The Impact of Hypermobility on Ankle Stability: Managing Instability and Preventing Injuries

If you’re struggling with ankle stability, Dr. James Hurst at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA offers personalized treatment for hypermobile ankles and other stability issues.

Ankle Hypermobility and How It Impacts Stability

If you are a dancer, athlete, or gymnast, you might think that having hypermobile joints is a good thing. While they might play a role in how well you perform, they play an even bigger role in the stability of your ankles and can have a significant negative impact. Below, Dr. Hurst and the team at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine of Centreville, VA explain what hypermobile ankles are, how they can lead to trouble, and what can be done.

The Ankle Joint

Your ankle isn’t just your bones. It includes muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your movement and your weight. These connective ligaments and tendons also hold your bones in place, ensuring that your joints operate properly. And they are only intended to move so far.

Hypermobility is the term used when the connective tissues are too loose. When they are too loose, they are not holding the joint in place, which puts undue stress on your joints and muscles. Over time, this can lead to issues such as:

• Dislocations
• Sprains and strains
• Balance problems
• Clumsiness
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Muscle pain or stiffness

In short, the hypermobility that you view as a good thing now can lead you to be sidelined from your favorite activity and even unable to manage simple daily tasks.

Treatment for Hypermobility

The first step is to visit your podiatrist for an assessment. They can determine if you do have hypermobile ankle joints and if any damage has occurred. They can then develop a treatment plan to suit your needs and keep you active. Some techniques include:

• Therapeutic exercises to improve the strength of your lower legs and ankles
• Adjustments to footwear to prevent additional issues from occurring
• Custom orthotics to improve ankle stability
• Addressing any posture issues or movements that create undue pressure on the joints and connective tissue
• Bracing when necessary to support stability
• Laser therapy to help heal damaged tissues

Find personalized care for hypermobile ankles in the hands of Dr. Hurst and the team at Centreville Foot & Ankle & Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA. Call (703) 830-3338 to schedule an appointment today.