Ankle instability is typically as a result of one or multiple ankle sprains. A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you twist, turn, or roll your ankle. This can overstretch or tear the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together. An ankle sprain typically occurs on the outside of the ankle when the ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion. The most commonly injured ankle ligaments are the three ligaments that compose the lateral complex: the anterior talofibular (ATFL), the calcaneofibular (CFL), and posterior talofibular (PTFL).
The Most Common Signs & Symptoms of Ankle Instability or Ankle Sprain
- Pain, especially with weight bearing
- Tenderness when touching the ankle
- Swelling and bruising
- Limited ankle mobility
- Popping sensation or sound at the time of injury or sprain
The Most Common Causes of Achilles Instability
- Falling or landing awkwardly on your foot causing your ankle to twist
- Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
- Someone else stepping or landing on your foot during a sports activity
Risk Factors For Developing Ankle Instability
- Participation in sports. Ankle sprains are a common injury in sports, especially activities that require jumping, cutting, or rolling or twisting of the foot such as basketball, tennis, football, soccer and trail running.
- Uneven surfaces. Walking, jogging, or running on uneven surfaces or poor conditions may increase the risk of an ankle sprain, leading to ankle instability.
- Prior ankle injury. Once you’ve sprained your ankle or had a previous ankle injury, you’re more likely to injure it again.
- Poor physical condition. Poor strength, endurance or flexibility in the ankle joints may increase the risk of ankle injury when participating in sports.
- Improper shoes. Shoes that aren’t appropriate for an activity, as well as high-heeled shoes in general, increase the risk of ankle injury.
