Serving Utah Valley
Stop Living on Shaky Ground: Treat Ankle Instability in Orem, UT
Do you feel like you can’t trust your ankle to hold you up? Does it roll or “give way” when you’re walking on uneven surfaces or even just standing still? You may be suffering from Chronic Ankle Instability, a condition that often develops after an ankle sprain has failed to heal properly. At Hoyal Podiatry in Orem, UT, Dr. James Hoyal specializes in stabilizing weak ankles to restore your confidence and mobility.
What is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic Ankle Instability is a condition characterized by a recurring “giving way” of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. It typically develops after multiple ankle sprains or a single severe sprain that was not fully rehabilitated. When you sprain an ankle, the connective tissues (ligaments) stretch or tear.
If these ligaments heal loosely or if the surrounding muscles remain weak, the ankle joint loses its ability to balance properly, leading to a cycle of instability and further injury.
Common symptoms include:
- A recurring turning of the ankle: Especially on uneven ground or during sports.
- A feeling of wobbliness or instability: Even when standing on a flat surface.
- Chronic discomfort and swelling: Pain on the outside of the ankle.
- Tenderness: The area may be sore to the touch.
- Fear of activity: You may find yourself avoiding sports or hiking for fear of rolling your ankle again.
At-Home Care and Prevention
While chronic instability often requires professional intervention, there are steps you can take at home to improve stability and prevent the next sprain:
- Ankle Bracing: Wearing a supportive brace or taping the ankle during sports or strenuous activity can provide mechanical support and prevent the ankle from rolling.
- Supportive Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes, such as high-top sneakers or hiking boots, that offer extra support around the ankle joint. Avoid high heels or unsupportive sandals.
- Balance Exercises: Simple balance training (proprioception) can retrain your muscles. Try standing on one foot for 30 seconds while brushing your teeth, then switch to the other foot.
- Strengthening: Gentle calf raises can help strengthen the muscles that support the ankle joint.
When to See a Podiatrist
Ignoring a weak ankle usually leads to more sprains, which can damage the cartilage inside the joint and lead to early arthritis. You should see Dr. Hoyal if:
- Your ankle feels unstable on a daily basis.
- You suffer from repeated ankle sprains, even minor ones.
- You have persistent pain or swelling that doesn’t go away with rest.
- You are unable to participate in your favorite activities because you don’t trust your ankle.
At Hoyal Podiatry, we look beyond the symptoms to find the root cause of your instability. Our treatment plans may include custom orthotics to correct foot alignment, specialized physical therapy to retrain balance and strength, or in some cases, surgical reconstruction to tighten the loose ligaments and permanently stabilize the joint.
Regain your balance and confidence.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoyal today to stop the cycle of ankle sprains.