A high ankle sprain is also called a syndesmosis sprain. The syndesmosis is a fibrous tissue with ligaments that connect the tibia to the fibula. It is damaged when the foot is flexed and turned outwards. This may be caused by movements such as running or being tackled in a sport, eg rugby. The signs and symptoms you may experience are pain from the front of the ankle all the way up the shin, inability to fully weight bear when walking and pain when walking upstairs. Annalie demonstrates some exercises that may help.