ANKLE GIVING OUT AFTER A SPRAIN

A year ago, I sprained my right ankle. While it doesn’t hurt anymore, it still gives out on me. What could be causing this?

Even after the initial pain from an ankle sprain has subsided, you might experience ongoing issues like instability. This is often due to weakened ankle muscles and a loss of proprioception.

Proprioception refers to the joint’s ability to sense its position and movement. Ankle sprains can damage the receptors responsible for this, which are located in the ligaments, muscles, and tendons. When these receptors are injured, proprioception decreases, leading to a sense of instability or the ankle “giving out.”

A rehabilitation program focused on restoring muscle strength and improving proprioception can be very beneficial in addressing these issues.

Reference: Valter Santilli, MD, et al. “Peroneus Longus Muscle Activation Pattern During Gait Cycle in Athletes Affected by Functional Ankle Instability.” American Journal of Sports Medicine, August 2005, Vol. 33, No. 8, pp. 1183-1187.