Occasional ankle issues are usually nothing to be concerned about and happen as a result of the daily stress and strain placed on this relatively small area of your body. But if you’re experiencing frequent ankle rolling, it might be a sign of a more serious podiatric health matter.
Fortunately for residents of Canton, Stow, and Rittman, Ohio, help is available from a team of outstanding podiatry specialists at Ohio Foot and Ankle Center. Our team is here to help you navigate any foot or ankle health concern.
Let’s discuss the common complaint of “rolling ankles,” including what it feels like and what might be causing it.
Your ankles are designed to help support your body weight and enable mobility. A relatively small area of your body, the ankles, delivers a number of important services. When a problem arises in the ankle joints, instability can occur.
That can cause an experience commonly referred to as ankle rolling. What people mean by this term is that their ankle has twisted out of alignment or become so unstable that the foot rotates in an abnormal inward motion.
A rolled ankle is less pronounced than a sprained ankle, in which the ligaments that hold bones together have sustained damage. This can range from microscopic tears to a complete rupture. With a rolled ankle, the ligaments have usually only stretched.
Understanding the symptoms of a rolled ankle can help you determine when you may need to seek treatment.
If you notice any of the following changes in your ankle, you might be dealing with a rolled ankle:
Perhaps the most troubling outcome of frequent ankle rolling is the fear that the condition could develop at any time, getting in the way of your normal routines or leaving you stranded in the middle of a long walk or run. Many people limit their daily activities out of fear that they’ll roll their ankle.
A number of factors could be causing or contributing to frequent ankle rolling. Some of the more common causes include:
Over time, frequent ankle injuries can weaken the ligaments that keep the ankle joints in position. This leads to a condition known as ankle instability and dramatically increases the risk of future ankle problems, including rolling.
If there’s no significant damage to your ankle components, you might be able to find relief through targeted exercises aimed at strengthening the joints. Bracing or taping the ankle can help provide a bit more support while walking or running.
Choosing the right footwear can make a big difference in your ankle stability. You might even try a pair of custom orthotics, which are inserts designed specifically for your foot contouring and worn within your shoes.
In some cases, surgery is the best way to address severe ankle damage. Anatomic reconstruction works by surgically repairing torn or stretched ligaments. Tendon grafting is also an option, and helps build up tendon strength.
Tenodesis is an approach that stabilizes the tendon by attaching it directly to a nearby bone, limiting the foot's ability to roll in an abnormal direction.
When you rely on Ohio Foot and Ankle Center for diagnostic and treatment services, we begin by assessing your feet and ankle, discussing your symptoms, and performing advanced imaging when needed.
That information helps shape your customized treatment plan, and you play an active role throughout that process. If you’re concerned about ongoing ankle rolling, reach out to our team online or by phone to schedule a visit at one of our offices in Canton, Stow, or Rittman, Ohio.
