ANKLE TWINGES WITH CERTAIN MOVEMENTS

I’ve noticed that my left ankle “twinges” during certain activities, such as walking on uneven surfaces or stepping off curbs. I had a severe sprain a year ago—does this mean I’m repeatedly spraining it?

The ankle is highly sensitive to movement, relaying information to the brain to adjust speed and direction through a process known as proprioception.

A sprain can damage the joint capsule and surrounding tendons or muscles, impairing proprioception. The “twinges” you feel could be due to delayed feedback, weak muscles, or both. Recurrent sprains often lead to pain, swelling, and reduced motion.

These sensations might indicate impaired proprioception, increasing the risk of future sprains. A targeted rehabilitation program can help restore proprioception and reduce the risk of further injury.

Arienne de Jong, MSc, et al. “Performance in Different Proprioceptive Tests Does Not Correlate in Ankles with Recurrent Sprain.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, November 2005, Vol. 86, No. 11, pp. 2101-2105.