Why Does My Ankle Keep Giving Out? Signs of Chronic Ankle Instability

An ankle that rolls without warning can make even routine movement feel uncertain. For patients in Ogden, Utah, Utah Orthopaedics evaluates lingering ankle problems and may recommend ankle ligament reconstruction when nonsurgical care has not restored stability. Jeffrey Rocco, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle reconstruction and lower-extremity trauma, working alongside our orthopaedic providers to find the reason a joint keeps giving way.

Why an Ankle Can Keep Buckling

A sprain injures the ligaments that connect and support the bones around the joint. After a severe injury or several sprains, those tissues may remain weak, making the ankle more likely to roll again during exercise, quick turns, or walks across uneven ground.

Our page on foot and ankle sprains explains that ligament injuries can affect joint stability. Signs of an ongoing problem may include:

• Rolling the same ankle more than once

• Buckling during sports or everyday movement

• Lingering swelling, tenderness, or weakness

• Hesitation when changing direction

• Trouble walking confidently on uneven surfaces

How We Evaluate an Unsteady Ankle

Your visit starts with a discussion of past injuries, the movements that trigger symptoms, and how often the joint gives way. A physical exam can help assess tenderness, motion, strength, and stability.

Imaging may also be useful. X-rays can help rule out an ankle fracture or another bone injury when pain and swelling continue.

Treatment Without Surgery

Many people begin with bracing, activity changes, and physical therapy. A brace can add support during movements that tend to trigger rolling, while a temporary change in exercise may help prevent another sprain.

Physical therapy can work on mobility, lower-leg strength, balance, and control. These areas matter because the muscles around the joint must respond quickly when your footing changes. Our guide to physical therapy after an ankle injury explains how rehabilitation can progress toward daily activities or sports.

When Surgery May Enter the Conversation

Ankle ligament reconstruction may be discussed when buckling continues despite appropriate nonsurgical care. The choice depends on the extent of the injury, your daily or athletic demands, and how much the problem limits your routine. The procedure repairs or reconstructs damaged ligaments to improve stability.

Find Out Why Your Ankle Keeps Giving Way

You do not have to keep adjusting your routine around an ankle you cannot trust. For an assessment with Dr. Rocco and our foot and ankle team at Utah Orthopaedics in Ogden, Utah, contact us or call 801-917-8000.