Chronic Ankle Instability Specialist  

Chronic Ankle Instability

Do you often feel like your ankle is giving out, especially on uneven ground? Have you had multiple ankle sprains that never seem to heal completely? You might be experiencing Chronic Ankle Instability. This is a condition that occurs after you have typically had repetitive ankle sprains. When your previous sprains have not healed appropriately, the ligaments remain weakened and damaged. This can cause further sprains and damage to occur.

At My Foot Specialist, our foot and ankle specialists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating this instability precisely, helping you regain confidence and strength.

Causes & Risk Factors for Ankle Instability

 Chronic instability usually develops after a single, significant ankle sprain that was not fully rehabilitated.

 How Ankle Instability Progresses:

1. Initial Injury:A sudden movement causes the ankle to twist, stretching or tearing the stabilizing ligaments.
2. Incomplete Healing:If you resume activity too quickly, the ligaments heal in a weakened, stretched-out position.
3. Chronic Weakness:The ankle joint loses its support, and the muscles that protect the joint stop responding quickly enough, leading to the feeling of the ankle “giving way.”

 Local Risk Factors:

 People who participate in high-impact or twisting sports common in Florida—such as tennis, soccer, basketball, and even pickleball—are at higher risk. Simple activities like walking on the sand at Siesta Key Beach can also expose instability.

The Path to Stability: Your Diagnostic Visit

 An accurate diagnosis is the most crucial step. During your visit with a Sports Podiatrist Bradenton at our clinic, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation:

• Clinical Exam: The specialist will assess your ankle’s range of motion, pinpoint areas of tenderness, and test the strength of your ligaments.

• On-Site Digital X-Ray: This immediate imaging study is performed right in the office to check for subtle bone fractures or signs of existing arthritis.

• Advanced Imaging: An MRI may be recommended to assess the severity of soft tissue damage, such as ligament or cartilage tears.

Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments 👟

 Our goal is always to restore full stability using the least invasive methods possible. For many patients, the chronic pain and instability can be resolved without surgery.

1. Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

 This is the cornerstone of non-surgical recovery. We work with patients to strengthen the key muscles that support the ankle joint. This training focuses on improving balance, coordination, and reaction time to stop the ankle from rolling before it starts.

2. Ankle Bracing & Supports

 Depending on the severity of the instability, the specialist may prescribe a custom or over-the-counter ankle brace to provide immediate support during activity.

3. Custom Orthotics

 Specialized Custom Orthotics help correct abnormal foot mechanics that may be putting extra stress on the ankle joint, giving your ankle a more stable base of support inside your shoe.

4. Regenerative Medicine

 For persistent ligament or tendon pain, advanced options like Regenerative Medicine (including Laser Foot Therapy with the Remy Laser) can be used to promote accelerated healing and reduce chronic inflammation directly at the site of the injury.

Meet Your Local Ankle Specialist: Dr. Jason Spector

You don’t have to live with a wobbly ankle. Dr. Jason Spector and our team are local ankle specialists dedicated to restoring motion and stability for residents of Bradenton, Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch.

With a specialization in sports medicine and reconstructive techniques, Dr. Spector ensures that whether you need intensive physical therapy or advanced ligament repair, you receive the most precise and personalized care.

Ready to stop rolling your ankle?

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT 

We are conveniently located to serve you in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch.