Could your ankle weakness be due to ankle instability? If so, find out how to address this problem.

Have you experienced ankle injuries in the past? Were you someone who just ignored your pain and discomfort and carried on playing the game when you probably should have been out for the rest of the season? It’s amazing how many people sustain ankle injuries and don’t seek treatment or even properly care for their injuries. If this sounds like you, then it’s time to visit one of our McKinney and Prosper, TX, podiatrists, Dr. Eric Silvers, Dr. Dustin Lloyd or Dr. Christopher Witt , to find out if you could be suffering from ankle instability.

What are the symptoms of ankle instability?

If you feel like the outside of your ankle often gives out, then chances are you have ankle instability. You may often feel these symptoms most when running or walking, but you may even notice it when you are just standing.

Does your ankle feel wobbly or weak? Are your symptoms more severe when wearing high heels or walking on uneven surfaces? Do you notice pain or discomfort while walking or running? If you said, "yes," to some or all of these questions your ankle problems could be the result of instability.

What causes it?

As we briefly mentioned earlier, ankle instability typically stems from a past ankle sprain or injury that hasn’t healed properly. When you sprain an ankle, you end up tearing or stretching out the ligaments. Of course, if you don’t allow your ankle time to heal or you don’t get proper treatment for it, the stretched ligaments end up becoming weaker.

Those whose physical activities greatly involve the ankles, such as gymnasts, basketball players and dancers, are more at risk for ankle instability.

How is it treated?

Unless your symptoms are severe, many patients can manage their symptoms with simple at-home measures. If you’ve ever heard of the RICE method, this is a great way to reduce pain and discomfort in your ankle. RICE stands for: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

You can also take anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, to temporarily relieve any ankle pain and/or swelling. When you come in to visit our McKinney and Prosper, TX, foot doctors, we will also provide you with different flexibility and strengthening exercises that you can perform every day, no matter where you are. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around your ankle to improve mobility, balance and strength.

Ankle instability can be managed if you seek proper care. Turn to the ankle specialists at Advanced Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney and Prosper, TX, for the quality treatments you deserve.