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Ankle Ligament Tear / Ankle Instability
Conveniently located to serve Artesia, Rancho Cucamonga, and surrounding areas

The ankle is held together by both ligaments and tendons. The ligaments on both sides of the ankle are tightly attached to the bones. On the outside (lateral) aspect of the ankle there are 3 major ligaments. They help to restrict the motion of the ankle joint. Sprains are caused by an injury to the ankle from normal walking events to sports injuries, to falls from a height. Most sprains are of the inversion type. When a patient twists the ankle this usually occurs with the bottom of the foot turning towards the other foot, leading the outside of the foot and ankle to roll to the ground.

When there is an injury to the ligaments they can be stretched out or torn, leading to a sprain of the ligament, weakening them. There can also be damage done to the cartilage of the ankle joint leading to a defect of the cartilage (osteochondral defect) and ankle arthritis. In cases that are left untreated, or in cases after many sprains in a short period of time, there will weakening of the ligaments leading to instability of the ankle. This is called lateral ankle instability.

ankle-ligamenttearThere may be swelling, bruising, pain, clicking, ankle instability and recurrent ankle sprains. Clinical examination, X-rays and MRI are needed in order to make the proper diagnosis.

When to Come in for Ankle Ligament Tear/Ankle Instability Treatment

Because an ankle ligament tear comes with symptoms that many might dismiss as typical aches or soreness after physically demanding activities, patients might be tempted to ignore them.

However, if the pain doesn’t go away after a few days and has increased to the point of significant inconvenience or loss of mobility, patients are advised to immediately come in for a consultation.

If caught early enough, this injury can be treated effectively with less invasive methods, allowing the ligaments to recover completely. Leaving the injury untreated risks the need for more expensive procedures or can even result in permanent impairment.

Treatments for Angle Ligament Tear/Ankle Instability

Most of the time initial treatments are conservative therapy. Conservative therapy include: icing, ankle bracing, immobilization, injections, physical therapy and range of motion exercise.

If surgery is indicated, surgical correction depends on the severity of the injury to the ligaments. In some cases the stretched out ligaments can be tightened through arthroscopy. In most cases the ankle joint will need to be opened over the area of the ligaments and be repaired by placing them back onto the bone in their anatomic position. This repair will tighten and strengthen the ligaments again.

Ankle Ligament Tear/Ankle Instability Treatment Aftercare

If the ankle ligament tear was treated early, the recovery period may be just a few days.

If a surgical procedure was performed, the downtime can last several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. Patients are asked not to put any pressure on their ankle during the recovery period and to follow the instructions provided as closely as possible.

Find Out More

Schedule a consultation to learn more about treatment options for ankle ligament tears/ankle instability in Artesia. Contact us today to set up your appointment.

Any medical or health advice provided will be approved by a medically-trained and qualified professional unless a clear statement otherwise. The information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between patient and physician. Consult with your physician regarding a proper treatment plan for you.

The team at My Foot Clinic are highly trained and widely recognized as the best podiatrist in and around Reseda, Canoga Park, West Hills, Northridge, Chatsworth, Tarzana, Encino, Van Nuys, Artesia, Cerritos, and Norwalk.