How to Prevent Ankle Instability After a Sprain

An ankle sprain itself can be mild or severe, and how your injury heals plays a large role in the future stability of the joint. Overstretched ankle ligaments need to fully recover to resist further sprain injuries in the future.

The podiatrists at Hudson Valley Foot Associates know that a single ankle sprain can lead to years of chronic instability without the right care. While treatment techniques largely depend on the severity of your injury, all aspects of your recovery contribute to full healing. 

What happens when my ankle sprains?

Sprains are injuries to ligaments, the tough, fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to bones. A ligament has a normal range of motion, and when it’s stretched beyond its normal limits, a sprain results. 

Usually, an ankle sprain happens when your foot twists over its outside edge, overstretching one or more of the ankle ligaments. While it’s a common injury in sports, something as simple as a misplaced step could also cause a sprain. 

The best way to avoid ankle instability is to visit with our sprained ankle specialists soon after your injury, even if it’s a mild sprain, so that you can start an effective course of supervised treatment. 

Treating an ankle sprain

Most ankle sprains can be treated without surgery, even injuries that involve partial or complete ligament tears, provided the foot is immobilized and rehabilitated sufficiently. Carefully following a medically supervised treatment plan is the best way to avoid future ankle instability. 

Treatment typically starts with rest immediately after the injury, including ice and elevation to reduce swelling. Mild sprains may not need immobilization but we recommend braces or boots for more serious sprains. 

The next phase of recovery under medical care includes functional rehabilitation that typically includes balance, range of motion, and strength exercises as your ankle can tolerate. Immobilization devices are no longer used to prevent stiffness and dependence on the device. 

The final stage of initial treatment starts the progressive return to pre-injury activities, with minimal loads on the ankle. Bracing or taping the ankle may be included as you return to sports or other high-risk activities. 

Chronic ankle instability

Continued instability or reinjury after a recovery period of about six months may be diagnosed as chronic ankle instability. Additional physical therapy and strength exercises are typically the first treatment for chronic problems. We may recommend a brace or splint again, to augment your foot’s weakened stability. 

If your ankle remains unstable, it may be that the ligament remains stretched beyond its ability to stabilize the ankle. Surgical options include reducing the length of a ligament or supplementing outer ligament tissue. 

For the medical partnership you need to avoid ankle instability, call or click to book a visit to the nearest office of Hudson Valley Foot Associates today.