Treating Chronic Ankle Instability

Is the outside of your ankle constantly “giving out”? Does your ankle feel unstable or wobbly, even when you're standing? If so, you may have chronic ankle instability. 

What Causes Ankle Instability?

Ankle instability is a recurring condition. It’s typically caused by an ankle sprain that did not heal properly. 

Symptoms of chronic ankle instability include:

  • A dull ache or intense pain on the outside of the ankle

  • Feeling as though the ankle is continuously at risk of giving way

  • Stiffness, swelling, and tenderness to the touch

  • A tendency of your ankle to lean or roll to one side

  • Sore ankles after exercising

People who’ve had repeated ankle sprains are at a higher risk for developing chronic ankle instability later in life. This is because, when you sprain your ankle, you are stretching or tearing the ligaments (or connective tissue) around the ankle. Without proper rehabilitation, these ligaments are never strengthened or retrained - affecting your balance.

Each additional ankle sprain perpetuates that weakness in your ligaments, causing an increase in instability.

How to Treat Chronic Ankle Instability

After making an appointment with Dr. Elton, he and his team will diagnose your ankle instability - often by ordering an x-ray and MRI. Once your condition is properly diagnosed, Dr. Elton will recommend a treatment course, which could be either surgical or nonsurgical. 

Nonsurgical treatment options include:

  • Bracing: An ankle brace can help support your ankle, preventing turning and additional sprains.

  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling.

  • Physical Therapy: Certain exercises and stretches can improve range of motion, regain balance, retrain muscles, and strengthen the ankle.

After all conservative treatment measures have been exhausted, Dr. Elton may recommend treating your chronic ankle instability with surgery. Surgery for ankle instability involves reconstructing or repairing the damaged ligament. Dr. Elton and his team will recommend the best surgery for your ankle’s degree of instability. 

Best Ankle Doctor in Eagle and Summit County  

If you are experiencing chronic ankle pain and instability, look no further than Dr. Elton and his team at Vail Summit Orthopaedics! Dr. Elton will work with you to diagnose your condition and recommend a treatment plan that gets you back to doing the activities you love!

Request a consultation today via our online scheduling platform or by calling 970-476-7220.

Team Elton