An ankle sprain is a common athletic injury, and around 20% of patients develop ankle instability. Poor posture control and deficits in muscle strength following an ankle sprain can lead to ankle instability. This article will help you understand ankle instability, from its causes to symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Physical therapy involves chronic ankle instability exercises that improve the range of motion, retrain muscles, and strengthen the ankle. The physiotherapist may also provide training that specifically targets your activities or sports. If you’re searching for the "best physio near me", finding a skilled professional can help you recover faster and prevent future injuries.
Some CAI patients experience fewer strains and can prevent ankle sprains by modifying their daily activities. However, they continue to have pain, and downhill walking can be particularly painful as it makes the ankle bones more vulnerable to shifting out of place.
An adequately performed ankle reconstruction surgery has a very high success rate. However, the Brostom procedure can fail when performed on severely deficient ligaments or if mechanical anomalies are left uncorrected. Even after the successful surgery, CAI patients pursuing high-risk activities can sprain their ankles again.
What is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a medical condition characterized by recurring turning of the lateral or outer side of your ankle. The problem develops after repeated ankle sprains. Usually, the “giving away” or turning occurs while walking or performing other activities, but it can also occur when you are just standing.What are the Symptoms of Chronic Ankle Instability?
Ankle instability patients have a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Repeated twisting of the ankle during athletic activities or while changing direction quickly or standing on uneven surfaces.
- Wobbly or unstable ankle
- Inflammation and chronic discomfort
- Pain or tenderness. However, as the ankle becomes chronically damaged, you feel less pain with this giving away as it requires less energy to twist or roll the ankle.
Some CAI patients experience fewer strains and can prevent ankle sprains by modifying their daily activities. However, they continue to have pain, and downhill walking can be particularly painful as it makes the ankle bones more vulnerable to shifting out of place.
What Causes Chronic Ankle Instability?
CAI can result from various factors, including ligament injury, inadequate rehabilitation, ankle overuse, or repetitive microtrauma.Ligament Injury
Lack of Proper Rehabilitation
Structural Problems
Overuse
How will a Foot and Ankle Specialist Diagnose Ankle Instability?
CAI is a clinical diagnosis based on history and examination. So, your physician can diagnose ankle instability by taking your medical history and then performing a physical exam. During the exam, the doctor checks the strength and movement of your ankle. They often ask for a standing X-ray to determine changes in the bone alignment that might have developed from instability. Stress X-rays can also help get an idea of the amount of looseness present. Doctors often recommend MRI for ankle instability patients as it is helpful in identifying other associated problems like:- Tendon tears
- Cartilage damage
- Scarring of the anterior talofibular ligament
How to Fix Chronic Ankle Instability?
Your foot and ankle specialist can determine the best course of treatment for ankle instability depending on the amount of pain and the extent to which it interrupts your day-to-day activities.Non-Surgical Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability
Bracing:
Medications:
Physiotherapy:
Rehabilitation:
Heat and Cold Therapy:
Surgery
Custom Procedure:
Tendon Reconstruction:
An adequately performed ankle reconstruction surgery has a very high success rate. However, the Brostom procedure can fail when performed on severely deficient ligaments or if mechanical anomalies are left uncorrected. Even after the successful surgery, CAI patients pursuing high-risk activities can sprain their ankles again.
Consult a Foot and Ankle Sprain Specialist Today!
Athletes or individuals in other physical activities can suffer from ankle instability due to repeated ankle sprains. Ankle instability patients often complain about recurring twisting ankles and inflammation, pain, and discomfort associated with it. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available for chronic instability. Generally, physicians recommend surgery when all the non-surgical methods fail. Are you worried because of recurring sprains or a turning ankle? Contact a trained foot and ankle specialist today!
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