How is Ankle Instability Diagnosed?
Ankle instability is a condition characterised by the ankle ‘giving way’ or feeling wobbly and unreliable, particularly on uneven surfaces. The “giving way” takes place on the lateral, or outer side and will often take place during sports and walking. However, it can also happen while standing and may be accompanied by swelling, discomfort, tenderness and pain. The ankle is supported by two main ligaments. The outer ligaments, known as the lateral ligaments, have three components which stop the ankle from rolling and sliding forward. These ligaments are attached to the fibula (small bone next to the shin bone) and the talus (the ankle bone) and calcaneus (heel bone). An ankle sprain stretches and tears these ligaments and if the sprain doesn’t heal properly, ankle instability can develop. Chronic ankle instability usually develops following a sprain that was not diagnosed properly or has not healed. If this is the case, the small nerve sensors inside the ligament are often damaged. The
