Ankle instability is a chronic condition that causes the ankle to “give way” when walking or even when standing. It most commonly develops in people who have had a serious sprain that hasn’t healed properly or in people who have had multiple ankle sprains.
When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments that support the joint are stretched or sometimes torn. When the ligaments don’t heal properly, they can weaken over time, leading to chronic instability. Chronic ankle instability is common, especially among athletes whose ankles are subjected to considerable strain. It can also become more common with age.
Chronic ankle instability causes symptoms like:
During your evaluation, your physician will ask you about your symptoms and how they occur. Then they'll carefully examine your ankle and your foot to look for areas of tenderness or swelling, and he may order X-rays or other imaging studies to help guide treatment. They'll also ask about any past sprains or other ankle-related problems you may have had and the physical activities you enjoy to ensure that your treatment is tailored to your needs.
Treatment of ankle instability is focused on helping you regain control and strength in the joint so you can participate in all sorts of activities without fear of future injury. First, your provider will consider conservative nonsurgical treatment options, including:
In some cases, your physician may recommend surgery to repair damaged ligaments and restore other tissues. Surgery typically is only considered when conservative approaches aren’t effective or when damage is so severe, conservative options aren’t feasible. The type of surgery will be based on your specific needs and your options will be discussed in detail to help you feel confident in your care every step of the way.
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