Living with Chronic Ankle Instability: Surgical Solutions That Work

Chronic ankle instability affects around 70% of patients who suffer a severe ankle sprain. If your ankle constantly feels like it’s about to give out, even during simple activities, you may be living with this disorder.

At Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic in Draper and Orem, Utah, we understand how chronic ankle instability can limit your movement, confidence, and quality of life. Fortunately, we offer surgical options that restore stability and get you back on your feet.

Understanding chronic ankle instability

Ankle instability usually starts after one or more sprains that never fully heal. Over time, the ligaments (tough bands of tissue that hold the ankle bones together) weaken. As a result, the ankle can easily roll or twist.

You may notice other symptoms such as:

• Persistent discomfort or swelling
• Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces
• Pain or tenderness on the outside of the ankle
• A feeling that the ankle is unstable or wobbly

While physical therapy, bracing, and balance exercises can help strengthen the ankle, some patients don’t find lasting relief. In those cases, surgical intervention may be the best option.

When surgery becomes necessary for chronic ankle instability

If conservative treatments fail to stabilize your ankle, we may recommend surgery. The decision depends on several factors, including:

• How long you’ve had instability
• The degree of ligament damage
• Your activity level
• Your overall health

Surgery can address the underlying ligament weakness, realign bone structure if needed, and restore the strength and balance of your ankle joint. The goal is to help you return to normal movement without the fear of constant sprains or pain.

Surgical solutions to ankle instability

There are several procedures for treating chronic ankle instability. At Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic, we tailor our surgical approach to each patient’s specific anatomy and needs.

Broström repair (anatomic ligament repair)

This is the most common surgical treatment for ankle instability. Our board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Greg Brockbank, tightens and reattaches the stretched or torn ligaments using sutures or anchors. 

Because it restores the ankle’s original anatomy, Broström repair offers excellent stability and long-term outcomes, especially for patients with moderate ligament damage.

Tendon graft reconstruction (non-anatomic repair)

When the existing ligaments are too damaged to repair, a tendon graft — either from your body or a donor — can replace the injured tissue. This procedure creates new, stronger ligaments to stabilize the joint.

Tendon graft reconstruction is often used for athletes, people with severe instability, or those who’ve experienced failed ankle repairs in the past.

Osteotomy or joint realignment procedures

In some cases, instability results from an abnormal bone alignment or deformity in the ankle or foot. A realignment procedure (osteotomy) corrects the structure to improve joint stability and balance.

Arthroscopic ligament repair

Minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy lets Dr. Brockbank assess and repair the ligaments through small incisions using a camera and specialized tools. This method results in less tissue disruption, smaller scars, and typically a faster recovery.

Recovery after ankle instability surgery

Recovery varies by procedure but usually involves several stages:

Immobilization

You wear a cast or boot for a few weeks to protect the repaired ligaments and allow healing.

Gradual weight-bearing

Your surgeon guides you on when it’s safe to put weight on your ankle. This step often begins 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Physical therapy

Rehabilitation focuses on restoring flexibility, balance, and strength. Exercises gradually reintroduce motion and stability to the joint.

Return to activity

Most patients resume light activities within a couple of months and return to sports or high-impact movements after 4-6 months, depending on their healing progress.

Following your postsurgical care plan closely ensures the best possible outcome. Patience and commitment to physical therapy are key.

Long-term outlook after ankle instability surgery

With proper surgical repair and rehabilitation, most patients experience significant improvement in stability, strength, and function. 75% of athletes return to their sports within 12 months, with 55% of them reaching the same or a higher level. 

The risk of future sprains also decreases dramatically, and the chronic pain and swelling that once limited daily life typically fade away.

Modern techniques and advanced materials have made ankle stabilization surgery highly reliable, with excellent long-term results. Patients typically report better mobility, balance, and confidence in their movement.

Take the first step toward a stronger, more stable future. Schedule a consultation at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic by phone or online today to regain confidence in every step you take.