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TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR A DAMAGED ATHLETE’S ANKLE

After spraining my right ankle numerous times during high school and college sports, I now struggle to walk without it giving way. Are there any effective treatments available?

There are several treatment options tailored to the condition of your ankle joint and the surrounding soft tissues.

First, a targeted exercise program might help. These exercises aim to enhance joint stability by strengthening the muscles around the ankle.

Another option is prolotherapy, sometimes referred to as sclerotherapy or reconstructive therapy. This treatment involves a specially trained doctor injecting a solution into the ankle. This solution promotes the formation of scar tissue around the damaged soft tissues, helping to create stronger bonds where the ligaments should stabilize the ankle.

If these methods don’t provide relief, surgery might be necessary. In the past, the only surgical option was ankle fusion, but now total ankle replacement (TAR) is also available. TAR can address issues related to ankle instability, especially in cases of severe sprains or repeated injuries like yours. Consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable treatment for your condition.

Reference:

Chris Coetzee, MD, FRCSC, and Michael D. Castro, DO. “Accurate Measurement of Ankle Range of Motion after Total Ankle Arthroplasty.” Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, July 2004, No. 424, pp. 27-31.