How to Prevent a Sprained Ankle From Becoming a Chronic Instability

Ankle sprains can happen from sports injuries or simple accidents like stepping off a curb awkwardly. While mild sprains often heal on their own with time, repeated sprains can lead to painful ankle instability.

At Acacia Foot & Ankle Surgeons in Peoria, Arizona, we provide comprehensive care for sprains and other causes of ankle pain. 

Kaveh Panahi, DPM, is highly skilled at diagnosing the type of ankle sprain you have and treating it quickly to prevent instability and the formation of scar tissue.

The basics of an ankle sprain

An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when you turn, twist, or roll your ankle in an abnormal way. The movement causes stretching in the ligaments that keep your ankle bones together. In more serious sprains, these tissues can tear.

In most ankle sprains, damage affects the ligaments on the outside of the ankle joint. Symptoms of a sprain can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Reduced range of motion in the joint

You might also find that bearing any weight on a sprained ankle is difficult. This can be a warning sign of ankle instability, a condition where it feels like your ankle gives way when you apply pressure.

The link between ankle sprains and chronic instability

Chronic ankle instability can develop after multiple ankle sprains, especially if the sprains don’t have time to heal properly.

Ankle instability results from repeated ligament damage that leads to tears in the tissue. Damaged ligaments can weaken and ultimately longer serve as a support system for your ankle joint.

Warning signs of chronic instability can include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Chronic swelling
• A wobbly feeling in the joint

You might also hear popping sounds when moving your ankle because weakened ligaments can no longer hold the joint in place.

 How to prevent chronic ankle instability

One of the first things you can do to prevent ankle instability is to reduce your risk for ankle sprains. Start by wearing supportive shoes that fit well. Avoid flip-flops and other footwear that leave your ankle joint susceptible to injury.

If you’re an athlete, be sure to warm up before practice and games to stretch the soft tissues in your legs and ankles. You may also benefit from wrapping your ankle to ensure you have the support you need during physical activity.

Even with a focus on prevention, an ankle sprain can still occur. Immediately after any ankle injury, we recommend that you follow the Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) protocol. This strategy can quickly reduce pain and prevent swelling that can irritate your soft tissues.

If rest and over-the-counter medications aren’t enough to calm symptoms of an ankle sprain, schedule a diagnostic evaluation with us.  Dr. Panahi evaluates the joint and uses diagnostic imaging technologies to ensure you don’t have a fracture or other serious injury. He can also create a treatment plan to help your sprained joint heal fully.

Call Acacia Foot & Ankle Surgeons today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation, or book an appointment online.