For those grappling with chronic ankle instability, this persistent condition can transform simple activities like strolling through a park or climbing stairs into daunting challenges.
In Singapore, ankle sprains account for up to 85% of ankle injuries. While these numbers are alarming, what’s even more concerning is that 60% of first-time ankle sprains are expected to recur. Even more troubling, research shows that 20% of those who sprain their ankle go on to develop chronic ankle instability.
What is Chronic Ankle Instability?
But what exactly is the definition of chronic ankle instability? It’s more than just a regular sprain. It’s a complex condition characterised by a consistent feeling of giving way or persistent discomfort and recurring instability on the outer side of the ankle. It’s
People with this condition often describe their ankles as constantly “giving out”. This can happen during everyday activities like standing at work, walking the dog, or hiking, basically any time weight is put onto the ankle. The root cause typically traces back to a past injury that wasn’t fully healed or properly rehabilitated.
When you sprain your ankle, the connective tissues in the area are damaged. If not properly treated, these tissues can become weak and less capable of maintaining balance. This sets the stage for repeated strains, each one potentially further weakening the ankle and increasing the risk of re-injury. It’s a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break without proper intervention.
Recognising the Signs
Identifying chronic ankle instability can be complicated. Chronic ankle instability symptoms can be subtle at first, gradually worsening over time, making it important to catch early.
Common signs include a persistent feeling of ankle weakness, recurring pain, swelling that comes and goes, and difficulty performing specific movements or activities. The types of activities that cause weakness vary depending on the type of ankle instability. Perhaps most tellingly, sufferers often report a sensation of the ankle “giving way,” mainly when walking on uneven ground or during sudden directional changes.
So, if the symptoms are hard to nail down, you may be wondering how to diagnose chronic ankle instability. That’s why you reach out to a podiatrist, who knows how best to determine the precise state of your condition.Their diagnosis process typically starts with a thorough physical examination and a detailed patient history. Podiatrists will assess the ankle’s range of motion, strength, and stability through various tests to observe your gait. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs might be ordered to rule out fractures or evaluate the extent of ligament damage.
Modern Approaches to Treatment
The good news is that nonsurgical treatments are usually sufficient to address ankle instability and prevent recurring injuries after diagnosis. These chronic ankle instability treatments often include a combination of pain medications to reduce inflammation, physical therapy, and ankle braces for added stability.
1. Tailored Exercise Programs
One of the most important parts of any chronic ankle instability recovery plan is a tailored exercise program. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill ankle rotations. Podiatrists design specific chronic ankle instability exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle, improve balance, and enhance proprioception – your body’s ability to sense its position in space. The best exercises for ankle instability help retrain the muscles and prevent re-injury by strengthening ligaments and improving balance and coordination.
2. Custom Orthoses
But exercises alone aren’t always enough. This is where custom orthoses come into play. These aren’t your off-the-shelf insoles. Podiatrists create bespoke orthotic devices tailored to your foot’s specific shape and needs. These orthoses can support the ankle, redistributing pressure and improving overall foot alignment. For many with chronic ankle instability, orthoses can provide the stability needed while the ankle heals itself.
3. The Right Footwear
Footwear assessments have also become an integral part of managing chronic ankle instability. The right shoe can make all the difference, providing additional support and stability. Podiatrists evaluate your current footwear and make recommendations based on your foot type, gait pattern, and specific needs. They might suggest shoes with higher ankle support, better cushioning, or specific structural features complementing your orthoses.
4. Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy uses high-energy sound waves for those dealing with persistent pain or inflammation in the ankle to stimulate healing in the affected tissues. It can help reduce pain, improve blood flow, and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Many patients report significant improvements in pain and function of their foot after a series of treatments.
5. 3D Infrared Gait Analysis
One of the most exciting advancements in podiatric care for chronic ankle instability is integrating technology like 3D Infrared Gait Analysis. This sophisticated system allows podiatrists to analyse your walking or running pattern with unprecedented detail; by capturing data on how your foot strikes the ground, how weight is distributed, and how your ankle moves throughout the gait cycle, podiatrists can identify subtle abnormalities contributing to your instability. With this technology, they can then help you correct your walk to safeguard your ankle as you move.
6. RehaWalk®: Walking into the Future of Treatment
The RehaWalk® system combines a treadmill with advanced pressure sensors and real-time feedback, creating a powerful tool for both assessment and rehabilitation. As patients walk or run on the treadmill, the system provides detailed data on foot pressure distribution, gait asymmetries, and movement patterns. This information allows podiatrists to fine-tune treatment plans with remarkable precision.
A Multifaceted Approach to Stability
These advanced technologies represent a significant leap forward in managing chronic ankle instability. By combining traditional podiatric expertise with cutting-edge tools, our practitioners can offer more accurate diagnoses, personalised plans, and more effective rehabilitation programs.
For those struggling with chronic ankle instability, schedule an appointment with The Foot Practice today. We’ll help you get back on track, one step at a time.
