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Foot and Ankle · Foot and Ankle

Achilles Tendinitis

Overuse irritation and degeneration of the Achilles tendon, either in its middle or where it attaches to the heel, causing pain and stiffness above the heel with activity.

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Foot and Ankle · Foot and Ankle

Ankle Instability

An ankle that keeps rolling or giving way long after the original sprain, because the outer ligaments healed stretched and loose.

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Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

Ankle Instability

The outer ankle ligaments tear when the foot rolls inward, the common sprain.

Most heal. In some ankles they heal long and loose, and the ankle gives way with less and less provocation.Each new sprain risks cartilage damage inside the joint and, over years, arthritis.

At a glance

Also calledChronic lateral instability

Most commonAfter repeated sprains

First stepExam, X-ray, MRI

Treated by

Daniel Hoopes, MD, Foot and Ankle surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. HoopesFoot and Ankle

Michael Carlson, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. CarlsonShoulder and Sports Medicine

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or call801-640-0000

Ankle Instability

Symptoms

Repeated ankle sprains, often with minimal provocation.A feeling the ankle will give way on uneven ground, stairs or in heels. Persistent swelling, pain on the outside of the ankle, and avoidance of trails and sports.

Catching or locking suggests a cartilage injury inside the joint as well.

Common signs

Repeated sprains with little cause

Gives way on uneven ground

Persistent swelling

Avoiding trails and sport

See us sooner if

Catching or locking inside the ankle

Cannot bear weight

Ankle Instability

Causes

An incompletely rehabilitated first sprain is the usual story.High-arched feet, generalized ligament laxity, weak hip and ankle muscles, and sports on uneven surfaces increase the risk.Some patients have a hindfoot alignment that tips the ankle outward with every step.

Ankle Instability

How We Diagnose It

Exam tests ligament laxity with specific stress maneuvers and assesses alignment and balance.X-rays rule out fracture and check alignment. MRI evaluates the ligaments and, importantly, the cartilage of the talus.Peroneal tendon tears are checked for because they mimic instability.Repeated sprains on uneven trails are the usual story; balance training and a brace resolve most cases. Dr. Hoopes and Dr. Carlson operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Spanish Fork Hospital.

Ankle Instability

Treatment Options

A structured balance and strengthening program with a brace for sport resolves most functional instability over two to three months.

Ankles that keep giving way despite rehabilitation are treated with repair and tightening of the lateral ligaments, usually combined with ankle arthroscopy to treat any cartilage injury.

Your options

Non-surgical

Balance training

Strengthening

Brace for sport

Surgical

Ligament repair

Arthroscopy

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle Fracture Repair

Achilles Tendon Repair

Ankle Instability

Procedures That Address It

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle Fracture Repair

Achilles Tendon Repair

Ankle Instability

Surgeons Who Treat It

Dr. Hoopes, MD

Fellowship trained in foot and ankle surgery at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. Twelve years in practice.

Dr. Carlson, MD

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and ankle. Published sports medicine researcher. Fourteen years in practice.

Request an appointment

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

Request an appointment

Find a clinic

Nondiscrimination Accessibility Good Faith Estimate