Ankle Instability

Ankle giving way or rolling? Our East Perth podiatrists treat chronic ankle instability to restore stability and stop recurring sprains. Book online.

A podiatrist moving a patient's foot and ankle through its range during an assessment

What Is Ankle Instability?

Ankle instability is a condition characterised by a recurring feeling of the ankle “giving way,” particularly during physical activities or on uneven surfaces. It often develops after repeated ankle sprains or injuries that weaken the ligaments and surrounding structures.

Common symptoms of ankle instability include:

A persistent feeling of the ankle being unstable or wobbly.

Frequent ankle sprains or rolling of the ankle.

Pain or tenderness around the ankle.

Swelling or discomfort after physical activity.

Causes of Ankle Instability

Ankle instability typically results from:

Repeated Sprains: Damage to the ligaments from multiple ankle injuries.

Ligament Weakness: Overstretched or torn ligaments that fail to provide adequate support.

Biomechanical Issues: Flat feet, high arches, or improper gait patterns that increase strain on the ankle.

Poor Rehabilitation: Inadequate recovery or strengthening after an initial ankle injury.

How JS Podiatry Treats Ankle Instability

At JS Podiatry, we offer comprehensive treatments to improve ankle stability, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries. Our approach includes:

Biomechanical Assessments: Identifying and addressing gait abnormalities or biomechanical imbalances.

Custom Orthotics: Providing tailored arch support and redistributing pressure to improve ankle stability.

Strengthening Exercises: Developing programs to strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the ankle.

Shockwave Therapy: Stimulating healing and reducing pain in chronic cases.

Prolotherapy: Promoting tissue repair and ligament strengthening for long-term stability.

Footwear Advice: Recommending supportive footwear to reduce the risk of further injuries.

Why Choose JS Podiatry for Ankle Instability Treatment?

Experienced Podiatrists: Our team specialises in treating musculoskeletal conditions like ankle instability.

Advanced Therapies: We use cutting-edge treatments, including shockwave therapy and prolotherapy, for effective results.

Holistic Care: We focus on treating the root cause of your condition to prevent recurrence.

Accredited Clinic: We accept Medicare, DVA referrals, and offer private health fund rebates via HICAPS.

Convenient Location: Visit us at 14 Wickham Street, East Perth, WA, for expert podiatry care.

Preventing Ankle Instability

To reduce the risk of ankle instability, we recommend:

Strengthening the muscles around the ankle with targeted exercises.

Wearing proper footwear that provides adequate support.

Using ankle braces or taping during high-impact activities.

Gradually increasing the intensity of physical activities to avoid overloading the ankle.

Book Your Appointment Today

Don’t let ankle instability limit your mobility or lead to recurring injuries. Contact JS Podiatry for expert care and effective treatment to restore your ankle stability and confidence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is ankle instability?
Ankle instability is a condition characterised by a recurring feeling of the ankle giving way, particularly during physical activity. It often results from previous ankle sprains that have stretched or torn the ligaments, leading to chronic instability.
What causes ankle instability?
The most common cause is recurrent ankle sprains. Repeated injuries can cause the ligaments to heal in a stretched-out position, reducing their ability to support the ankle. Other factors include inadequate rehabilitation after an initial sprain and anatomical variations like high-arched feet.
What are the symptoms of ankle instability?
Symptoms include frequent rolling or twisting of the ankle, persistent discomfort and swelling, a feeling of instability, and difficulty walking on uneven surfaces. Some people may also experience tenderness and a reduced range of motion.
How is ankle instability diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination to assess ligament stability and range of motion. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be used to evaluate the extent of ligament damage and rule out other conditions.
What are the treatment options for ankle instability?
Treatment options include physiotherapy focusing on strengthening and balance exercises, bracing, orthotics, or taping to support the ankle during activities, and in severe cases, surgical procedures like ligament repair or reconstruction.
When should I see a podiatrist about ankle instability?
If you experience frequent ankle sprains, a persistent feeling of the ankle giving way, or chronic discomfort, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plan.

Not sure this is worth an appointment?

Plenty of people sit on it for months, waiting to see whether it settles. Sometimes it does. Tell us what yours is doing and one of our podiatrists will read it and come back to you about whether it needs seeing, and what you can do in the meantime.

About your Ankle Instability
How long has it been going on?
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Meet the podiatrists you'll see

  • Johan Steenkamp Podiatrist · BPodMed Complex cases & sports injuries Book a time Book with Johan
  • Lucy Weekes Podiatrist · BSc DPM Complex lower-limb care & runners Book a time Book with Lucy
  • Mathew Millar Podiatrist · BSc DPM Biomechanics & rehabilitation Book a time Book with Mathew
  • Shivani Parihar Podiatrist · BSc DPM Paediatrics & sports rehab Book a time Book with Shivani

Get to the bottom of your pain

Book an assessment with our East Perth podiatrists, we’ll find the cause and build a plan to fix it. Same-day appointments often available.