Why Do I Keep Spraining My Ankle?

If you’ve sprained your ankle more than once, you know how frustrating and painful it can be. You may find yourself wondering why your ankle seems to be so prone to injury. 

The truth is recurrent ankle sprains are more common than you might think, and they often point to an underlying issue. 

At Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers, our board-certified podiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating ankle conditions, including something called chronic ankle instability. We get to the root causes of your ankle pain and develop a personalized treatment plan. 

Whether you've sprained your ankle recently or have been dealing with recurring sprains for years, at our offices in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, our providers can help. 

Keep reading to learn some of the most common reasons you might be experiencing repeated ankle sprains and how we can help. 

Reason 1: Weak or overstretched ligaments

One of the most common reasons for recurring ankle sprains is weak or overstretched ligaments. When you sprain your ankle, your ligaments get damaged. 

While they usually heal, they don’t always return to their original strength. This can leave your ankle more vulnerable to future injuries.

If you’ve sprained your ankle multiple times, the ligaments have likely become too weak or stretched to provide you with the necessary support. 

This can lead to a vicious cycle where each subsequent sprain further weakens your ligaments, making it more and more difficult for your ankle to stabilize itself.

Reason 2: Chronic ankle instability

The issues with your ligaments can contribute to a condition called chronic ankle instability. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. 

If you’ve sprained your ankle several times, you might notice that it feels unstable or wobbly, especially when walking on uneven surfaces. 

You might also notice that your ankle gives way easily, even during simple activities. This instability happens because the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding your ankle are no longer able to keep it steady.

Chronic ankle instability not only increases your risk of future sprains but also increases your risk of long-term issues, like arthritis or chronic pain.

Reason 3: Improper healing after a previous sprain

Sometimes, the reason people get recurring ankle sprains is that previous sprains haven’t fully healed. 

This is because people often return to their normal activities too soon after an ankle injury, thinking that the pain has improved and their ankle is fine. 

However, even if your pain is gone, your ligaments and other soft tissues may still be healing. Returning to physical activity too soon can cause additional damage.

Making sure your ankle is fully healed before putting stress on it again is key to preventing future sprains. 

Your Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers provider can assess your ankle and recommend the right time to return to your usual activities.

Reason 4: Poor balance and/or muscle strength

Another contributing factor to repeated ankle sprains is poor balance and muscle strength. 

The muscles around your ankle play a significant role in stabilizing the joint. If these muscles are weak, your ankle may be more likely to roll or twist, leading to a sprain.

Balance is also key. If you have poor balance, you’re more likely to lose your footing and sprain your ankle. 

Improving your balance and strengthening the muscles around your ankle through targeted exercises can reduce your risk of future sprains.

Reason 5: Inadequate foot support

The type of footwear you choose also increases your chances of spraining your ankle. 

Shoes that don’t provide adequate support, like high heels or worn-out sneakers, can make your ankle more vulnerable to injury. 

Additionally, not wearing the right shoes for certain activities, such as running or hiking, can increase your risk of spraining your ankle.

Choosing supportive, well-fitting shoes that are appropriate for the activities you’re engaging in can help protect your ankles from injury. 

Your Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers provider can recommend the best types of footwear for your needs.

Personalized help for recurring ankle sprains

If you’re dealing with chronic ankle instability or recurrent ankle sprains, it’s important to seek help from a podiatrist specializing in treating these conditions. 

At Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers, our board-certified podiatrists offer personalized care to help you strengthen your ankle, improve stability, and prevent future injuries.

Your treatment plan may include RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation), physical therapy, bracing, or even surgical intervention if necessary. 

Our team works with you to develop a comprehensive approach to managing your ankle health so you can get back to your daily activities without fear of another sprain.

Get help for recurring ankle sprains by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers.