Chronic Ankle Instability Physiotherapy
Some people continue to experience ankle instability or recurrent sprains even after the pain and swelling from a previous ankle injury have settled. The ankle may feel unreliable during uneven-ground walking, stair descent, running, changing direction or landing, which can affect confidence during daily activities and sport.
If you have recently twisted your ankle and still have significant pain, swelling, difficulty with weight-bearing or restricted movement, you may first refer to [Ankle Sprain Physiotherapy].
Common symptoms
- Recurrent ankle sprains after a previous injury
- A feeling of instability during uneven-ground walking, stairs or changing direction
- The ankle feeling loose, weak or unreliable
- Reduced confidence during running, jumping or landing
- Recurrent ankle pain, stiffness or mild swelling in some cases
How physiotherapy assesses
Physiotherapy usually begins by looking at the history of previous ankle sprains, how the most recent injury occurred, and which daily or sporting activities tend to provoke instability or recurrent twisting. Where appropriate, ankle movement, strength, single-leg loading, balance, reaction and landing control may also be assessed to understand current ankle function and rehabilitation needs.
Further medical assessment may be appropriate where recurrent instability is accompanied by persistent pain, marked swelling, restricted movement, or a history of more significant ligament or bony injury.
How physiotherapy may help
Physiotherapy may include ankle strengthening, balance and movement-control exercises according to ankle stability, strength and activity needs. Rehabilitation can then progress gradually towards single-leg loading, change of direction, running, jumping and landing according to individual activity and return-to-sport goals.
If gait, ankle movement or lower-limb loading also needs further assessment, you may refer to [Foot & Lower Limb Biomechanical Assessment].
Related Conditions
Ankle Sprain
Achilles Tendinopathy
Flat Feet
Not sure whether your condition falls into this category?
You may first arrange a physiotherapy assessment to understand the more suitable management approach according to your symptoms, activity needs, and rehabilitation goals.