How to Prevent Chronic Joint Instability Following a Severe Ankle Injury

An ankle sprain or fracture is devastating, especially when it takes weeks or months to heal properly. However, the recovery process is more critical than you may realize.

The biggest threat to your joint after a severe ankle injury is chronic joint instability, which causes the lateral aspect of the ankle joint to give out repeatedly. The most significant risk for chronic ankle instability is recurrent ankle sprains, but other injuries also play a role.

Chronic joint instability is a significant problem you should be worried about after an ankle injury. Dr. Jeffrey E. McAlister and his Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute team provide customized treatments and preventive measures to keep your ankle joint stable after a severe injury.

Dr. McAlister is a foot and ankle specialist who knows the ins and outs of the ankle joint, and he provides each patient with a personalized treatment plan to avoid complications after an injury.

What is chronic joint instability?

Chronic joint instability is a complication in the ankle joint after a severe injury or from inflammatory conditions like arthritis. It causes the ankle to give way on the lateral aspect of the joint, usually from weakened or overstretched ligaments.

The damaged ligaments make it extremely difficult to balance the injured joint, causing repeat sprains and further stretching of the ligaments. With each new injury, the joint instability worsens, causing more complications.

Balance problems and repeat injuries aren't the only signs of chronic joint instability of the ankle. You may also experience chronic swelling and persistent discomfort, along with tenderness and an unstable feeling in the joint.

The good news is that we can treat chronic joint instability through both conservative and surgical approaches. The goal is to recognize the problem early enough to avoid surgery.

Risk factors for joint instability

The most significant risk factor for chronic joint instability is a severe injury to the ankle joint and ligaments that don't heal properly. When the ligaments don't heal, they remain stretched, which causes instability in the joint.

Allowing an ankle sprain to heal is the most critical factor in chronic joint instability. Without healing correctly, you're at risk for repeat injuries, which only increases the chances of chronic joint instability.

The other risk factor in joint instability is not recovering the injury properly through physical therapy. To prevent chronic instability, you need to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the injury to provide a stable base and prevent further injury.

Repeated injuries to the ankle joint are a real problem for chronic joint instability. If the instability continues and you can't eliminate symptoms through conservative measures, you may need surgery to correct the problem.

Tips to prevent chronic joint instability

Preventing joint instability after a severe ankle injury is the best way to avoid joint complications. The key to preventing instability lies in the recovery period after an injury.

The first step in preventing long-term joint instability is taking care of an ankle injury as soon as it happens. Get off your ankle and apply ice and compression immediately to control swelling.

Next, seek treatment as soon as possible for your injury. Letting the injury go without expert treatment leads to complications and may prevent the ankle from healing correctly.

The best way to prevent chronic joint instability in the ankle is to regain strength and balance in the affected joint. Dr. McAlister recommends physical therapy to regain strength and balance, as well as improve your range of motion, reducing the chances of further injury.

Dr. McAlister also recommends ankle bracing or orthotics to give you stability and support as the ankle heals. The goal is to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible while allowing enough time for the ligaments and joints to heal, preventing further injury and instability.

After a severe ankle injury, call Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute as soon as possible at 602-761-7819 to schedule a consultation with Dr. McAlister, or request an appointment using our online booking tool.