Ankle Instability & Ligament Repair
Ankle injuries can happen unexpectedly, from stepping on uneven ground or landing awkwardly during a workout. They cause immediate pain, swelling, and tenderness, making it difficult to walk on your ankle.
Without proper evaluation and care, certain ankle injuries can lead to ongoing weakness, instability, and an increased risk of recurring injuries. Dr. Michael Krynski of MK Podiatry provides expert, comprehensive care to identify the underlying cause of ankle pain and instability. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Krynski focuses on relieving discomfort, restoring ankle stability, and supporting long-term ankle health.
If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain, weakness, or a feeling that your ankle frequently gives way, schedule an appointment with MK Podiatry today for an evaluation and treatment recommendations.
What Should I Know About Ankle Ligaments?
The ankle is a complex, weight-bearing joint that allows your foot to move while helping support your body. It is made up of 3 main bones (the tibia, fibula, and talus) along with tendons, muscles, and ligaments that work together.
Ankle ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect the ankle bones, maintain proper joint alignment, and provide stability by limiting excessive movement and supporting your ankle when you walk, stand, or run.
When an ankle is twisted beyond its normal range of motion, the ligaments can become stretched or torn, resulting in an ankle sprain. It can be helpful to think of ligaments as rubber bands. When they are stretched too far, they either lose their elasticity or are torn completely.
What Are the Causes of Ankle Instability?
The most common cause of ankle instability is recurrent ankle sprains. Either due to a sudden twist, turn, or awkward landing, the ligaments supporting your ankle are stretched beyond their limits and can no longer adequately support the joint. This leaves the feeling that the ankle is weak, unstable, or prone to giving way.
Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe depending on whether the ligament is stretched or completely torn. Although most ankle sprains heal with nonsurgical care, repeated sprains can weaken or stretch the supporting ligaments, reducing their ability to stabilize the joint and increasing the risk of chronic ankle instability.
Along with ankle sprains, ankle instability can be caused by ankle fractures or sports injuries, age-related wear and tear, or underlying inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Over time, these factors can affect the strength, stability, and function of the ankle joint, leading to persistent ankle weakness.
How is Ankle Instability Treated?
Treatment for ankle instability depends on the severity of ligament damage, your symptoms, and how the condition affects your daily activities. Dr. Krynski of MK Podiatry will evaluate your ankle and recommend the most appropriate nonsurgical or surgical treatment option.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Mild to moderate ankle instability can often be managed without surgery. There are many nonsurgical treatment options Dr. Krynski can recommend improving ankle instability, including:
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Ankle Bracing: Wearing a supportive brace during physical activities can help stabilize the joint and reduce the risk of additional sprains.
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Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises help strengthen the muscles surrounding the ankle, improve flexibility, and restore joint function.
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Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance and coordination can improve ankle stability and help prevent future injuries.
Surgical Treatment – Lateral Ankle Stabilization
Depending on the extent of the damage, surgery may involve tightening and repairing weakened ligaments through Lateral Ankle Stabilization.
Lateral Ankle Stabilization is a surgical procedure designed to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments on the outside (lateral side) of the ankle. It is commonly recommended for patients with chronic ankle instability who continue to experience pain, weakness, or repeated ankle injuries despite nonsurgical treatment efforts.
Why Visit MK Podiatry for Ankle Instability & Ligament Repair?
When you visit MK Podiatry for ankle instability and ligament repair, Dr. Michael Krynski will evaluate your ankle pain and identify the underlying cause. From there, he will develop a customized treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring stability, and improving mobility for your long-term health.
Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward stronger, more stable ankles. Conveniently located in Sugar Land, MK Podiatry serves patients throughout Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston area, including Missouri City, Stafford, Richmond, Rosenberg, and southwest Houston.
