Why Does My Ankle Keep Giving Way After a Sprain?
Your ankle sprain happened months ago. The swelling has disappeared and you can walk normally again, yet the ankle still feels unreliable. It may wobble on uneven ground, give way during sport or make you hesitant when changing direction.
This can be a sign that the ankle has not fully recovered, even if it is no longer painful.
An ankle sprain affects more than the ligaments
Most ankle sprains occur when the foot rolls inwards, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. These ligaments provide mechanical support, but they also contain receptors that help your brain recognise the position and movement of the joint.
Following an ankle sprain, this communication system can become less effective. Your ankle may react more slowly when you land, turn or step onto an uneven surface. Weakness in the muscles around the ankle and reduced joint movement can add to the problem.
This combination can create the feeling that the ankle is unstable or about to give way.
Why rest may not be enough
Rest can help settle pain and swelling, but it does not necessarily restore strength, balance or coordination.
Once the ankle feels more comfortable, it is tempting to return to normal activity without completing rehabilitation. This can leave important deficits unnoticed during everyday walking. They may only become apparent when the ankle is placed under greater demand, such as running, jumping, playing sport or walking on uneven ground.
A brace or ankle taping may provide useful support in some situations, particularly when returning to sport. However, external support alone does not retrain the ankle’s movement and balance systems.
Could this become chronic ankle instability?
Repeated giving way after an ankle sprain may develop into chronic ankle instability. Common signs include:
- Recurrent ankle sprains
- A feeling of wobbling or instability
- Difficulty balancing on the affected leg
- Reduced confidence when running, jumping or changing direction
- Ongoing stiffness, swelling or discomfort
- Avoiding particular activities because the ankle feels unreliable
Each time the ankle gives way, there is a risk of another sprain and further damage. It is therefore worth having the ankle assessed instead of simply accepting that it has become a “weak ankle”.
Persistent pain may also have another cause. Cartilage injuries, tendon problems, fractures and joint impingement can sometimes occur alongside an ankle sprain and may require further investigation.
What does ankle sprain rehabilitation involve?
Effective ankle sprain treatment should be based on the particular problems found during an assessment. Rehabilitation may include exercises to improve ankle movement, calf and lower-leg strength, single-leg balance and control during functional activities.
As the ankle improves, exercises can progress to hopping, landing and changes of direction that reflect the demands of your sport or daily activities. Footwear, foot posture and walking or running mechanics may also need to be considered.
A Melbourne podiatrist can assess how your foot and ankle move together, identify factors contributing to instability and develop a rehabilitation plan suited to your activities. Where appropriate, footwear changes, taping, bracing or orthotics may form part of the treatment plan.
When should you have your ankle assessed by a podiatrist?
You should arrange an assessment with a one of our podiatrists if your ankle continues to give way, you have sustained several sprains or you do not feel confident returning to activity. You should also seek prompt medical attention if you cannot weight bear, have marked swelling or deformity, experience numbness, or have severe or worsening pain.
An ankle that is no longer swollen is not always an ankle that has fully recovered. Addressing lingering weakness and instability can help you move with greater confidence and reduce the likelihood of another injury.
At Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics, our Melbourne podiatrists assess ankle injuries, foot function and gait. If your ankle still feels unstable after a sprain, book an appointment at our Camberwell clinic to find out what may be preventing a complete recovery.
Does your ankle feel unstable after a sprain?
At Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics, our podiatrists assess ankle injuries, foot function and gait. So if your ankle still feels unstable after a sprain, book an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists today!