Turning the ankle when walking, running or playing sports is a common situation. The problem is when this happens frequently.
Repeated ankle sprains should not be seen as normal or inevitable. Most often, they indicate a condition called chronic ankle instability, which increases the risk of new injuries, persistent pain and functional limitations in everyday life.
After the first sprain, especially when there is no proper treatment, the lateral ankle ligaments may not heal properly. This compromises the stability of the joint and means that small unevenness in the floor, sudden movements or even common walking poses a risk of new sprains.
What’s behind the sprains
Repeated sprains are often the result of a combination of factors. Poorly treated ligament injury is the main one, but it is not the only one. Muscle weakness, especially in the muscles responsible for stabilizing the ankle, loss of proprioception – the body’s ability to recognize the position of the joint in space – and biomechanical changes in the foot contribute to the problem.
Furthermore, returning to physical activities early after a sprain, without adequate rehabilitation, significantly increases the chance of recurrence. Each new twist causes more damage to ligaments, cartilage and, in some cases, tendons, creating a cycle of progressive instability.
Stop being just a nuisance
Not every recurring sprain causes severe pain all the time. In many cases, the patient only reports insecurity when walking, a feeling that the foot is ‘failing’. or frequent episodes of torsion in simple situations. Over time, however, instability can evolve into chronic pain, persistent swelling and limitations in physical activities and even routine tasks.
If left untreated, chronic ankle instability can lead to associated injuries, such as tendonitis, talar cartilage injuries and early osteoarthritis of the joint. Therefore, repeated sprains should never be neglected, especially when they affect quality of life or prevent exercise.
When surgery is indicated
Initial treatment, in most cases, is conservative. Physiotherapeutic rehabilitation plays a central role, focusing on muscle strengthening, balance training and recovery of proprioception. The temporary use of orthoses or ankle braces can help in the return to activities phase, but does not replace functional re-education.
When conservative treatment is not sufficient and instability persists, evaluation by an orthopedic specialist in the foot and ankle is essential. In selected cases, surgery may be indicated for ligament reconstruction, restoring joint stability and reducing the risk of new sprains.
Living “turning around” is not normal and should not be accepted as part of the routine. Identifying the cause of repeated sprains and treating appropriately is essential to prevent future complications and preserve long-term ankle function.
Dr. Marina Melhado – CRM/SP 179.632 | EQR 121,033
Orthopedist and traumatologist
Membro da Brazil Health
