Ankle sprains are a common injury, but if left untreated or recurring, they can lead to chronic ankle instability and, eventually, arthritis. Understanding the risks and treatment options is essential for long-term joint health.
What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic ankle instability occurs when the ligaments in your ankle become overstretched or weakened due to repeated injuries. These ligaments play a critical role in stabilizing the joint by maintaining the proper alignment of bones. When they are compromised, the ankle becomes prone to rolling or giving out, even on flat ground.
This instability doesn’t just impact the ankle—it can disrupt your body’s overall balance, a concept known as biotensegrity. Similar to tensegrity in architecture, where individual components work together to create a strong structure, biotensegrity ensures stability in our movements. When ligaments weaken, this balance is lost, increasing the risk of further injury and long-term damage.
Signs of Chronic Ankle Instability
You may need more than rest and ice if:
- Your ankle frequently rolls, even on flat surfaces.
- You experience lingering pain, swelling, or stiffness after a sprain.
- You feel unsteady or weak during activities.
These symptoms are red flags that your ankle has not fully healed and requires attention.
Why Treat Chronic Ankle Instability?
Ignoring chronic instability can lead to progressive joint damage, including osteoarthritis. Weak ligaments can no longer keep bones properly aligned, causing uneven stress on the joint surfaces. Over time, this leads to cartilage wear and tear, resulting in pain and restricted mobility.
Advanced Treatments: Prolotherapy and PRP
Regenerative medicine offers innovative solutions to treat the root cause of chronic instability: weakened ligaments.
- Prolotherapy: This treatment involves injecting a dextrose solution into the ankle ligaments and joint. It stimulates mild inflammation, encouraging the body to repair and strengthen the ligaments, restoring stability.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP uses a concentrated solution of your own healing cells, injected into the joint and surrounding tissues. It repairs and strengthens damaged ligaments more effectively than prolotherapy alone.
- Bone Marrow Concentrate: For severe cases, this advanced treatment delivers a higher concentration of stem cells to target and heal damaged ligaments.
When to Seek Help
If you’ve had multiple ankle sprains or feel your ankle hasn’t fully recovered, it’s time to consult a specialist. Early intervention with regenerative treatments can restore stability, relieve pain, and prevent arthritis—without the need for surgery.
Protect your joints today. Address chronic ankle instability early to stay active and pain-free.
How to Treat Ankle Sprains and Prevent Chronic Instability
Runners, make sure knee and ankle instability are not a problem.