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The term "ankle instability" covers a number of symptoms. The most common are:
- Weakness; a feeling of the ankle joint “giving way"
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
- Chronic or recurrent pain
- Recurring sprains
Common injuries associated with ankle instability include cartilage injuries in the ankle joint and tendon tears. If you have symptoms of ankle instability, it’s important to see an orthopedic surgeon for correct diagnosis and treatment before additional injury occurs.
At UCSD Medical Center, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience and expertise in the repair and reconstruction of the ankle ligaments and ankle joint.
Causes
The most common cause of chronic ankle instability is trauma, such as a sprained ankle, in which the connective tissues (ligaments) are stretched or torn (example at right).
If the injury doesn’t heal properly, the ligament or surrounding muscles can remain weak and lead to additional injuries and/or chronic ankle instability. |
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Treatment options
Initial treatment of ankle instability can include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
- Strengthening exercises and physical therapy
- A brace or specially-fitted shoe to help stabilize the ankle
If these conservative treatments don't succeed, surgery is an option. Here at UCSD, a number of ankle surgeries are performed using minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques.
Surgical options
- Arthroscopy of the ankle joint with debridement (cleaning): The surgeon removes any scar tissue or loose fragments that may be interfering with joint function.
- Ligament tightening: In this procedure, the surgeon tightens the stretched ligaments to restore ankle stability.
- Tendon graft: If the ligaments are not strong enough to repair through the tightening procedure, the ligaments can be reconstructed with a tendon graft.
After surgery, your rehabilitation can last between two and six months, depending on your individual case. Rehabilitation includes physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the ankle and restore range of motion and flexibility.
Schedule an appointment
For more information or a consultation, please contact us:
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