What is Ankle Instability?
Ankle instability is when the outside of the ankle feels wobbly or unstable. It can “give out” with activity, such as walking or running. It can also give way when just standing. This condition can recur and therefore is considered a chronic condition.
- Feeling that the ankle will “give out”
- Pain on the outside of the ankle
- Tenderness when the area is touched
- Soreness after use
- Ankle sprain that did not heal properly
- Weakened ligaments due to an injury
- High ankle-intense sports such as ballet, gymnastics, basketball, etc.
- Repeated ankle injuries
- RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- Activity modifications
- Physical therapy
- Ankle support devices such as bracing
- Surgery recommended to repair damaged ligaments and/or tendons in order to restore stability of the ankle. Can be an open or arthroscopic surgery.
- Arthroscopic: surgical approach where the surgeon cuts two small holes in the skin and uses instrumentation, including a camera, to view the area needed to be repaired.
- Open: surgical approach where the surgeon cuts the skin long enough to fully view the area needed to be repaired.