Ankle - Instability
To ensure a stable ankle, you have three ankle ligaments on the outside of your foot. If your ankle is unstable, these ligaments no longer function properly. We're happy to explain the cause of this complaint and what you can do to remedy it! Read on below:
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Which brace is best for you?
For your convenience we use 3 protection levels, that way you will always pick the right brace.
Level 1: Is colored green, and stands for Basic protection.
Level 2: Is colored orange, and stands for Advanced protection.
Level 3: Is colored red, and stands for Highest protection.
What's ankle instability?
When the ankle ligaments are stretched, an ankle is said to be unstable. A distinction is made between short-term and long-term ankle instability. Short-term instability is the most common and can be easily remedied with rest and the right brace. The body recovers by itself and you should be completely pain free within 12 weeks. If you are still experiencing pain and complaints after 12 weeks, you have long-term ankle instability. This will not go away by itself. Together with a medical specialist, you should determine what's the best treatment method for you.
What causes ankle instability?
An unstable ankle is often caused by a sprain. When you make a wrong movement, you can easily sprain your ankle. The foot then tilts inwards and the ankle tilts outwards. The ankle ligaments are stretched or sometimes even torn. This feels painful, and your ankle often turns blue and swollen. In most cases, this heals by itself, and you no longer experience any pain. In some cases, the ankle ligament does not heal properly and becomes unstable. Then it is really necessary to take follow-up steps.
What symptoms do you experience with an unstable ankle?
Complaints that often occur with an unstable ankle are: regularly going through your ankle, pain and swelling. These symptoms often disappear by themselves. You can also experience disturbed coordination, loss of muscle strength and loss of ankle stability. When you fall through your ankle more often, the risk of damage to the joint increases. This in turn can lead to damage to the cartilage, which in the long term can lead to osteoarthritis in the ankle.
How is an unstable ankle diagnosed?
The diagnosis of ankle instability is made by an orthopaedic surgeon. This specialist will physically examine you and ask about your medical history. X-rays of the ankle are then taken. If these do not provide sufficient insight, a CT scan and an MRI scan may also be ordered.
Which treatments are possible?
First, an attempt is made to remedy your symptoms without surgery. For example, you can strengthen the ankle ligaments with an ankle tape, a foot orthosis or an ankle brace from Podobrace. If the instability symptoms persist, depending on your age, the severity of the symptoms and your sporting activities, the decision may be made to perform surgery. During this surgery, the ankle ligament is reconstructed. The existing ankle ligament is first loosened, then shortened and then re-attached to the bone. In some cases, the existing ankle ligament is so damaged that a tendon is used to form a new ankle ligament. After the surgery, you will receive a plaster cast for 6 weeks for rehabilitation. After that, you will often receive physiotherapy to regain the strength to the ankle. The first 12 weeks after surgery, you will need to be careful with your ankle. Wearing a brace, foot orthosis or ankle tape from Podobrace can help.
