long-term instability risk. High ankle sprains, by contrast, require strict protected weight-bearing for a longer period — typically four to six weeks in a walking boot — because the syndesmotic ligaments stabilize the mortise joint during every step, and premature loading risks diastasis (widening) of the ankle joint that can result in chronic pain and instability requiring surgery. Complete syndesmotic ruptures with demonstrable diastasis on stress X-ray require surgical fixation with syndesmotic screws or tightrope devices before weight-bearing can safely begin. At Healthy Feet Podiatry, we make this critical distinction from your first appointment and manage both injury types with the protocol each specifically requires.
Healthy Feet Podiatry’s NYC ankle specialists have seen the consequences of missed high ankle sprains — patients who spent weeks doing low-sprain rehab on a syndesmotic injury, only to develop chronic ankle pain, instability, and in some cases premature arthritis that could have been prevented with correct diagnosis from the start. Our on-site diagnostic capability — digital X-ray, stress views, and ultrasound — means you receive a definitive answer at your first visit, not days later. We serve patients across Manhattan and the five boroughs, accepting most major insurance plans and offering urgent appointments for acute ankle injuries. If your ankle sprain is unusually painful with weight-bearing, slow to improve, or was caused by a twisting or rotation mechanism, come to Healthy Feet Podiatry — accurate diagnosis today protects your ankle for the long term.
TESTIMONIAL
Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.
Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.
Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!
“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.
All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!
Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good 🙏🏿🤩 thanks
Behind every great care experience is a team that truly listens. Our doctors are committed to understanding your needs, delivering personalized treatment, and supporting you every step of your health journey.
Dr. Farah Alani is a New York City foot and ankle surgeon at To Healthy Feet Podiatry, a boutique podiatry practice located in the heart…
Dr. Alison Bell was born in Manhattan and is a Public Health graduate of Charles R. Drew University. She obtained her medical degree from Kent…
Dr. Roxann Clarke is a graduate of Hampton University in Virginia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science…
Dr. Ricks is a board-certified fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon committed to delivering top-tier foot and ankle care. From New Jersey, she a Bachelor’s in…
As the Chief Operating Officer of To Healthy Feet Podiatry, Tiffany provides leadership to ensure all administrative are producing optimal results. Dr….
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