How your foot and ankle surgeon in Carmel and Indianapolis, IN, can help when you have ankle instability

Your ankles perform many important functions, including supporting your weight and helping you walk. Your ankles need to provide stability for you to move properly. If you have ankle instability, it can dramatically affect your life.

Dr. Jeffrey Agricola at Prestige Podiatry offers comprehensive foot and ankle surgery and podiatry services including treatment of ankle instability. He has two convenient office locations in Carmel, and Indianapolis, IN, to help you.

Ankle instability is a condition which causes your ankle to roll, instead of providing support. Ankle instability is caused by weakened ligaments which surround your ankle bones. The ligaments become weak, often due to repeated ankle sprains which don’t heal completely. Over time, ligaments become stretched and weak, causing chronic ankle instability.

Other potential causes of ankle instability include:

• Inflammation or arthritis in your ankle joint
• Fracture of one of the bones in your ankle joint
• Scar tissue developed after a sprained ankle
• Inflammation of a tendon or a torn tendon
• Injury to the nerves passing through your ankle

You may have ankle instability if you notice:

• Tenderness or pain around your ankle
• Swelling around your ankle
• Your ankle rolling on the outer side
• Your ankle feels unstable when you walk, especially on uneven surfaces

If you notice any of the signs or symptoms listed above, you should visit your podiatrist, who may recommend:

• Prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
• Physical therapy to strengthen your ligaments and restore your range of motion
• Steroid medications
• Ankle braces or casts to support or immobilize your ankle

In severe cases which don’t respond to non-surgical treatments, surgery may be indicated to repair or reconstruct stretched, weakened, or damaged ligaments.

To learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of ankle instability, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Jeffrey Agricola at Prestige Podiatry. You can reach him in Carmel, IN, by calling (317) 846-4111 or in Indianapolis, IN, by calling (317) 881-0070, so call today.