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Academy Foot and Ankle
1940 East State Hwy 114 Suite 150Southlake, TX 76092817-424-3668
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  • Home
  • Our Doctors
    • Paul T. Marciano, D.P.M.
    • Gregory J. Amelung, D.P.M.
    • Joel Dacus, D.P.M.
    • Philip Parr, DPM, MS
    • Larissa P. Rolim D.P.M., M.S.
    • Masoud Moradi, DPM, FAAPSM
  • Our Offices
    • Southlake
    • Keller (Fort Worth)
    • Hurst
    • Flower Mound
  • Conditions We Treat
    • Ankle Surgery
      • Ankle Arthroscopy
      • Total Ankle Replacement
      • Chronic Ankle Instability
      • Achilles Tendon Repair
    • Arthritis
      • Arthritis
      • Arthritis Surgery
      • Hallux Limitus/Hallux Rigidus
      • Spurs
      • Freiberg's Disease
      • Gout
      • Charcot Foot
    • Ball of Foot Pain
      • Capsulitis
      • Metatarsalgia
      • Metatarsal Surgery
      • Neuroma
      • Sesamoiditis
    • Bunions/Bunionettes
      • Bunions
      • Hallux Limitus/Hallux Rigidus
      • Tailor's Bunion (Bunionette)
      • Hallux Varus
      • Bunion Surgery
    • Congenital Deformities
      • Clubfoot
      • Dysplasia
      • Enchondroma
      • Gordon Syndrome
      • In-toeing
      • Jackson-Weiss Syndrome
      • Overlapping or Underlapping Toes
      • Pediatric Flatfoot
    • Corns/Calluses
      • Corns
      • Calluses
      • Heel Callus
    • Crossover Toe
    • Diabetic Foot
      • What Is Diabetes?
      • Diabetic Foot Care
      • Peripheral Arterial Disease
      • Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)
      • Charcot Foot
      • Neuropathy
      • Gangrene
      • Ulcers
      • Diabetic Complications: Amputation Prevention
      • Diabetic Shoes
    • Equinus
    • Flatfeet
      • Flatfeet
      • Pediatric Flatfoot
      • Adult Flatfoot
      • Flatfoot Correction
      • Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
      • Tarsal Coalition
    • Fractures/Trauma
      • What Is A Fracture?
      • Toe Fractures
      • Foot Fractures
      • Ankle Fractures
      • Pediatric Fractures
      • Stress Fractures
    • Hammertoes
      • Hammertoes
      • Mallet Toes
      • Claw Toes
      • Hammertoe Surgery
      • Crossover Toe
    • Heel Pain
      • Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Pain
      • Spurs
      • Plantar Fibromas
      • Haglunds Deformity
      • Pediatric Heel Pain (Sever's Disease)
    • Ingrown Toenails
    • Nail Fungus
      • Black Toenails
      • Common Fungal Problems
      • Nail Fungus
    • Nerve Conditions
      • Neuropathy
      • Alcoholic Neuropathy
      • Neuroma
      • Spasms
      • Ulcers/Wounds
      • Neurolysis
      • Charcot Foot
    • Pediatric Conditions
      • Children's Feet
      • Pediatric Flatfoot
      • Pediatric Heel Pain (Sever's Disease)
      • Tarsal Coalition
      • Pediatric Fractures
      • Kohler's Disease
      • Intoeing
      • Athlete's Foot
      • Smelly Feet and Foot Odor
      • Ingrown Toenails
      • Warts
    • Skin Conditions
      • Allergies
      • Athlete's Foot
      • Blisters
      • Neuropathy
      • Common Fungal Problems
      • Calluses
      • Chilblains
      • Corns
      • Cysts-Ganglions
      • Frostbite
      • Nail Fungus
      • Gangrene
      • Heel Fissures
      • Kaposi's Sarcoma
      • Lesions
      • Psoriasis
      • Smelly Feet/Foot Odor
      • Swelling
      • Ulcers/Wounds
      • Warts
    • Strains/Sprains/Sports Medicine
      • Achilles Tendon Repair
      • Ankle Sprain Injuries
      • Athletic Foot Care
      • Chronic Ankle Instability
      • Osteochondritis of the Ankle
      • Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction
      • R.I.C.E. Protocol
      • Shin Splints
      • Spasms
      • Sports Injuries
        • Baseball Injuries
        • Basketball Injuries
        • Cheer and Dance Injuries
        • Field Hockey Injuries
        • Football Injuries
        • Golf Injuries
        • Lacrosse Injuries
        • Rugby Injuries
        • Running and Track Injuries
        • Soccer Injuries
        • Softball Injuries
        • Tennis Injuries
        • Volleyball Injuries
      • Turf Toe
    • Tendonitis
      • Achilles Tendonitis
        • Xanthomas of the Achilles Tendon
      • Extensor Tendonitis
      • Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
    • Toenail Conditions
      • Ingrown Toenails
      • Nail Fungus
      • Subungal Exotosis
    • Vascular Conditions
      • Peripheral Arterial Disease
      • Acrocyanosis
      • Chilblains
      • Erythromelalgia
      • Ischemia
      • Raynaud's Phenomenon
      • Ulcers/Wounds
      • Venous Stasis and Vericose Veins
    • Warts/Soft Tissue Masses
      • Cysts-Ganglions
      • Warts
  • Patient Education
    • Basic Foot Care Guidelines
    • Bunion Prevention
    • Foot Care For Seniors
    • Foot Fitness
      • Foot Self-Exam
      • Self-Assessment Quiz
    • Nutrition For Your Feet
    • Top Foot Problems
    • Pedicures
    • Shoes
      • Anatomy of a Shoe
      • Athletic Shoe Guidelines
      • Childrens Shoes
      • Corrective and Prescription Shoes
      • Shoes: What To Look For
      • Getting a Proper Fit
      • Diabetic Shoes
      • Men's Shoes
      • Women's Shoes
      • Your Footprint
      • Wear Patterns
    • Women's Feet
      • High Heels
      • Stockings
      • Pregnancy
      • Women Over 65
    • Your Feet @ Work
    • Links
  • Patient Portal
  • New Patient Information
  • Our Services
    • Alcohol Injections
    • BOTOX Injections
    • Digital X-Ray
    • Extracorporeal Shock Wave
    • Lasers
    • Physical Therapy
    • PRP Injections
    • Custom Orthotics
    • Stem Cell Therapy
    • Sports Related Injuries
  • Contact Us
  • Patient Survey
  • Procedure Videos
  • Blog

