Almost everyone will experience some type of ankle issue at some point. Ankle instability is a prime example, and over time, it can erode your confidence in staying active. Unfortunately, ankle instability can get worse as you move through the later stages of middle age.
At Ohio Foot and Ankle Center, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services for a wide range of foot and ankle issues. Our specialists, Aaron Chokan, DPM, and Kristina Minniti, DPM, are here to help determine the source of your symptoms and put you on a fast path to relief. We proudly serve residents of Canton, Stow, and Rittman, Ohio.
If you sometimes feel like your ankle is going to roll or give way, you might have a condition called ankle instability. Other symptoms include swelling, discomfort, pain, and tenderness. Your ankle might turn when you’re walking or running, but it can also happen when you’re standing still on a perfectly level surface.
People with ankle instability live with ongoing worries that they can roll or turn their ankle at any time. This leads many sufferers to limit physical activity. While this is understandable, staying active is an essential part of your overall health. When you sit still for too long, a cascade of other health issues can develop.
Aging brings a wealth of wisdom and experience, but it can also take a toll on your body. As the years pass, your joints take on normal wear and tear. At the same time, some people experience age-related issues, such as circulatory problems and muscle loss.
Your ankles play a vital role in daily mobility, taking on the stress and strain of your body weight and adapting as you move across different terrain. You don’t have to be a distance hiker or marathon runner to experience ankle issues; even simple things like stepping off a curb or taking a few steps each day can challenge your joints.
Arthritis is also a factor for people over 50. Inflammation, cumulative wear and tear, and previous ankle injuries can all increase your risk of ankle arthritis. Once the condition develops, chronic inflammation leads to increased ankle pain and decreased stability.
Ankle sprains are a leading cause of ankle instability. That’s because the ligaments in your ankle become stretched or torn when you experience a sprain. If you don’t allow these tissues to fully heal, your risk of subsequent sprains increases. This can lead to a cycle that eventually creates ankle instability.
Stretching before exercise and avoiding pushing too far beyond your fitness level can reduce your risk of ankle and foot injury. Physical therapy can help strengthen your ankle and lower your risk of future incidents. If you have arthritis, treatment can help control discomfort and inflammation.
If your ankle specialist determines that you have ankle instability, you’ll explore treatment options that align with your joint health and overall health. In general, the specialists at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center prefer to take a conservative approach when possible.
This might include wearing a brace for a period to stabilize the ankle or undergoing a course of physical therapy to strengthen the lower leg, ankle, and foot. Many people can manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications, which can also help control swelling.
In some instances, surgical intervention is the best way to repair a damaged ankle. Minimally invasive surgical techniques allow your practitioner to repair damaged ankle components with only a few small incisions, which reduces recovery time.
If you’ve noticed changes in your ankle strength and stability, or if you simply want to learn more about lowering your risk of ankle instability as you age, reach out to the administrative team at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center to schedule a visit. Online scheduling is an option, or you are always welcome to call our office to speak with someone directly.
