What Causes Ankle Instability?

Ankle instability requires a proper diagnosis by a podiatrist. Podiatrists focus their attentions on treating patients who are experiencing problems with their feet, ankles and lower legs. This means if you are someone who injures your ankles often, it is necessary for you to make an appointment so you can find out whether or not you are living with chronic ankle instability.

TREATING ANKLES

Learning more about ankle instability, as well as what a podiatrist can do is smart. While many people who are experiencing problems in the ankles will first think to contact their primary care doctor, it is likely that after being examined the patients will be referred to a podiatrist for care. Even though it is not completely understood, some people are simply more prone to ankle injuries. Just taking a wrong step or twisting the wrong way can injure someone’s ankle and when this happens repeatedly, a chronic ankle instability diagnosis may be necessary.

WHAT CAUSES ANKLE INSTABILITY?

Ankle instability is caused when the ankle is repeatedly injured. Oftentimes, the ankle does not heal properly or is not able to fully heal before it is injured again. It is important for any ligaments in the ankle that are stretched or torn to fully and properly heal, otherwise the ankle will not be at its strongest. When ligaments are damaged and not allowed to heal properly, it makes it much more difficult for the ankle to support someone’s body weight.

Additional causes include a diagnosis of ankle joint arthritis, a fracture in one of the ankle bones and swelling within the lining of the ankle joint. An injury to the nerves in the ankle and a buildup of scar tissue in the ankle after it has been injured can also be a cause.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANKLE INSTABILITY

Some of the more common signs and symptoms that will let someone know it is a possibility that an ankle instability diagnosis may be coming include discomfort, pain and difficulty walking. Other symptoms are stiffness, swelling, tenderness and an overall feeling of weakness in the ankle. Some people will experience one or two symptoms, while others will experience many or all.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Patients can deal with any pain they are experiencing by taking over-the-counter medications or prescription anti-inflammatory medications. The patients can also undergo physical therapy or wear an ankle brace. Being immobile until an ankle injury has completely healed helps as well. It will depend on each patient’s particular situation when it comes to which treatment option a podiatrist will use to help stop the pain.

NEED YOUR ANKLE EXAMINED BY A PROFESSIONAL?

Do you think you are suffering from ankle instability? Do you need your ankle examined by a professional podiatrist? If one or both of your ankles are not as stable as they are supposed to be, then contact your podiatrist now for a consultation appointment. Your ankles need to be in good health as they play a very important role in your ability to perform your everyday functions.

Request an appointment here: https://footdoctorinsanjose.com or call Leonard Greenwald, D.P.M. at (408) 827-9483 for an appointment in our San Jose office.

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