Helping Your Ankle Instability

Helping Your Ankle Instability

Ankle instability occurs when the ankle’s lateral or outer side gives away. It usually develops following recurrent ankle sprains. In most instances, this “giving away” happens while doing physical activities, but it could likewise occur even when walking or standing.

When not addressed properly, it could lead to chronic ankle instability. This is why early intervention, management, and treatment from your podiatrist here at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in our McKinney or Prosper, TX, office is very crucial.

Causes of Ankle Instability

Ankle instability typically develops after a sprained ankle doesn’t heal and/or rehabilitated properly. With an ankle sprain, the ligaments or connective tissues are torn or stretched, negatively impacting your balance. Proper rehab is required for strengthening the ankle muscles and retaining its tissues that impact balance. Otherwise, it could lead to repeated ankle sprains.

These, in turn, often perpetuate and cause chronic ankle instability. Take note that each succeeding ankle sprain will result in further stretching or weakening of the ankle ligaments, causing more significant instability and increasing your risk or developing other ankle problems.

So if you’re experiencing these symptoms that indicate ankle instability, see your podiatrist in our McKinney or Prosper, TX, office, immediately:

  • A feeling of being unstable or wobbly when using the affected ankle
  • Ankle tenderness or pain that doesn’t respond to home treatments
  • Persistent swelling and discomfort
  • The affected ankle constantly turning, particularly during physical activities or on uneven surfaces

Conservative Treatments for Ankle Instability

Essentially, treatment will be based according to your level of physical activity and the results of your diagnostic tests and exams. These are:

  • Your podiatrist may recommend OTC NSAIDs or prescribe stronger medications to alleviate inflammation and pain.
  • Ankle Bracing. Wearing an ankle brace is often recommended to support and stabilize the ankle, as well as prevent it from turning. This can likewise help prevent more sprains.
  • Physical Therapy. This entails a variety of exercises and treatments designed for strengthening your ankle, retraining your ankle muscles, and improving or regaining your range of motion and balance.

Surgical Treatment for Ankle Instability

If you have severe ankle instability or have already developed chronic instability, or if conservative treatments fail, your podiatrist may consider surgical intervention. Generally speaking, this typically entails the reconstruction or repair of the ankle’s damaged ligaments. Your podiatrist will choose the specific procedures that will benefit you most according to your physical activity level and severity of your case.

For More Questions, Concerns, or Advice on Ankle Instability, Speak to Us

Schedule a consultation here at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center with our podiatrists, by calling our McKinney and Prosper, TX office at (972) 542-2155.

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Prosper Office

Monday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

1:30 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:30 pm-6:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-3:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

McKinney Office

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-6:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed