Ankle Sprains & Ankle Instability
At A Glance:
Ankle sprains are common injuries that can range from mild to severe, depending upon how much damage there is to the ligaments. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle pain and ongoing instability of the ankle.
Symptoms
- Pain and swelling in the ankle.
- Bruising around the ankle.
- Pain when standing or walking.
- The feeling of instability of the ankle that can lead to falls.
Causes
Twisting the ankle or rolling over on the ankle can lead to the ligament of the ankle either being stretched or torn. Ongoing ankle instability can be caused by the ligament not healing or healing in an elongated fashion.
Treatment Options
Nonsurgical methods include:
- Pain and anti-inflammation medications.
- Physical therapy helps strengthens muscles around the ankle to compensate for the weakened ligaments while they are healing.
- Bracing may help aid the healing of ligaments and give support
If you have tried these methods, still suffer from ankle instability and have problems with walking or running, and suffer from recurrent sprains, surgical techniques may be an option for you.
Speak to your orthopaedic surgeon about your case and what surgical option may be best suited for you.
Surgical methods of treating an unstable ankle include:
Ligament repair or reconstruction may be needed for severly damaged or torn ligaments. Such as an ankle stabilisation surgery or lateral ligament reconstruction of the ankle