Chronic Ankle Instability: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
“Chronic ankle instability” is a term Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm uses to describe ankles that feel wobbly and insecure all the time. Chronic ankle instability differs from other ankle ailments, such as a sprain or tissue inflammation.
An ankle sprain is an acute or sudden injury to the ligaments in the ankle. Once the ligaments heal completely, your ankle should return to normal. Inflammation may follow a sprain, or it may be a result of overuse. We generally prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and icing to reduce the inflammation and get you back on your feet.
In contrast, chronic ankle instability describes a long-term, constant feeling that your ankle is weak. You may experience:
- An overall feeling that your ankle isn’t working right – it feels unstable or wobbly.
- Ankles often turn or give out, especially when playing sports or walking on uneven surfaces.
- Difficulty balancing on one leg.
- Pain, tenderness, and swelling may also be present with a chronically unstable ankle.
Causes of Chronic Ankle Instability
The most frequent cause of a wobbly ankle is a previous injury that didn’t heal well. For example, let’s say you tear a ligament in your ankle and continue to walk, play, or run without proper treatment. Chances are the ligament won’t heal properly; it doesn’t return to its normal form and strength.
Ligaments connect the bones in your ankle and allow them to glide securely. Loose or damaged ligaments can’t provide security and strength. Therefore, your ankle feels unstable.
In addition to a poorly healed injury, chronic ankle instability may arise from:
- ankle arthritis
- scar tissue
- bone spurs
- nerve damage
Treatments for Ankle Instability
The key word in chronic ankle instability is “chronic.” The problem is constant, and it’s not going away by itself. We strongly recommend treatment because chronic ankle instability is likely to cause debilitating arthritis in the future.
For your ankle instability, Dr. Wilhelm may prescribe the following:
- Targeted exercises
- Physical therapy to improve strength, balance, and range of motion.
- Surgery, including total ankle replacement if needed.
Dr. Wilhelm is Clifton Foot & Ankle Center’s board-certified podiatric surgeon who will sit down with you and explain all your options for treating your chronic ankle instability. To make an appointment at our office in Centreville (Fairfax County), Virginia, call (703) 996-3000 or contact us online.