Chronic Ankle Instability After Repeated Sprains

Chronic ankle instability describes repeated sprains, giving way or reduced confidence after a previous ankle injury. It is not simply a “loose ligament.” Joint sensation, balance, strength, ankle mobility and movement control may all contribute.

Common features include recurrent rolling on uneven ground, hesitation during running or cutting, swelling after activity, poor single-leg balance and persistent stiffness. Assessment connects the injury history with ligament and tendon examination, ankle mobility, calf and evertor strength, balance, hopping, landing and sport demands. Imaging or medical review may be needed when bone pain, locking, persistent swelling or an unexpected course suggests another injury.

Rehabilitation usually combines mobility work, progressive calf and lateral ankle strengthening, foot control and balance tasks. Exercises progress from stable single-leg work to reaching, hopping, landing and changing direction. Manual therapy may support a meaningful mobility restriction but does not replace active training. Bracing or taping can be useful for selected high-risk activities while capacity is rebuilt.

Return to running and sport should be based on strength, balance, hopping, cutting, confidence and symptom response rather than a fixed calendar. Seek urgent assessment after major trauma, inability to bear weight, deformity, severe bone tenderness, numbness, a cold foot or true joint locking.

FAQ: Many people improve without surgery; surgical review is considered when meaningful instability persists after appropriate rehabilitation or when another structural injury is present. Walking helps activity tolerance but rarely replaces targeted balance and power training.

Local CTA: If your ankle keeps giving way, book an assessment at PhysioTech Clinic in Zahraa El Maadi for a measurable strength, balance and return-to-activity plan.