Ankle Instability
Ankle Instability Treatment in Jacksonville, Florida
An ankle that keeps rolling, wobbling, or “giving out” isn’t something you should have to work around. Chronic ankle instability often starts with one sprain that never fully healed, or a series of sprains that stretched the stabilizing ligaments over time. For many active adults, the problem becomes most obvious on uneven ground, during quick direction changes, or while playing sports such as pickleball or tennis.
At Rizk Orthopedics, Dr. Vikram Bala, DPM treats chronic ankle instability with a focus on restoring both mechanical stability and functional confidence. His treatment approach ranges from targeted rehabilitation and bracing to ankle arthroscopy, ligament repair or reconstruction, and treatment of associated tendon or cartilage injuries when needed.
What Causes Your Ankle To Give Out or Feel Unstable?
The outer ankle is stabilized primarily by the lateral ankle ligaments, including the ATFL and CFL. A significant sprain can stretch or tear these structures. Even when the pain improves, the ligaments may heal in a lengthened position. At the same time, the ankle can lose proprioception—the body’s ability to sense and react to position—which makes another sprain more likely.
That is why chronic instability is often a combination of two problems: loose or damaged ligaments and incomplete neuromuscular recovery.
If you’ve been dealing with ankle sprains for a while, it’s worth checking whether this is ligament laxity, a balance/strength issue, or another problem that can mimic instability.
Symptoms of Chronic Ankle Instability
Many patients describe a pattern of sprain, then “it gets better” to sprain again, and the ankle never feels quite right. Common symptoms include:
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Repeated ankle sprains, especially on the same side
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Persistent swelling or tenderness months after a sprain
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Pain on the outside of the ankle during activity
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A feeling of weakness or wobbling when you pivot or change direction
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Lost confidence in your ankle
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Difficulty trusting your ankle on uneven surfaces
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Difficulty returning to sports or trusting the ankle during workouts
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Persistent pain may also indicate an associated cartilage injury, tendon tear, scar tissue, or impingement inside the joint
If you’ve been dealing with an ankle sprain or instability, it’s worth checking whether this is ligament laxity, a balance/strength issue, or another problem that can mimic instability.
How is Ankle Instability Evaluated?
Dr. Bala examines ligament stability, foot alignment, ankle motion, tendon function, strength, and balance. X-rays are used to evaluate alignment and prior injury, with stress testing, ultrasound, and MRI added when needed.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many patients improve with focused rehabilitation that addresses balance, proprioception, foot and ankle strength, reaction control, mobility, and sport-specific movement. Bracing can also be useful during higher-risk activities while control is rebuilt.
When Is Surgery Considered?
Surgery may be appropriate when instability remains significant despite a well-performed rehabilitation program, when the ankle continues to roll, or when instability is associated with other structural problems.
A Broström-Gould repair is commonly used to tighten and repair damaged lateral ankle ligaments. More severe or revision cases may require reconstruction. Dr. Bala may also perform ankle arthroscopy at the same surgery to treat impingement, scar tissue, loose bodies, or cartilage injuries. Peroneal tendon pathology is another common source of persistent lateral ankle pain and may be treated at the same time when present.
Returning to Activity
The goal is a stable ankle patients can trust during daily life and recreation. Rehabilitation progresses through protection, motion, strength, balance, and sport-specific loading, with the practical goal of returning confidently to pickleball, tennis, running, hiking, gym workouts, or uneven ground.
If repeated ankle sprains or a feeling of instability are keeping you from the activities you enjoy, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Vikram Bala at Rizk Orthopedics today.
Your Ankle Instability Questions, Answered.
A ligament sprain is a broad term for stretching or partial tearing of ligaments (connective tissue between bones). A "tear" usually refers specifically to a severe, complete rupture (Grade 3) of that tissue. Sprains cause moderate pain/instability, while tears cause intense pain, severe swelling, and significant joint instability.
A sprain is the injury. Instability is what can remain afterward if the ligaments heal loose or rehab is incomplete.
Often it’s a mix of ligament laxity and loss of proprioception/balance control—both are treatable once identified.
A brace can prevent re-injury and reduce symptoms, but long-term improvement usually comes from restoring strength and balance through rehab.
If you’ve had repeated sprains, feel unstable on uneven ground, or you can’t return to activity confidently—an evaluation is worthwhile.
READY TO GET YOUR ANKLE STABLE AGAIN?
Call Rizk Orthopedics Today
If ankle instability is limiting your activities and causing pain, schedule an evaluation today. Call Rizk Orthopedics to see Dr. Vikram Bala: 904-731-3131
Patients throughout Jacksonville, Florida and beyond, are welcome to call (904) 731-3131 and schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!