Ankle Instability Treatment

Understanding Chronic Ankle Stability and Available Treatments

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Chronic Ankle Instability Treatment Near You in Hoover and Birmingham, Serving Central Alabama

The ankles are important joints. They carry the body’s weight and provide essential mobility for sports and everyday activities. When an ankle becomes unstable, it no longer feels reliable. It may no longer seem possible to enjoy the activities you love.

If you are struggling with chronic ankle instability, seek treatment at Southlake Orthopaedics. We are an orthopedic care center serving the state of Alabama. Our multi-specialty team assists patients at every stage of treatment, helping them return to pain-free living.

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What Is an Ankle Sprain?

Ankle sprains are a common athletic injury. These arise when a ligament in the ankle joint is stretched outside its normal range of motion, causing it to tear. Ligaments are fibrous bands of tissue that connect bones to one another, anchoring joints in place. When one tears, it can no longer hold bones firmly in position. The joint becomes unstable.

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What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?

About 20% of ankle sprains develop into chronic ankle instability. The torn ligaments do not heal properly, leaving the joint permanently unstable and prone to “giving way.” Chronic ankle stability does not get better on its own. Medical treatment is required to restore normal strength and mobility.

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Chronic Ankle Instability Symptoms

Chronic ankle instability is an ongoing condition, meaning that symptoms are present for months or years at a time. Patients feel as if their ankle “gives out” frequently, resulting in loss of balance and mobility. They may also feel as if their ankle is wobbly or less stable, especially when running, jumping, or performing sudden stops, starts, or pivots. This can interfere with a person’s ability to participate in sports and related activities. Other symptoms of chronic ankle instability include:

  • Pain in the ankle
  • Swelling or bruising in the ankle
  • Ankle stiffness
  • Popping or clicking sensations

Ankle instability may also put a person at risk of further ankle sprains. If a patient routinely twists their ankle or sustains other injuries, they may have a chronically unstable ankle.

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Person holding injured ankle
Dr. Kirchner examining girl's ankle for chronic ankle instability

Chronic Ankle Instability Causes and Risk Factors

Chronic ankle instability is the direct result of an ankle sprain. The ligaments heal in an elongated position, reducing their ability to anchor bones in the joint. While chronic ankle stability can arise from a single acute ankle sprain, it is most often caused by a series of multiple ankle sprains. Multiple injuries cause accumulated wear and tear on the joint and its substructures, causing progressive weakness that leads to chronic injury. Other risk factors include:

  • A first ankle sprain occurring at a young age
  • Inadequate rehabilitation after an ankle sprain
  • Ankle joint overuse, especially due to sports or a demanding job

Prompt medical treatment after an ankle sprain is key to avoiding recurrence. Patients can reduce their risk of chronic ankle instability by following recovery instructions appropriately after an injury.

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Diagnosing Chronic Ankle Instability

Patients who struggle with chronic ankle instability can seek a diagnosis from a board-certified physician at Southlake Orthopaedics. The diagnosis process begins with a thorough physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. This step helps the physician learn more about the patient’s symptoms, how they started, and any past sprains or other contributing factors.

The exam is often followed by medical imaging tests. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans let physicians look closely at the ankle’s internal structures, including the ligaments, to identify signs of damage or improper healing. This helps rule out other causes and confirm a conclusive diagnosis.

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Treatment Options for Chronic Ankle Instability

Depending on the patient’s needs and the severity of their condition, Southlake Orthopaedics is equipped to provide multiple treatment types for chronic ankle instability. Most treatment strategies focus on rehabilitation. Our on-site physical therapists recommend targeted exercises to strengthen muscles in the ankle, helping to stabilize it. We also have a custom orthotics lab that can fit patients with a stabilizing brace.

In cases of severe instability, we may opt for surgery. Direct treatment approaches involve repairing or replacing ligaments in the ankle. Patients will then need to participate in a physical therapy program to ensure the corrected joint heals properly, reducing the risk of reinjury.

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Meet Our Team

The quality care at Southlake Orthopaedics is made possible by our knowledgeable team of board-certified orthopedic physicians and surgeons. Our team represents a wide range of specialties, enabling them to combine expertise and deliver a higher level of care. Meet our orthopedics and sports medicine team below:

Meet Our Specialists

Find Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability Near You in Alabama

Chronic ankle instability can make it seem impossible to participate in the activities you love. Fortunately, a solution exists. Southlake Orthopaedics offers comprehensive orthopedic care for a wide variety of sports injuries and other complaints. Serving from locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, we can help you find less pain, more living. Contact us to learn more about the conditions we treat or to schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment.

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