• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Ankle fractures
• Ankle sprains & instability
• Peroneal tendonitis/injury
• Swollen ankles
• Weak ankles

Ankle Sprains and Instability

Ankle sprains are injuries to one or more of the ankle ligaments on either side of the ankle. If the ankle rolls inward, the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle are usually injured. If the ankle rolls outward, the ligaments on the inner side of the ankle are usually injured.

Most ankle sprains can be treated conservatively. When the ankle sprain is severe and ligaments are torn or ruptured, surgery may be necessary.

Ankle instability

When the ankle suffers repeated sprains, the integrity of the ligaments can become compromised (stretched or torn). The ankle loses its ability to withstand further sprains and becomes unstable, making it even easier for the ankle to be sprained again. The more times the ankle is sprained, the further the ankle instability progresses. Depending on the extent of the ankle instability, the podiatrist will determine whether it can be treated nonsurgically or require surgical intervention to restore the integrity of the ligaments.

For more information, visit the ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability pages at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website.