Chronic ankle instability is a condition that occurs when the ligaments in your ankle become weak, causing your ankle to feel unsteady or to frequently “give out.” It often occurs after repeated ankle sprains or ankle injuries that do not heal properly.
UPMC experts are pioneers in the treatment of chronic ankle instability, using advanced rehabilitation and surgical techniques to provide complete care.
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What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic ankle instability occurs when the ligaments in your ankle become weak, causing your ankle to feel unsteady or to frequently “give out.” It often occurs after repeated ankle sprains or ankle injuries that do not heal properly.
How common is chronic ankle instability?
Chronic ankle instability is a common orthopaedic condition, particularly among athletes or people with recurrent ankle injuries. It can lead to early-onset ankle arthritis.
What causes chronic ankle instability?
Chronic ankle instability is caused by weakening of the ligaments that support the ankle due to:
- Athletic activities that require frequent jumping or pivoting.
- Incomplete healing after a previous injury.
- Repeated ankle sprains.
What are chronic ankle instability risk factors?
You may be at risk for chronic ankle instability if you have:
- A previous ankle injury that did not heal completely.
- Participate in high-impact athletic activities that require frequent jumping or pivoting.
- Repeated ankle sprains.
How can I prevent chronic ankle instability?
You may be able to prevent chronic ankle instability by:
- Allowing your ankle to heal completely before returning to work, sports, or activity.
- Following your doctor’s rehabilitation plan after injury.
- Getting immediate treatment for ankle sprains.
- Wearing supportive footwear, especially during high-impact activity.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Ankle Instability?
Symptoms of chronic ankle instability include:
- A wobbly, unstable feeling in the ankle.
- Chronic pain.
- Inability to walk or run.
- Swelling.
When should I see a doctor about my chronic ankle instability symptoms?
If you have symptoms of chronic ankle instability, you should schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic expert as soon as possible. Getting early treatment may reduce your risk of reinjury and improve treatment outcomes.
How Do You Diagnose Chronic Ankle Instability?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam, order imaging tests, and test your range of motion to diagnose chronic ankle instability.
What to expect during your visit
To diagnose chronic ankle instability, your doctor will:
- Examine your ankle for signs of swelling, bruising, or tenderness.
- Order imaging tests to rule out broken bones and evaluate ligaments and tendons.
- Test the range of motion and stability in your ankle.
Tests to diagnose chronic ankle instability
Tests to diagnose chronic ankle instability include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — Creates images of the bones and soft tissues (tendons and ligaments) in your ankle to look for abnormalities.
- X-rays — Create images of the bones in your ankle to check for fractures or other abnormalities.
How Do You Treat Chronic Ankle Instability?
Your doctor will recommend nonsurgical treatments for chronic ankle instability. If nonsurgical treatments aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Nonsurgical treatment for chronic ankle instability
Nonsurgical treatment for chronic ankle instability may include:
- Bracing and taping — Wearing a brace or tape may help stabilize your ankle during healing. Your doctor may recommend wearing a brace or tape during exercise, everyday activities, or both.
- Medication — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may help with pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy — Focuses on strengthening the muscles and ligaments around the ankle. It may include exercises to improve balance, strength, and mobility.
Surgical treatment for chronic ankle instability
If nonsurgical treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgical treatments including:
- Anatomic repair — Involves tightening and repairing stretched or torn ligaments.
- Nonanatomic reconstruction — Involves using a tendon from your body or a tendon graft to replace a damaged ankle ligament.
Why Choose UPMC for Chronic Ankle Instability Care?
When you choose UPMC for chronic ankle instability care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class orthopaedic expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat the full spectrum of ankle disorders using the latest best practices and techniques.
- Nationally recognized care — UPMC is a national leader in ankle care treatment, outcomes, research, and education.
- Personalized surgical treatment — If you need surgery, our pre-surgical planning technology enables our surgeons to customize your care to your unique anatomy, leading to improved recovery, range of motion, and quality of life after surgery.
