Foot and Ankle Specialist: Understanding Ankle Instability and Treatment Options
Protecting our feet and ankles is a crucial factor to consider if we wish to maintain our mobility and independence. These body parts work together to support our weight, facilitate movement, and enable us to perform everyday tasks. They are very likely to get hurt, though. Consequently, it has the potential to significantly influence the quality of life they experience.
Instability in the ankle is a regular problem that a foot and ankle specialist deals with. Ankle instability is a disease that can make it very hard to walk, run, or do even simple movements without pain or fear of hurting oneself more. This blog explores what ankle instability is, its common causes, treatment options, and how a foot and ankle specialist can help restore balance and mobility.
Suppose you’re struggling with persistent ankle issues. In that case, a visit to a foot and ankle specialist can provide the expertise needed to understand your condition and guide you towards the most effective treatment.
What is Ankle Instability?
The condition known as ankle instability is characterised by the joint in the ankle being more susceptible to repeated injury, often resulting in weakness or giving way during everyday activities. Damage to the muscles that help hold the ankle together can cause this instability. These ligaments are vital for maintaining proper alignment and ensuring smooth action. When the ankle is stretched or torn due to trauma or overuse, it becomes unstable, leading to recurrent sprains, swelling, and discomfort.
Ankle instability often begins with an initial sprain or injury. Even after healing, the ankle may remain vulnerable to further injuries due to weakened ligaments or improper rehabilitation. Sometimes, the condition lasts for a long time. If someone doesn’t get treatment for it, it could also lower their overall quality of life.
Common Causes of Ankle Instability
Pre-existing diseases or previous injuries may cause ankle instability.
- Previous Ankle Sprains
Chronic ankle instability commonly follows injuries. Without treatment or rehabilitation, ankle sprains can damage ligaments and cause long-term instability. Sprains can worsen and weaken the ligaments, exacerbating the issue. - Weak Muscles
Muscle weakness around the ankle joint can contribute to instability of the ankle joint. The muscular groups of the lower leg and foot, as well as the calf, act as stabilizers. When these muscles are weak, the ankle joint becomes more susceptible to sprains and other injuries. - Improper Healing or Rehabilitation
If you don’t strengthen your ankle properly after hurting it, you could end up being unstable. If the muscles and joints don’t fully recover their strength after being injured, sprains are more likely to occur again. - Repetitive Strain and Overuse
Athletes are more likely to develop ankle instability because their ankles are repeatedly put under stress when they participate in sports that involve running, jumping, or cutting. - Biomechanical Issues
Abnormalities of the foot structure, as flat feet or strong arches, can strain the ankle joint, leading to instability. An orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist can assess these problems and suggest ways to address them. - Age and Activity Level
As we age, the ligaments and tissues in our body lose elasticity, making them more prone to injury. For older individuals, a previous ankle sprain may leave lasting effects on stability. Due to joint stress, young, active people, especially athletes, are also at risk.
Symptoms of Ankle Instability
Ankle instability manifests in various ways.
- Frequent Ankle Sprains: Repeated twisting or turning of the ankle, even during low-impact activities.
- Pain and Swelling: Chronic discomfort or tenderness around the ankle joint, especially after physical activity.
- Weakness: A feeling that the ankle is giving way or is unable to support your body weight.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the foot or ankle freely without discomfort.
- Difficulty Walking or Running: Instability may cause a person to limp or feel unsteady when walking, running, or engaging in sports.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you should consult a foot and ankle specialist immediately to receive a correct diagnosis and learn about your treatment options.
Treatment Options for Ankle Instability
Medical and non-surgical methods can address ankle instability. The severity of an illness and overall health determine the best treatment. Below are some of the standard treatment options offered by foot and ankle specialists:
1. Conservative Treatments
In cases of ankle instability that are not severe, conservative therapy has the potential to be quite beneficial. These include:
- R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This is a standard approach for managing inflammation and swelling after an injury.
- Physical Therapy: A foot and ankle specialist will recommend physical therapy to strengthen ankle muscles. To regain stability, it is essential to engage in physical activities that enhance your balance, proprioception, and range of motion.
- Bracing or Taping: Temporary support from an ankle brace or tape can help reduce the risk of injury.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) relieve pain and inflammation.
2. Surgical Treatments
Surgical intervention may be needed if non-invasive treatments don’t help or if the instability is severe. A foot and ankle specialist can discuss the best surgical options with a person based on their specific condition. The following are some popular surgical procedures:
- Ligament Reconstruction or Repair: This involves repairing or reconstructing the ligaments that have been damaged or stretched due to repeated sprains.
- Ankle Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive technique that removes any damaged tissue that may be present in the joint and cleans out any debris that may be present in the joint.
- Ankle Fusion: When other methods of pain relief and joint mobility restoration have failed, ankle fusion may be the best option.
Conclusion
Ankle instability can occur in people of any age, regardless of their level of physical activity. Whether it’s a sprain from an old injury that keeps recurring or chronic weakness that causes you to trip and fall frequently, a foot and ankle expert can help you identify the cause and develop a treatment plan. Foot and ankle specialist care can help restore mobility and prevent further problems from occurring, with options ranging from non-invasive treatments to advanced surgical procedures.
Cove Orthopaedic Clinic – Dr Sean Ng
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth #14-13
Singapore 228510
Farrer Park Medical Centre
1 Farrer Park Station Road #11-10
Connexion, Singapore 217562
Phone: 6475 7177
Whatsapp: 9631 7637
