Chronic Ankle Instability Treatment in Pembroke Pines & Plantation
Does your ankle feel wobbly or give way when you walk on uneven ground? Chronic ankle instability is usually caused by repeated ankle sprains and leads to the outside of the ankle repeatedly “giving out.” At Daniel Bell, DPM - Foot & Ankle Institute, Daniel Bell, DPM helps patients restore strength, balance, and stability so they can move with confidence again.
What Causes Chronic Ankle Instability?
When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments on the outside of the joint are stretched or torn. If an ankle sprain does not heal properly or is not fully rehabilitated, the ligaments may remain loose and the muscles and balance sensors around the ankle stay weak. Each new sprain further weakens the joint, creating a cycle of repeated injury.
Risk factors include multiple previous sprains, returning to sports too soon, high arches, and activities that involve jumping, cutting, or uneven surfaces, which is why ankle instability is common among the athletes we see in our sports medicine practice.
Symptoms of Ankle Instability
- Repeated turning or rolling of the ankle
- A feeling that the ankle is wobbly or unstable
- Persistent swelling or inflammation
- Tenderness and discomfort on the outside of the ankle
- Chronic ankle pain
Diagnosis
Dr. Bell will review your injury history and examine the ankle for ligament laxity, tenderness, and range of motion. Imaging may be used to evaluate ligament damage, cartilage injury, or related problems such as fractures or arthritis.
Treatment for Ankle Instability
Proper rehabilitation is required to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and retrain the tissues that control balance. Treatment may include:
- Physical therapy focused on strength, balance, and range of motion
- Ankle bracing for support during activity
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain
- Custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and stability
- RPW therapy to reduce soft-tissue pain around the joint
Without treatment, chronic instability can lead to repeated sprains, cartilage damage, and early arthritis. When conservative care does not restore stability, surgical correction or broader foot and ankle surgery can repair or reconstruct the ankle ligaments. Explore other conditions we treat.
Ankle Instability FAQs
Why does my ankle keep giving out?
Repeated giving way is usually caused by stretched or torn ligaments from previous sprains that did not heal fully, along with weakened muscles and balance.
Can ankle instability be fixed without surgery?
Many patients improve with physical therapy, bracing, and orthotics. Surgery is considered when instability continues despite these treatments.
Will wearing an ankle brace weaken my ankle?
A brace used alongside strengthening exercises supports the ankle during activity without preventing it from getting stronger.
How long does rehab for ankle instability take?
Rehabilitation often takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of instability and how consistently exercises are performed.
Can chronic ankle instability cause arthritis?
Yes. Repeated sprains and abnormal joint motion can damage cartilage and increase the risk of ankle arthritis over time.
What does ankle ligament surgery involve?
Surgery typically tightens or reconstructs the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to restore stability.
Should I see a podiatrist after an ankle sprain?
Yes. Proper evaluation and rehabilitation after a sprain are the best ways to prevent chronic ankle instability.
Regain Confidence in Every Step
Stop worrying about your ankle giving way. Call (954) 942-5005 - Pembroke Pines Office or (954) 942-5005 - Plantation Office or request an appointment online to see Dr. Bell.