Ankle & hindfoot
Chronic ankle instability
Recurrent ankle sprains and giving way: rehabilitation, bracing and ligament repair options.
Understanding the condition
After a sprain, some people continue to feel that the ankle gives way. This may involve ligament looseness, reduced balance or muscle control, or associated tendon and cartilage injury. Examination distinguishes these causes; imaging is used when it will change treatment.
Treatment options
Physiotherapy emphasises balance, strength and movement control. Supportive footwear and an ankle brace may help. Surgery is considered when significant instability persists despite suitable rehabilitation. Associated high-arched alignment or joint damage may need separate attention.
What a procedure may involve
A Broström-Gould repair tightens and reinforces the lateral ankle ligaments. Some repairs use tape reinforcement; reconstruction with tendon tissue may be needed if the native tissue is inadequate. Additional arthroscopy or alignment correction is sometimes appropriate.
Risks and benefits to discuss
The aim is a more reliable ankle with fewer sprains. Risks include ongoing or recurrent instability, stiffness, scar pain, nerve symptoms, infection, wound problems, blood clots and irritation from anchors or reinforcement. Surgery does not replace rehabilitation or guarantee unrestricted sport.
Any operation also carries bleeding and anaesthetic risks. Occasionally, complex regional pain syndrome causes prolonged pain and sensitivity. Your health and the extent of surgery change your personal risk.
Rehabilitation and aftercare
Protect the repair with the prescribed cast, boot or brace. Follow limits on weight bearing and ankle positions; turning the ankle inward too early may stress the repair. Physiotherapy progresses from permitted motion to strength, balance and sport-specific control.
Expected outcomes and recovery
Recovery takes months and is assessed through function rather than a calendar alone. Return to running or cutting sports requires adequate strength and balance plus clearance from your team. Swelling or confidence may take longer to settle.
When to seek urgent help
Seek prompt advice for rapidly increasing pain, spreading redness, wound discharge, fever, new numbness or a cast or boot causing pressure. New calf pain or swelling needs urgent assessment. Chest pain or breathlessness needs emergency help: call 999.
Your consent discussion
Ask which treatment best addresses your symptoms, what alternatives are reasonable, what the main risks mean for you, and what recovery will involve at home and work. This guide supports that discussion; consent is completed with your treating team. Your individual written instructions take priority.
Your consent discussion
Use the patient pack to record your priorities, the proposed procedure, its alternatives, the benefits you hope for and risks that matter to you. A clinician will discuss your individual circumstances and complete the appropriate hospital consent process with you.
Reading or downloading a guide does not give consent. You can ask further questions, decline treatment or change your mind before the procedure.
Further reading & sources
Prepared 10 October 2026 for the practice of Mr Peyman Bakhshayesh. Professional background. General patient education; your clinical assessment and written instructions determine your care.
Private care in Huddersfield
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