Ankle sprains are quite common, especially if you’re into sports or lead an active lifestyle. But, the problem with ankle sprains is that once you’ve had one, you’re more likely to have another. This can lead to a condition called chronic ankle instability.
Chronic ankle instability means that your ankle feels weak and wobbly, and you might sprain it over and over again. This can make it tough to enjoy your favorite activities. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to avoid this issue, even if you’ve already had a bad sprain injury.
What is chronic ankle instability?
Chronic ankle instability is that unsettling “wobbliness” in the ankle joint that tends to happen after a sprain that hasn’t fully healed. This can occur when you’ve gone back to your sports or workout routine too early or if the sprain wasn’t treated thoroughly. You might also notice the outside (lateral) part of your ankle giving way repeatedly, leading to sprain after sprain. This instability can strike anytime, whether you’re simply walking or even just standing still.
Chronic ankle instability often brings along:
- Your ankle turning beyond its natural limit, especially when playing sports or walking on uneven surfaces
- Constant discomfort and swelling in the joint
- Pain or tenderness
- A “wobbly” or unstable feeling
After an ankle sprain, it’s crucial to go through proper rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles around the ankle. This also includes retraining the ligaments and other tissues that help with balance to provide full support. If you skip this, it can lead to repeated sprains.
Repeated ankle sprains can create a vicious cycle—more instability, more sprains, and then even more instability. With each new sprain, the ligaments get further stretched and weakened.
Tips to Prevent Instability After a Sprain
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
If you’ve hurt your ankle or are experiencing symptoms like pain, tenderness, swelling, or weakness, getting medical treatment without delay is crucial. Early intervention not only helps to ease your symptoms but also prevents any underlying issues from escalating into something more severe.
Focus on Your Balance
Ankle sprains often affect your balance, which can result in repeated injuries and ongoing instability. Engaging in balance training after a serious sprain can help you avoid future sprains and chronic instability in your ankle.
Ease Back into Activities
It’s vital to return to your regular activities slowly and only after your pain has decreased and you’ve regained strength and mobility. Jumping back into action too soon can increase the risk of another sprain or lead to long-term problems like ankle instability.
Choose the Right Footwear
Wearing the right shoes is key to preventing further ankle injuries. Opt for footwear that offers good support, especially if you’re involved in sports or other physical activities.
Surgical Treatment for Ankle Instability
If your ankle has faced more than just a severe ligament tear and has other significant injuries, you might need surgery to fix it up. Sometimes, if the injury is really serious or if your ankle isn’t getting better with non-surgical methods, surgery becomes necessary. Your ortho specialist doctor in ludhiana may decide the best surgical method for your unique situation.
Be patient
Healing from an ankle sprain takes time, so it’s important to be patient. If your sprain is mild, you might see improvement and recovery in about four weeks or even less with proper treatment and rehabilitation. However, if the sprain is more severe, it could take several months to heal completely. No matter how long it takes, sticking to your rehabilitation plan is crucial. By following these steps diligently, you’ll recover faster and lower the risk of injuring your ankle again.
If you have an ankle sprain or the joint continues to give out, don’t hesitate to call the best orthopaedic doctor in ludhiana today.
