Common Symptoms Associated With Chronic Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability is associated with several common symptoms:

Swelling of the joint

Your ankle may swell after activity due to inflammation from the instability.

Pain with movement

You may feel pain or discomfort when you move your foot in certain directions, such as inversion and eversion.

Ankle giving way

When standing or walking, your ankle may give way unexpectedly due to weak ligaments that can't support it properly.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose chronic ankle instability, a podiatrist will look for the following:

Physical exam

The podiatrist will examine your foot and ankle to check for swelling, instability, and range of motion. They may also order X-rays or an MRI if needed.

Strength assessment

To determine how strong the muscles surrounding the ankle joint are, a podiatrist may ask you to do certain exercises, such as walking on your toes or standing on one foot.

Range of motion test

The podiatrist will measure how far your ankle can move in different directions to check for any limitations due to instability or tightness in the ligaments.

Chronic Ankle Instability Treatment options Include

Bracing or taping

Using a supportive brace or tape helps to keep the ankle joint in place.

Footwear modifications

Wearing shoes with better support can help alleviate some of the stress on the ligaments and muscles of the foot and ankle.

Physical therapy

Exercises that focus on strengthening and stretching the muscles around your ankle can help improve its stability.

Surgery

The degree of instability or lack of response to non-surgical treatments may lead your podiatrist to recommend surgery in some circumstances. The injured ligament is usually repaired or rebuilt after surgery. Based on the severity of the instability and your level of activity, the surgeon will choose the surgical method that is ideal for you.

Chronic ankle instability can cause long-term problems if left untreated, including an increased risk of further injury and chronic pain. However, with the right treatment plan and lifestyle modifications, you can reduce your risk of re-injury and regain stability in your ankle joint.

Are You Suffering With Chronic Ankle Instability In The Caldwell Or Meridian, Idaho Area?

If you're suffering with chronic ankle instability you owe it to yourself to speak with our experienced podiatrists as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208.855.5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you!

Dr. P. Roman Burk
Providing experienced private practice podiatry services in the Caldwell and Meridian, ID area since 2007.