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Ankle Instability

Ankle Instability

About Ankle Instability

At Hand & Ortho, we understand how challenging ankle instability can be. Ankle instability occurs when the ligaments in your ankle become weakened or stretched, often due to repeated sprains or injuries. This instability can cause your ankle to feel “wobbly” or prone to giving out, especially during physical activities. Left untreated, ankle instability can lead to further injuries and limit your ability to participate in daily activities or sports.

Causes

Ankle instability can develop over time due to various factors, including:

  • Recurrent ankle sprains that cause damage to the ligaments and weaken the joint over time.
  • Previous injuries that didn’t fully heal or were not properly treated, leading to chronic instability.
  • Overuse from repetitive movements, particularly in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact sports.
  • Improper rehabilitation after an ankle injury, which can prevent the ligaments and muscles from regaining full strength.
  • Genetic factors or joint hypermobility, which can make your ligaments more prone to stretching and injury.
Symptoms

If you are experiencing ankle instability, you may notice the following symptoms:

  • Frequent ankle sprains or “giving way” of the ankle, especially when walking or during physical activity.
  • Pain in the ankle, particularly along the outer side of the joint.
  • Swelling and bruising that can persist even after an injury has healed.
  • Instability or a feeling that the ankle is weak or not fully supporting your weight.
  • Difficulty with balance or uneven walking, which can increase the risk of falls.
Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose ankle instability, we will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include:

  • Physical examination to assess your range of motion, strength, and stability of the ankle joint.
  • X-rays to rule out fractures and assess any structural damage to the bones of the ankle.
  • MRI or ultrasound to evaluate the ligaments and soft tissues around the ankle and check for any tears or weaknesses.
  • Stress tests to evaluate the degree of instability and the function of the ligaments.
Treatment

The treatment for ankle instability will depend on the severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:

  • Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improve stability, which can help prevent further injuries.
  • Bracing or taping to provide support and reduce the risk of the ankle “giving way” during physical activity.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and reduce swelling.
  • Orthotics or shoe inserts to improve alignment and provide additional support to the ankle.
  • Surgical intervention may be recommended if conservative treatments are ineffective, or if there is significant damage to the ligaments. This may include ligament repair or reconstruction.
Recovery

Recovery from ankle instability varies depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment plan. Typically, you can expect the following:

  • Physical therapy will be a key part of your recovery, helping to restore strength, flexibility, and stability to your ankle.
  • Bracing or taping may be recommended for ongoing support during the recovery process.
  • If surgery is necessary, recovery may take 6 to 12 weeks for ligament repair or reconstruction, followed by rehabilitation.
  • Gradual return to activity once your ankle has regained stability and strength, with guidance from our team.
  • Follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure that your ankle is healing properly and remains stable.

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