How Ankle Instability Affects Foot and Ankle Health
While ankle instability may seem like a minor issue, it can significantly affect your overall foot and ankle health, as well as your mobility. In this blog post, New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group explores how ankle instability impacts your quality of life so you can take the first step toward finding relief.
What is Ankle Instability?
Ankle instability occurs when the ligaments and tissues surrounding the ankle joint become weakened or damaged, leading to a lack of support and stability. This instability often results from repeated ankle sprains, trauma, or chronic overuse, causing the feeling of the ankle “giving way.”
How Ankle Instability Affects Foot and Ankle Health
- Increased Risk of Recurrent Injuries
When the ankle lacks stability, it becomes more prone to injury during everyday activities or physical exertion. Each new injury can further weaken the ligaments and tissues, creating a cycle of instability.
- Altered Gait and Posture
To compensate for the instability, individuals often alter their gait or posture, resulting in uneven weight distribution and abnormal walking patterns, which can strain other parts of the lower body.
- Joint Pain and Arthritis
Chronic ankle instability can contribute to joint pain and may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the ankle joint. The repeated stress and trauma on the joint can accelerate the wear and tear of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Decreased Range of Motion
An unstable ankle may limit the range of motion, making it difficult to perform daily activities and exercises. Reduced flexibility in the ankle joint can impact your ability to walk, run, or engage in physical activities, affecting your overall quality of life.
- Impaired Balance and Coordination
The lack of support from the ankle joint affects the body’s ability to sense its position in space. Poor balance can increase the risk of falls and accidents, particularly in older adults.
Ankle instability can have a significant impact on your overall foot and ankle health, as well as your mobility. If you’re looking for help with this condition, the team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group is here for you! With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.
