After that first ankle sprain, have you ever noticed that that ankle is never quite the same?
Patients often say, “That’s my weak ankle,” “I twist that ankle every other week,” or “I will sprain that ankle just walking on level ground!”
Chronic ankle instability is common following an ankle sprain. Complete recovery from ankle sprains usually does not happen after just waiting for the swelling and bruising to subside and the pain to fade away.
Often, after an ankle sprain, the muscles that move the ankle joint remain weak and the ankle’s range of motion continues to be restricted. In addition, the joint’s proprioception, or ability to sense its location in space, is impaired. All of these weaknesses and changes can leave a sprained ankle vulnerable to future injuries even after healing.
If you are concerned about possible chronic ankle instability, seek out help from a sports medicine physician. Late treatment and rehabilitation for an ankle sprain is better than none at all… And at the very least will prevent future ankle injuries.
About Dr. Jocelyn Ricasa
Jocelyn Ricasa, MD, is board-certified in family medicine, internal medicine and sports medicine. She holds a doctor of medicine degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in Norfolk, Va. Also at EVMS, she completed the combined family medicine and internal medicine residency, during which she served as chief resident in her final year. Additionally, she completed a fellowship in primary care sports medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa.