Weak Ankles
Weak ankles are often described by the patients as ankles being “sore”, and “give away easily” while standing, or during weight bearing activities. Many etiologies contribute to weak ankles, including prior ankle injuries, nerve damage, or ligamentous laxity.
Most ankle injuries require several months to fully heal. During this time, the ankle remains weaker and less stable. During this time, participation in strenuous activity is not recommended. To regain the strength of the ankle, physical therapy can be prescribed.
Various nerve injuries to the lower extremity can lead to different types of weakness in the ankles, including inability to move the ankles up and down with sufficient force. This can be a result of trauma to the nerve, or other metabolic derangements. For these injuries, nerve conduction studies or advanced imaging studies are often helpful.
Lastly, repeated ankle sprains can lead to ligamentous laxity that lead to ankle instability. Foot and ankle surgeons can assess ankle stability through biomechanical workups to confirm the finding. Both conservative and surgical treatments for ligament laxity are available.
Weak Ankles
Weak ankles are often described by the patients as ankles being “sore”, and “give away easily” while standing, or during weight bearing activities. Many etiologies contribute to weak ankles, including prior ankle injuries, nerve damage, or ligamentous laxity.
Most ankle injuries require several months to fully heal. During this time, the ankle remains weaker and less stable. During this time, participation in strenuous activity is not recommended. To regain the strength of the ankle, physical therapy can be prescribed.
Various nerve injuries to the lower extremity can lead to different types of weakness in the ankles, including inability to move the ankles up and down with sufficient force. This can be a result of trauma to the nerve, or other metabolic derangements. For these injuries, nerve conduction studies or advanced imaging studies are often helpful.
Lastly, repeated ankle sprains can lead to ligamentous laxity that lead to ankle instability. Foot and ankle surgeons can assess ankle stability through biomechanical workups to confirm the finding. Both conservative and surgical treatments for ligament laxity are available.