J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2019 Mar;23(1):6-11. 10.14193/jkfas.2019.23.1.6.

Conservative Management and Postoperative Rehabilitation of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

• Park YH
• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2440578
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2019.23.1.6

Abstract

As a result of the increased participation in recreational and competitive sports activity, the incidence of chronic lateral instability has risen. Because chronic ankle instability can cause significant comorbidity and increase the social cost, the interest in this issue is growing. Although there are well-documented and effective surgical treatments for managing this condition, conservative treatments are a viable first option in selected patients. Through conservative treatment, surgical treatments can be reduced or delayed without necessarily affecting the overall outcome, but the failure of conservative treatment results in the need for surgical treatment to reduce the long term complications. Appropriate postoperative rehabilitation is essential for adequate functional recovery, even when surgical treatment is required.

Keyword

Ankle injuries; Chronic disease; Lateral ligaments; Conservative treatment; Rehabilitation

MeSH Terms

Ankle Injuries
Ankle*
Chronic Disease
Collateral Ligaments
Comorbidity
Humans
Incidence
Rehabilitation*
Sports

Figure

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  Figure 1 Ultrasonography of anterior talofibular ligament (arrowheads). (A) Relaxed. (B) Stressed. By applying stress, the condition of the ligament can be known in real time. LM: lateral malleolus.

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  Figure 2 Photograph of a Thera-Band multi-direction exercise to strengthen the ankle muscles.

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  Figure 3 Photograph of a squat exercise on triangle board.

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  Figure 4 Photograph of a wall push exercise of ankle joint while lying down.

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  Figure 5 Photograph of balancing exercise on balance board.

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  Figure 6 Photograph of single heel raise on a stair.Figure

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  Figure 7 Photograph of jumping in single leg on a gym ball.

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  Figure 8 Example of the manual of the home exercise for the conservative treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. rep: repeat.

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  Figure 9 Photograph of Aircast® ankle brace that helps support and protect unstable ankles in early postoperative period.

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  Figure 10 Photograph of single heel raise exercise with an Aircast® ankle brace.

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  Figure 11 Postoperative rehabilitation for chronic lateral ankle instability. ROM: range of motion.

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