How to Diagnose Ankle Instability

Ankle sprains are the most common joint injuries in sports and make up 85 percent of all ankle injuries in the United States. This type of injury may produce ankle instability by repeatedly stretching ligaments and healing in a loosened position. The ligaments so weakened they can't support the ankle as they normally should.

Instructions

• 1

  Chart a history of your recurrent ankle sprains. Note if your ankles give out often and feel unstable while performing everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.

• 2

  Be aware of feeling unsteady on uneven ground or sloped surfaces. You are likely experiencing ankle instability when braces or tape don't provide sufficient stability for your ankle. Another sign of ankle instability is experiencing repeated ankle injuries.

• 3

  Notice persistent swelling of your ankle even without a recent injury. The swelling occurs primarily in the front and at the top of your ankle.

• 4

  Allow your physician to administer the talar tilt test and the anterior drawer test. These tests consist of x-rays and exams of your ankle's reaction to various types of manipulation. During the exam, your physician moves your foot while holding your leg in place to see which ligaments are damaged and to what degree.