Ankle Instability

Anterior Ankle Instability

The anterior area of the ankle is the front or top of the ankle. The ligaments in this area include the anterior talofibular ligament and the anterior tibiotalar ligament. These ligaments can become damaged, causing subsequent instability of the ankle.

Causes

Ankle instability can occur for a number of reasons, the most common of which include:

• Weakened lower leg or ankle muscles and ankle laxity are the most common ankle instability causes;
• General ligamentous laxity that results in increased instability and dislocations risk;
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) at work or overuse activities prevalent in those participating in sports or having jobs that require repetitive activities;
• People engaging in repetitive motion activities (jumping, running, etc.) may aggravate their ankles, causing ankle instability;
• Sudden trauma or accident like a fall, a twist, or a blow to the ankle joint causes it to move out of its normal position.

Damage to your ankle during the healing process can result in further ligament stretching and an increased risk of instability.

Medicine Intervenes

In addition to physical therapy, your doctor may recommend and perform the following procedures:

• Initial boot immobilization, followed by a gradual transition to a brace;
• Icing and abstention from strenuous activity;
• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs);
• Steroid Injections to decrease inflammation;
• Pain relievers to alleviate discomfort and allow the patient to engage in the recommended exercises;
• Physical therapy for ankle stability retraining which includes strengthening and balance improvement;
• To prevent instability and injury recurrence, surgery is used to correct the underlying pathology. This may include surgical repairs or ankle ligament tightening procedures.

To learn more about available ankle instability treatment options, book an appointment at Redefine Healthcare today by calling the office nearest you or using our convenient online scheduling system.