Every day in the United States, about 25,000 people sprain their ankles. Many people need ankle stability treatment because they don’t get proper care right away. The condition can cause real problems like constant pain and ankle osteoarthritis as time passes. The good news? You have treatment options that can make your ankle stronger and stop problems from happening in the future!
What Is Ankle Instability?
Your ankle bones connect through lateral ligaments that can get damaged or stretched which causes ankle instability. Research shows 50% to 70% of people who have lateral ankle sprains end up developing chronic ankle instability (CAI).
Common causes of weak ankles
Ankle sprains that don’t heal properly are the biggest reason for ankle instability. The ligaments stretch or tear when you sprain your ankle. This especially affects the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). The healing process can leave lasting weakness if rehabilitation isn’t done right.
Symptoms of ankle instability
You might notice these signs of ankle instability.
- Your ankle “gives way” repeatedly
- Swelling and discomfort that won’t go away
- Ankle sprains or injuries that keep coming back
- Problems with balance and walking
Risk factors for chronic ankle instability
Your risk of developing ankle instability depends on a few factors. Court sports like basketball and volleyball are riskier than field sports. Female athletes face a substantially higher risk than males at high school and collegiate levels. A higher body mass index, weak gluteal muscles, and previous ankle injuries also increase your risk. People who have sprained their ankles multiple times are more likely to develop instability.
Non-Surgical Ankle Treatment Options
Non-surgical treatments work well for almost all cases of ankle instability. Victoria Foot & Ankle Center recommends starting with rehab approaches before you think over surgery.
Ankle physical therapy exercises
Physical therapy is a big part of ankle instability treatment. Research shows that neuromuscular training improves both static and dynamic postural control a lot. Your treatment plan starts with range-of-motion exercises and then moves on to strength and balance training.
Ankle bracing and support devices
Ankle braces are an important support and reduce injury rates. Semi-rigid braces give better protection. They limit too many inversion angles while still giving you the necessary amount of mobility.
Ankle medication and pain management
NSAIDs help reduce pain and inflammation fast. Your doctor might suggest steroid injections if you have ongoing swelling and discomfort. These medications give the best results when combined with other treatments. The best treatment plans combine physical therapy, bracing, and pain management. Patients who follow a structured rehabilitation program see big improvements in their ankle function and stability. Victoria Foot & Ankle Center creates customized treatment plans that match your specific needs and activity levels.
When Ankle Surgery Is Necessary
Doctors recommend ankle surgery if non-surgical treatments don’t fix ankle instability. Research indicates that most respond well to conservative treatment while others need surgery.
Ankle surgical procedures
Surgeons use a main approach to treat chronic ankle instability. The modified Broström procedure is the gold standard treatment. This procedure tightens and repairs your existing ankle ligaments. Your surgeon might suggest a non-anatomic reconstruction with tendon grafts if your natural ligaments show too much damage.
The surgeon creates small incisions to reach and fix the damaged ligaments. During the modified Broström procedure, special sutures tighten the ligaments and anchor them to the bone. Some cases need tendon grafts. The surgeon can use your tissue or donor tissue to create new ligament support.
Ankle recovery timeline
Your ankle’s recovery after surgery moves through several stages.
| Weeks 1-2 | Weeks 2-4 | Weeks 4-6 | Weeks 6-12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A splint protects your ankle. You should avoid putting weight on it. | You switch to a protective boot and start gentle ankle movements. | Physical therapy begins with focus on strength building. | You slowly return to normal shoes and activities. |
Regular activities resume within 8-12 weeks for most patients. However, high-impact activities might need 6-12 months. A supportive brace during sports helps protect your surgical repair.
Daily Ankle Instability Prevention
Ankle problems need a detailed approach that goes further than simple treatment. Your habits every day play a big role to maintain ankle stability and prevent recurring problems.
Proper footwear selection
The right footwear is important for ankle instability. Shoes with cushioned soles and proper arch support can reduce your risk of ankle injuries a lot. Your shoes should have these features.
- A rigid heel counter to hold your foot in place
- Adequate arch support matching your foot type
- A well-cushioned footbed for shock absorption
- A sturdy sole providing stability
Ankle exercise modifications
You don’t need to avoid physical activity completely. Smart modifications to your exercise routine help you stay fit while protecting your ankles. Swimming and cycling are great alternatives to high-impact activities. Runners should think over reducing their mileage over time and add cross-training activities that put less stress on their ankles.
Ankle strengthening routines
A consistent strengthening program works with proper footwear and modified activities to make sure you get long-term ankle stability. Ankle exercises done 3-5 days per week improve stability a lot. The best results come from doing exercises consistently. Your growing strength allows you to progress to harder variations like exercises on unstable surfaces or adding dynamic movements.
Do You Need Ankle Instability Treatment?
Dr. Eberly and our team at Victoria Foot & Ankle Center create customized ankle treatment plans that match your needs and activity levels. You can lower your risk of recurring ankle problems with targeted exercises, proper support devices, and lifestyle changes. Call Victoria Foot & Ankle Center today to schedule an appointment.
Ankle Instability FAQs
What are the most effective treatments for chronic ankle instability?
The best treatments are physical therapy exercises to strengthen the ankle and improve balance, wearing supportive braces, and in some cases, pain management medications.
How long does it take to recover from ankle instability surgery?
Recovery time varies, but most patients can resume regular activities within 8-12 weeks after surgery. However, complete recovery and return to high-impact activities may take 6-12 months.
Can proper footwear help prevent ankle instability?
Yes, selecting appropriate footwear is key in preventing ankle instability. Look for shoes with cushioned soles, proper arch support, a rigid heel counter, and a sturdy sole.
What are the key symptoms of chronic ankle instability?
The main symptoms include frequent ankle “giving way,” persistent swelling and discomfort, recurrent ankle sprains, and balance problems.
