Chronic Ankle Instability

Are you often feeling like your ankles are going to give way? Is this especially common when you’re walking on uneven surfaces or changing directions suddenly? Have you experienced many ankle sprains in the past? Have you been experiencing this for many months or even years?

You may be experiencing chronic ankle instability.

What is Chronic Ankle Instability?

Chronic ankle instability refers to a frequent recurrence of the ankle “giving way”, usually in the lateral or outer direction. This most often occurs when walking or doing activities such as running or playing sports, but it can also occur in standing. Those experiencing chronic ankle instability may complain of:

• frequent turning of the ankle towards the outer side of the foot, especially when walking, running, or playing sports
• pain or tenderness in the ankle
• persistent swelling in the ankle
• a “wobbly” or “unstable” sensation in the ankle

Following a single ankle sprain or recurring ankle sprains, the ligaments that assist in holding the ankle joint in place are often stretched or torn and may become laxer when the ankle sprain is not adequately rehabilitated or has not adequately healed. This can result in continual repeated ankle sprains, which further contribute to ligament laxity and damage.

It is important to rehabilitate ankle sprains properly to prevent the issue from becoming chronic.

What can Physiotherapy do to help?

Physiotherapy treatments, including exercise programs to address strengthening the muscles surrounding the ankle joint and retraining the structures that contribute to balance and awareness of your ankle joint position, can minimise your risk of recurring ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability. Your physiotherapist may also provide manual therapy to release tight muscles in the area and facilitate improved movement of your ankle joint. They may also suggest the use of bracing or taping to support the joint, help reduce inflammation and trigger your awareness of joint position.

In some instances, surgery may be suggested as a treatment for chronic ankle instability; however, you should still seek physiotherapy treatment before surgery to ensure further damage is limited, and the ankle is strengthened as much as possible prior to surgery.

To discuss the best treatment for you, book an appointment with our friendly physiotherapy team today.