What is ankle instability?
Ankle instability results from chronic repetitive ankle sprains. If you have ankle instability, the ligaments in your ankle are repeatedly stretched or torn, making you more prone to injury.
What are the signs of ankle instability?
People with ankle instability typically sprain their ankles more often than those who don’t have the condition. You may have ankle instability if you often experience:
- Ankle pain
- Tenderness in the ankle
- Wobbly ankles
- Swollen ankles
- Persistent discomfort
Without treatment, unstable ankles can worsen and lead to increased injuries and pain, so it’s important to seek professional care at the first sign of a sprain.
What causes ankle instability?
Ankle instability occurs from repeated ligament strain on the outside of the ankle. Your ankles typically become less stable if you suffer a sprain that doesn’t fully heal.
Each time you experience an ankle sprain, the connective tissues on the outer side of your ankle stretch or tear. If you don’t completely rehabilitate your ankle following a sprain, the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the ankle weaken.
How do podiatrists diagnose ankle instability?
The board-certified podiatrists and ankle surgeons at Mercer Ocean Podiatry can typically tell if you have ankle instability by learning more about your history and examining your ankles. They start by asking about any ankle injuries you’ve experienced in the past.
Next, they examine your ankles for signs of swelling, tenderness, and pain. The team may also recommend an X-ray or other imaging tests to confirm your diagnosis.
How does a podiatrist treat ankle instability?
How Mercer Ocean Podiatry treats ankle instability depends on the level of your injury and physical activity. If you play sports or regularly participate in high-impact exercise, the team may recommend a combination of conservative therapies, including physical therapy, to strengthen your muscles and bracing to prevent your ankles from straining.
Most conservative treatments can help prevent ankle sprains and reduce pain. If you’re still experiencing symptoms after trying nonsurgical treatments, the team can perform a surgical procedure to repair the damaged ligaments in your ankles.
For expert treatment for ankle instability, call Mercer Ocean Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.
