Ankle Instability Specialists

What does ankle instability feel like?

Ankle instability occurs when weakness in your lateral ankle ligaments — those in your outer ankle — causes your ankle to buckle or fold over frequently. 

When you have ankle instability, the affected ankle feels unstable, weak, or wobbly. It’s common to have constant swelling and discomfort in your outer ankle as well.

With ankle instability, your ankle can give out unexpectedly at any time, whether you’re on flat or uneven ground. For example, your ankle may buckle when you’re walking around the home or even standing in line at the store. An unstable ankle is particularly likely to buckle during physical activities like sports.

What causes ankle instability?

The main cause of ankle instability is ankle sprains that don’t heal properly. After any ankle sprain, pain relief is only the first concern. You also need to fully rehabilitate the ankle from within, which means strengthening the ankle’s support muscles and reestablishing proper balance.

Failure to do these things leaves your ankle vulnerable to another sprain, and each sprain causes additional ligament stretching and weakening of the area muscles. Ankle instability can grow worse and worse with each subsequent sprain, and you may also develop other problems within the ankle. 

How is ankle instability diagnosed?

To determine the right treatment plan, the Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists team carefully reviews your history of ankle injuries and performs a full ankle exam. 

They also observe your gait (walking patterns) to check for signs of ankle instability such as hindfoot varus (the back of your foot moving inward).  

Patients commonly have imaging tests like X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the amount and severity of tissue damage or bony abnormalities within the ankle. 

How is ankle instability treated?

Ankle instability treatment usually includes conservative measures to start, such as:

• Rest
• Elevation: Raising ankle above heart level
• Immobilization with a cast or splint
• Ice packs in 20-minute sessions
• Compression with an elastic bandage
• Low-profile ankle brace for stabilization
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy, including home exercises
• Oral medication for pain relief

If your ankle instability persists after nonsurgical treatments, the Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists team may recommend surgery. They often perform advanced methods of arthroscopy to repair ligaments and tendons and stabilize ankle tissues. The team recommends the ideal surgery based on your injury, health, and activity level. 

If you need help with ankle instability, reach out to Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists by phone or use the online booking link now.