Do I Have Chronic Ankle Instability?

Do you have repeated ankle sprains?

Do you feel that your ankle is wobbly or unstable, especially on uneven surfaces or when participating in sports?

Do you have recurrent pain, swelling, and tenderness over medial or lateral ankle after prolonged standing or walking?

Do you have persistent discomfort and swelling in your ankle?

Do you have pain or tenderness in your ankle?

Did you first sprained your ankle at a young age?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have chronic ankle instability. Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a condition characterized by loosening of the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. CAI is the result of repeated sprains of the ankle, which usually occur when the ankle joint has not adequately healed from a previous injury. In people with ankle sprains, the ligaments (bands of connective tissue that stabilize the joint) are stretched or torn. For this reason, they have an impaired ability to maintain balance. Each subsequent ankle sprain leads to a further weakening of the ligaments, resulting in chronic ankle instability.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have chronic ankle instability. Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a weak and unstable ankle joint. Every time you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way, you stretch your ligaments. With each subsequent stretching, the ligaments loosen and become weaker, which over time leads to a condition called chronic ankle instability. About 20% of people with acute ankle sprain develop CAI. A diagnosis of your condition will be determined by a foot and ankle surgeon. A diagnosis is based on your medical history, a physical examination and imaging tests, including an X-rays.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have chronic ankle instability. Chronic ankle instability (CAI) refers to an extremely unstable ankle. This condition develops over time after repeated cases of ankle sprains. Incomplete rehabilitation of an ankle that has not fully regained its function will lead to the development of CAI. Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, the condition of your ankle, as well as your activity level. Non-surgical treatment may include physical therapy, bracing and medications. If you have an extremely unstable joint, and none of the non-surgical treatment methods have helped, the foot and ankle surgeon may suggest surgery.