Lateral Ankle Instability

Lateral ankle instability is a condition in which the ankle gives way or twists easily outward, usually after one or more prior sprains that left the ligaments on the outer side weakened or stretched.

Common symptoms: a sensation that the ankle 'gives out' when walking or on uneven terrain, recurrent pain, swelling after activity, and twists that recur with little provocation.

Common causes: sprains that did not fully recover and that affect the firmness of the lateral ligaments, as well as a lack of subsequent strengthening.

Who should you see? The orthopedist is the appropriate professional to assess the stability of the ankle and guide the most suitable management. If your ankle twists frequently or you do not feel secure bearing weight on it, it is worth having a specialist review it before the problem recurs.