Ankle Instability-Chronic
Chronic ankle instability is commonly described by patients as “a weak ankle” that “keeps rolling” and “gives way”. This condition is often a result of repetitive ankle sprains. With this condition, it is common to experience ankle instability when walking on uneven surfaces. At times, the symptom can be so severe that the patient will feels these same sensations when standing on flat surfaces. Additionally, it is common to experience persistent discomfort and swelling.
Ankle instability develops from ankle sprains that did not healed properly. During an ankle sprain the ligaments that hold the ankle together are usually stretched and occasionally torn. The function of these ligaments is to keep all the bones in the ankle joint together similar to the function of a seatbelt in a car. If the ligaments do not heal properly from the injury, the joint will be loose, which affects the stability of the joint. Proper rehabilitation is needed to strengthen the muscles around the ankle joint to improve the stability.
In some rare cases, injury to the nerve of the ankle, such as compression or destruction of a nerve, can result in instability of the ankle.
If chronic ankle instability goes untreated it can lead to additional problems in the ankle joint such as arthritis.
Diagnosis
The foot and ankle specialist will evaluate the ankle and make appropriate diagnosis and treatment. X-rays are routinely performed. In some cases, more advanced imaging such as MRI is ordered.
Nonsurgical
Surgical:
In some cases, surgical reconstruction of the ligaments around the ankle is required. A foot and ankle specialist will tailor the surgery based on the severity of the ankle instability.
Chronic ankle instability is commonly described by patients as “a weak ankle” that “keeps rolling” and “gives way”. This condition is often a result of repetitive ankle sprains. With this condition, it is common to experience ankle instability when walking on uneven surfaces. At times, the symptom can be so severe that the patient will feels these same sensations when standing on flat surfaces. Additionally, it is common to experience persistent discomfort and swelling.
Ankle instability develops from ankle sprains that did not healed properly. During an ankle sprain the ligaments that hold the ankle together are usually stretched and occasionally torn. The function of these ligaments is to keep all the bones in the ankle joint together similar to the function of a seatbelt in a car. If the ligaments do not heal properly from the injury, the joint will be loose, which affects the stability of the joint. Proper rehabilitation is needed to strengthen the muscles around the ankle joint to improve the stability.
In some rare cases, injury to the nerve of the ankle, such as compression or destruction of a nerve, can result in instability of the ankle.
If chronic ankle instability goes untreated it can lead to additional problems in the ankle joint such as arthritis.
Diagnosis
The foot and ankle specialist will evaluate the ankle and make appropriate diagnosis and treatment. X-rays are routinely performed. In some cases, more advanced imaging such as MRI is ordered.
Nonsurgical
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Medication: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. In some cases, oral steroids may be used.
Surgical:
In some cases, surgical reconstruction of the ligaments around the ankle is required. A foot and ankle specialist will tailor the surgery based on the severity of the ankle instability.