An ankle sprain might seem like a temporary injury — something that heals after a few weeks of rest. But if you find yourself spraining the same ankle repeatedly, there may be a bigger issue at play.
Recurring ankle sprains are often a sign of chronic ankle instability, a condition where the ligaments that support the ankle become weakened or stretched over time.
“Many patients assume repeated ankle sprains are just bad luck,” says Dr. Alivia Passet, foot and ankle surgeon at The Iowa Clinic. “But in many cases, it’s a sign that the ankle joint has become unstable and needs proper treatment.”
Left untreated, chronic ankle instability can lead to additional injuries and long-term joint problems.
Previous Sprains Increase Your Risk
One of the biggest risk factors for repeated ankle sprains is a history of a previous sprain.
During an ankle sprain, the ligaments that stabilize the joint stretch or tear. Even after the pain improves, those ligaments may not fully regain their original strength or stability. Each additional sprain can further weaken the ankle and increase the likelihood of future injuries.
In fact, research shows that many people develop chronic symptoms after an ankle sprain, including pain, swelling and recurrent instability.
This cycle can lead to a pattern where the ankle becomes more vulnerable each time it’s injured.
Why Lateral Movement Stresses the Ankle
Sports and activities that involve side-to-side movement put significant stress on the ankle joint.
When you cut, pivot or change direction quickly, the ankle must stabilize the body while absorbing force from multiple directions.
This is especially true in activities like:
- Pickleball
- Basketball
- Tennis
- Soccer
- Trail running
Most ankle sprains occur on the outer (lateral) side of the ankle, where ligaments are more susceptible to rolling injuries. Repeated stress in these movements can increase the risk of ligament damage and instability.
What Chronic Ankle Instability Looks Like
Chronic ankle instability often develops after repeated sprains or an ankle injury that didn’t fully heal. The condition is characterized by a recurring “giving way” of the ankle, especially during activity or on uneven surfaces.
People with chronic ankle instability often experience:
- The ankle repeatedly “rolling” or giving out
- Ongoing swelling or tenderness
- Pain during activity
- A feeling that the ankle is wobbly or unstable
- Difficulty with balance or uneven ground
“Patients often describe their ankle as feeling unreliable,” says Dr. Passet. “They may notice it giving out when they walk, exercise, or step on uneven surfaces.”
If these symptoms continue for several months after an injury, it may indicate underlying ligament damage or instability.
Why Proper Shoes Matter
Wearing the right footwear plays a bigger role in ankle stability than many people realize.
Shoes that lack proper support or traction can make it easier for the foot to roll inward or outward during movement. Over time, this increases stress on the ankle ligaments.
Supportive shoes can help:
- Improve alignment of the foot and ankle
- Provide better traction during movement
- Reduce strain on the ankle ligaments
- Improve overall stability during activity
People with a history of ankle sprains may also benefit from custom orthotics or ankle bracing, which can provide additional support during sports or exercise.
How Chronic Ankle Stability is Treated
The good news is that chronic ankle instability is often treatable — especially when addressed early.
Treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy. Targeted exercises help strengthen muscles around the ankle, improve balance, and restore stability.
- Bracing or orthotics. Supportive devices can help stabilize the ankle and prevent additional sprains during activity.
- Activity modifications. Reducing high-risk movements temporarily can allow the ankle to heal properly.
- Surgical treatment. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments that no longer provider adequate support.
Your provider can determine the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of the injury and your activity level.
Why Ignoring Recurring Sprains Can Lead to Injury
Repeated ankle sprains don’t just affect the ligaments — they can also damage the cartilage and structures inside the joint.
Over time, chronic instability can lead to post-traumatic arthritis, a form of joint degeneration caused by previous injury. This may result in chronic ankle pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, joint swelling, or difficulty walking or exercising.
“Treating instability early can help prevent long-term damage to the joint,” says Dr. Passet. “The goal is to restore stability before it leads to more serious problems.”
If you’ve experienced multiple ankle sprains or ongoing ankle stability, it may be time to seek evaluation. Our team of foot and ankle specialists can assess ligament stability, evaluate your gait, and recommend treatments to help restore strength and prevent further injury.
Call 515.875.9876 to get back to moving with confidence.
AliviaPasset , DPM
Alivia Passet, DPM joined The Iowa Clinic Podiatry department stemming from her admiration for its reputation for exceptional providers and patient care. Dr. Passet values the close relationships amongst TIC providers, which provides the opportunity to streamline patient care.
After obtaining her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training, Dr. Passet completed her medical degree at Des Moines University and later completed her residency training at the Iowa Methodist Podiatric Medicine and Surgery program. Her background in Athletic Training, combined with personal experiences with athletic injuries, fuels her special interest in treating athletes and athletic injuries. Helping patients to return to a pain-free, active lifestyle is something Dr. Passet finds most rewarding about her practice.
An Iowa native, Dr. Passet is thrilled to serve the people of central Iowa. An enthusiastic fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Cincinnati Bengals, she is an avid sports-watcher and dedicated fan. In her free time, Dr. Passet enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking and being outdoors – whether golfing, biking, or running.