Why Your Ankle Keeps Giving Out and How to Fix It

Around 40% of people who experience an ankle sprain go on to develop chronic ankle instability. Instead of fully healing, the ankle continues to feel weak, and unstable, or as though it might suddenly give out during everyday activities.

At Alpine Foot & Ankle, our team, led by Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, treats sprained ankles and diagnoses chronic ankle pain and instability. We implement individualized treatment strategies to curb pain, strengthen the ankle, and restore normal ankle function. 

What is chronic ankle instability?

Lateral ankle sprains are the most common cause of chronic ankle instability, which occurs when the ligaments on the outside of your ankle overstretch and tear. Ligaments are responsible for keeping the bones of your ankle stable during movement. 

When they remain loose or weak after an injury, your ankle becomes more susceptible to rolling, twisting, or giving out unexpectedly.

You may notice symptoms such as:

• A feeling of weakness or instability
• Ankle unable to support you when you put pressure on it
• Frequent ankle sprains
• Pain or tenderness around the joint
• Swelling that comes and goes
• Difficulty participating in sports

Although athletes who play sports that involve cutting, jumping, or quick changes in direction are at higher risk, chronic ankle instability can affect anyone who has experienced one or more ankle sprains. This is true even if the original injury happened years ago.

Why an expert evaluation matters

Many people assume recurring ankle sprains are simply something they have to live with. In reality, ongoing instability may suggest an underlying problem that deserves professional attention.

Dr. McCall takes a comprehensive approach in identifying ligament injuries and other conditions that can contribute to ankle instability, such as tendon injuries, cartilage damage, fractures, or arthritis.

He may recommend imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to provide a clearer picture of your ankle structure. Identifying the exact source of your symptoms allows the team at Alpine Foot & Ankle to develop a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your ankle pain and instability.

Nonsurgical treatment options

Many of our patients with chronic ankle instability improve with conservative treatment, particularly when treatment starts before major joint damage develops.

Depending on your condition, Dr. McCall may recommend:

• Bracing 
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics 
• Activity modifications
• Anti-inflammatory treatments

These treatments are designed to reduce your current symptoms, decrease your risk of future ankle sprains and improve long-term function. Alpine Foot & Ankle also offers Nitronox PLUS to reduce anxiety and discomfort during select in-office procedures. 

When surgical reconstruction is the right choice

If your ankle continues to give out despite conservative treatment, surgical reconstruction may be the most effective way to restore lasting stability.

When appropriate, Dr. McCall performs minimally invasive procedures for ankle instability using specialized instruments and small incisions. Compared with traditional surgery, minimally invasive techniques limit disruption to surrounding tissues, often resulting in less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery. 

Don't ignore an ankle that keeps giving out

An ankle that repeatedly gives out can lead to additional ligament damage, cartilage wear, chronic pain, and an increased risk of ankle arthritis over time. Seeking treatment early can help protect your joint, improve your mobility, and reduce the likelihood of future injuries.

If chronic ankle instability is causing pain and disrupting your daily life, schedule an evaluation with the team at Alpine Foot & Ankle in Idaho Falls, Idaho and Alpine, Wyoming. We can identify the cause of your symptoms, discuss your treatment options, and create a personalized plan to help you regain stability and get back to doing what you love.