Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries seen in sports, daily activity, and even simple missteps on uneven ground. While many sprains heal with proper care, some patients develop chronic ankle instability that can lead to repeated injuries and long-term problems. As an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle care, I treat these injuries—from mild sprains to complex instability—using both conservative and advanced surgical techniques.

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What Is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments—the strong bands of tissue that connect bones together—are stretched or torn. Most commonly, this involves the ligaments on the outside (lateral side) of the ankle when the foot rolls inward. These lateral ligaments include the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, which provide critical stability to the ankle joint.

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What Happens During an Acute Ankle Sprain?

When an ankle sprain first occurs, patients often experience:

• Sudden pain on the outside of the ankle
• Swelling and sometimes bruising within hours
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• A feeling that the ankle “gave out” or is unstable

Physical Exam Findings

During an orthopedic evaluation, I look for tenderness over the injured ligaments, swelling, and range of motion limitations. Gentle stress tests help assess ligament integrity and identify whether there’s significant instability. In some cases, I may recommend X-rays or an MRI to rule out fractures or associated injuries such as cartilage damage.

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 What is Non-Surgical (Conservative) Treatment of an Acute Ankle Sprain?

Most ankle sprains can be treated very successfully without surgery through what’s known as functional rehabilitation. This approach focuses on controlled motion and early weight bearing to restore mobility and strength while preventing stiffness.

Typical Steps Include:

• RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to reduce swelling and pain
• Early Mobilization: Gentle movement helps the ligaments heal correctly
• Bracing or Walking Boot: Provides protection while allowing some activity
• Physical Therapy: Strengthens the muscles around the ankle and improves balance to prevent future sprains

With proper treatment, most patients recover fully within several weeks and return to sports or normal activity without long-term issues.

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When Ankle Sprains Become Chronic

For some patients, the ankle remains unstable even after appropriate care. This chronic ankle instability can lead to:

• Recurrent ankle sprains
• Persistent swelling or discomfort
• A feeling that the ankle frequently “rolls” or “gives way”
• Difficulty returning to higher-level activities or sports

In these cases, further evaluation is needed to assess for stretched ligaments or cartilage injuries inside the joint.

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Surgical Options for Chronic Ankle Instability

Ankle Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows me to look directly inside the ankle joint with a small camera. It’s used to assess and treat cartilage damage or scar tissue that can develop after repeated sprains.

The Broström-Gould Repair

When the lateral ligaments have become stretched or torn beyond natural healing, surgical stabilization may be recommended. The Broström-Gould procedure is a time-tested technique that involves repairing and tightening the stretched ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

This procedure restores stability and allows patients to confidently return to sports, work, and daily life. I perform this procedure using high-quality implants and suture anchors from Arthrex—a leader in orthopedic technology—designed specifically for durable, anatomic ligament repair.

Recovery typically includes a short period of immobilization followed by progressive physical therapy to regain strength, balance, and range of motion. Most patients experience excellent long-term results and are able to return to full activity.

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Getting You Back on Your Feet

Whether your ankle injury is new or has been causing instability for years, the goal is the same—to restore stability, confidence, and function.

At my practice, I offer individualized treatment plans for ankle sprains and chronic instability, including both non-operative and surgical options using advanced Arthrex techniques.

If you’ve experienced repeated ankle sprains or ongoing ankle instability, I invite you to schedule an evaluation to discuss how we can help you get back on your feet safely and effectively.

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Gregory Caronis, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon | Foot & Ankle Specialist
Northern Illinois Orthopedic & Sports Medicine
www.GregoryCaronisMD.com