Chronic Ankle Instability Treatment

What You Need To Know

Understanding chronic ankle instability and how it develops after repeated sprains.

Understanding Chronic Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring giving way of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. In the beginning, the instability occurs when walking or doing movement activities, but in time, it can even happen when stationary. Though it can occur to anyone, chronic ankle instability is a common problem among athletes.

The ligaments in your ankle ensure stability as they restrain your ankle’s side-to-side movement. If the ankle has suffered from multiple sprains or continually gives way to the outside, it indicates that the ligaments haven’t fully healed. With stretched out or weakened ligaments, the ankle can’t function properly.

Chronic ankle instability usually develops following an ankle sprain that has not adequately healed or was not fully rehabilitated. Contributing factors include repeated ankle sprains, natural ligament laxity, insufficient rehabilitation, and weak muscles or poor balance. Common symptoms include a repeated turning of the ankle, persistent discomfort and swelling, pain or tenderness, and a wobbly feeling in the joint.

In evaluating your condition, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask about previous ankle injuries and examine your ankle for tender areas, swelling, and instability. X-rays or other imaging studies may be helpful in further evaluating the ankle. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact our office to schedule an evaluation.

Treatment Options and the InternalBrace Procedure

Treatment for chronic ankle instability is based on the results of your examination and tests, as well as on your activity level. Nonsurgical options include physical therapy with exercises to strengthen the ankle, improve balance and range of motion, and retrain the muscles. Some patients wear an ankle brace for added support and to prevent additional sprains. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

When conservative care does not resolve the instability, surgery may be recommended. The goal of surgery is to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments, and the procedure selected depends on the severity of the instability and your activity level.

The InternalBrace procedure is a minimally invasive technique designed to reinforce the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), the primary stabilizers of the ankle. It uses high-strength suture tape to provide immediate support while allowing natural healing to occur. Benefits include enhanced ankle stability, smaller incisions with less tissue damage, a faster return to activity, and a reduced risk of re-injury.

InternalBrace surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon makes small incisions, anchors suture tape to the bone to reinforce the ligaments, and repairs the ligament if needed. Recovery generally involves limited weight-bearing in a protective boot for the first two weeks, gradual weight-bearing with physical therapy from weeks three to six, and a progressive return to normal activities through week twelve. Following your podiatrist’s rehabilitation plan supports the best outcome and long-term ankle stability.