Chronic Ankle Instability

What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?

Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring “giving way” of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. Usually the “giving way” occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen when you’re just standing. Many athletes, as well as others, suffer from chronic ankle instability.

People with chronic ankle instability often complain of:

  • A repeated turning of the ankle, especially on uneven surfaces or when participating in sports
  • Persistent (chronic) discomfort and swelling
  • Pain or tenderness
  • The ankle feeling wobbly or unstable

Cause of Chronic Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability usually develops following an ankle sprain that has not adequately healed or was not rehabilitated completely. When you sprain your ankle, the connective tissues (ligaments) are stretched or torn. The ability to balance is often affected. Proper rehabilitation is needed to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and “retrain” the tissues within the ankle that affect balance. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains.

Repeated ankle sprains often cause – and perpetuate – chronic ankle instability. Each subsequent sprain leads to further weakening (or stretching) of the ligaments, resulting in greater instability and the likelihood of developing additional problems in the ankle.

How is Chronic Ankle Insatbility Diagnosed?

In evaluating and diagnosing your condition, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask you about any previous ankle injuries and instability. Then he or she will examine your ankle to check for tender areas, signs of swelling, and instability of your ankle as shown in the illustration. X-rays or other imaging studies may be helpful in further evaluating the ankle.

Non-Surgical Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability

Treatment for chronic ankle instability is based on the results of the examination and tests, as well as on the patient’s level of activity. Non-surgical treatment may include:

  • Physical therapy.  Physical therapy involves various treatments and exercises to strengthen the ankle, improve balance and range of motion, and retrain your muscles. As you progress through rehabilitation, you may also receive training that relates specifically to your activities or sport.
  • Bracing.  Some patients wear an ankle brace to gain support for the ankle and keep the ankle from turning. Bracing also helps prevent additional ankle sprains.
  • Medications.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.  Note:  Please contact your physician before starting any new medications.

Surgical Treatment

In some cases, the foot and ankle surgeon will recommend surgery based on the degree of instability or lack of response to non-surgical approaches. Surgery usually involves repair or reconstruction of the damaged ligament(s). The surgeon will select the surgical procedure best suited for your case based on the severity of the instability and your activity level. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.

