From ankle sprain to chronic ankle instability: more common than you think.
Ankle sprains commonly occur in sport and even everyday activities. This often results in swelling and bruising to the ankle, as well as instability in the ankle joint. In fact, many patients have ongoing pain and instability in their ankle, with up to 40% developing ‘chronic ankle instability’ after a first-time ankle sprain (1, 2).
The development of chronic ankle instability is complex, but symptoms can include:
- A ‘feeling’ of ankle joint instability
- ‘Giving way’ of the ankle joint
- Recurrent lateral ankle sprain injuries
Re-injury and ongoing instability can have long term consequences, including high medical costs, lost work/sport time, and the development of ankle joint osteoarthritis in the long-term.
There is a common perception that ‘it’s just a rolled ankle’ and the temptation to avoid getting adequate treatment. Variability also exists in advice regarding management of ankle injuries or misdiagnosis given by practitioners. The highest predictor of an ankle sprain occurring is a history of a previous ankle sprain. This highlights the need for accurate, specific diagnosis and early optimal management when an ankle injury occurs (2). It also means recurrent ankle sprains should be assessed for the presence of chronic ankle instability to give the best advice for the injured individual.
Physiotherapy has been shown to be highly effective for rehabilitating lateral ankle sprains, as well as preventing and managing chronic ankle instability (2). Our Sports Physiotherapists have advanced knowledge to diagnose and manage ankle injuries with the aim to minimise the chance of chronic ankle instability with long-term consequences.
1. Delahunt E, Remus A. Risk Factors for Lateral Ankle Sprains and Chronic Ankle Instability. Journal of Athletic Training. 2019;54(6):611-6.
2. Gribble PA, Bleakley CM, Caulfield BM, Docherty CL, Fourchet F, Fong DT-P, et al. Evidence review for the 2016 International Ankle Consortium consensus statement on the prevalence, impact and long-term consequences of lateral ankle sprains. British journal of sports medicine. 2016;50(24):1496-505.