I sprained my ankle six months ago, and it still feels unstable, as if it could give out at any moment. Why is this happening?
Muscle strength is crucial for stabilizing a joint, but other factors also contribute to ankle stability. One key factor is proprioception, the ability of the joint to sense its position and adjust accordingly to maintain balance.
Proprioception exercises are often included in ankle rehabilitation programs. Recent studies have also shown that the muscles responsible for pulling the foot and ankle inward (called invertors) may remain weak after an ankle sprain.
While typical rehab exercises focus on the muscles on the outside of the ankle (the evertors), weakness in the invertors could be contributing to your ongoing instability. If you haven’t participated in an ankle rehab program, consulting a physiotherapist can be beneficial. They can create a tailored program to address both muscle strength and proprioception to restore normal ankle function.
Reference:
Joanne Munn, et al. “Eccentric Muscle Strength in Functional Ankle Instability.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, February 2003, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 245-250.