Patient Education

Patient Education Menu
  • What is a Podiatrist?
  • When To Call a Doctor
  • Foot Anatomy
  • Overview of Foot and Ankle Problems
  • Basic Foot Care Guidelines
  • Foot Problems
    • General Statistics
    • Achilles Problems
      • Achilles Tendonitis
      • Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction
      • Xanthomas of the Achilles Tendon
    • Ankle Problems
      • Ankle Sprain
      • Chronic Lateral Ankle Pain
      • Osteochondritis
    • Arch and Ball Problems
      • Capsulitis
      • Flat Feet (over pronation)
      • Metatarsalgia (foot pain in ball)
      • Plantar Fibromas (lumps in the arch of the foot)
      • Sesamoiditis
    • Common Foot Injuries
      • Ankle Sprain Injuries
      • Broken Ankle
      • Fractures
      • Osteochondritis (stiff ankle)
      • Osteochondromas
      • Shin Splints
      • Sports Injuries
    • Deformities
      • Amniotic Band Syndrome
      • Bunions
      • Claw Toe
      • Clubfoot
      • Dysplasia (Epiphysealis Hemimelica)
      • Enchondroma
      • Flat Feet
      • Gordon Syndrome
      • Haglund's Deformity
      • Hallux Limitus (Stiff Big Toe Joint)
      • Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)
      • Hallux Varus
      • Hammertoes
      • Jackson-Weiss Syndrome
      • Mallet Toes
      • Metatarsalgia
      • Osteomyelitis (Bone Infections)
      • Overlapping or Underlapping Toes
      • Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction
      • Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
      • Sesamoiditis
      • Spurs
      • Tarsal Coalition
    • Diabetes and Your Feet
    • Diseases of the Foot
      • Arthritis
      • Cancer
      • Charcot Foot
      • Freiberg's Disease
      • Gout
      • Kaposi's Sarcoma (AIDS related)
      • Kohler's Disease
      • Maffucci's Syndrome
      • Ollier's Disease
      • Raynaud's Disease
      • Sever's Disease
      • Sever's Disease
    • Fungus Problems
      • Common Fungal Problems
      • Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
      • Fungal Nails
    • Heel Problems
      • Haglund's Deformity
      • Heel Callus
      • Heel Fissures
      • Plantar Fasciitis (heel spur)
    • Nail Problems
      • Black Toenails
      • Ingrown Toenails
      • Nail Fungus
    • Skin Problems
      • Allergies
      • Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis)
      • Blisters
      • Burning Feet
      • Calluses
      • Corns
      • Cysts
      • Frostbite
      • Fungus
      • Gangrene
      • Lesions
      • Psoriasis
      • Smelly Feet and Foot Odor
      • Swelling
      • Ulcers
      • Warts
    • Toe Problems
      • Bunions
      • Claw Toe
      • Digital Deformity
      • Hallux Limitus (stiff big toe joint)
      • Hallux Rigidis (rigid big toe)
      • Hallux Varus
      • Hammertoes
      • Intoeing
      • Overlapping, Underlapping Toes
      • Subungal Exotosis (bone spur under toenail)
      • Turf Toe
    • Vascular/Nerve Problems
      • Acrocyanosis
      • Alcoholic Neuropathy
      • Chilblains (cold feet)
      • Erythromelalgia
      • Ischemic Foot
      • Neuroma
      • Spasms
      • Venous Stasis
  • Medical Care
    • Diagnostic Procedures
      • Computed Tomography
      • MRI
      • Ultrasound
      • X-Rays
    • Orthotics
    • Pain Management
      • General Information and Tips
      • Pain Management for Specific Conditions
    • Surgical Procedures
      • General Information
      • Achilles Surgery
      • Ankle Surgery
      • Arthritis Surgery
      • Arthroscopy
      • Bunion Surgery
      • Cyst Removal
      • Flatfoot Correction
      • Hammertoe Surgery
      • Heel Surgery
      • Metatarsal Surgery
      • Nerve Surgery (Neuroma)
      • Toe Surgery
    • Therapies
      • Athlete's Foot Treatment
      • Cryotherapy
      • Extracorporeal Shock Wave
      • Iontophoresis
      • Physical Therapy
      • Neurolysis
  • Fitness and Your Feet
    • General Information About Fitness and Your Feet
    • Aerobics
    • Fitness And Your Feet
    • Sports and Your Feet
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Cycling
      • Golf
      • Jogging and Running
      • Tennis
    • Stretching
    • Walking and Your Feet
    • Work Footwear
  • Foot Care
    • Basic Foot Care Guidelines
    • Athletic Foot Care
    • Blisters
    • Children's Feet
    • Corns and Calluses
    • Diabetic Foot Care
    • Foot Care For Seniors
    • Foot Self-Exam
    • Pedicures
    • Self-Assessment Quiz
    • Women's Feet
      • High Heels
      • Stockings?
      • Pregnancy
      • Women Over 65
    • Your Feet at Work
    • Bunion Prevention
    • Burning Feet
    • Fungus Problems
      • Athlete's Foot
      • Common Fungal Problems
      • Fungal Nails
      • Other Tips
      • Prevention
    • Ingrown Nails
    • Osteoporosis
    • Foot Odor and Smelly Feet
      • Prevention
      • Treating Foot Odor
  • Shoes
    • Anatomy of a Shoe
    • Athletic Shoe Guidelines
    • Children's Shoes
    • Corrective and Prescription Shoes
    • What To Look For
    • Getting a Proper Fit
    • Men's Shoes
    • Women's Shoes
    • Your Footprint
    • Wear Patterns
  • Links
    • Government
    • Associations/Groups
    • Online Resources


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Our Locations

817-424-3668 (FOOT)

1940 East State Hwy 114,
Suite 150
Southlake, TX 76092
 New loaction
 6501 Precinct Line Road
 Suite 100,
 North Richland Hills, TX 76182
 
4444 Heritage Trace Pkwy.,
Suite 400
Keller, TX 76244
5810 Long Prairie Rd.,
Suite 400
Flower Mound, TX 75028
 
Office Hours
Monday:9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
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