Chronic ankle instability – how to help yourself?
Chronic ankle instability is not often mentioned in medical literature, but it is actually a fairly common problem. Without treatment, it can cause a lot of discomfort to a person, even to the point of significantly limiting their ability to walk.
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What is chronic ankle instability?
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a condition that develops due to frequent sprains (for example, when twisting your foot). Over time, the ankle begins to lose its functionality, and its stability is significantly reduced, which leads to new sprains, subluxations and dislocations. People with CAI have a particularly hard time with physical activity - for example, intensive walking, climbing a hill, walking on an uneven surface.
The main symptoms of chronic ankle instability:
In case of acute injury (ligament sprain, subluxation or dislocation) the ankle joint swells, turns red and starts to hurt. Over time, the range of motion in it may be limited, difficulties arise, for example, with extension-flexion of the foot.
The main symptoms of chronic ankle instability:
- pain in the ankle - it can be acute or chronic (aching), intensifies after walking or standing for a long time;
- a feeling of an unstable "wobbly" joint;
- repeated sprains or dislocations of the ankle;
- crunching or clicking in the joint;
- unsteadiness when walking, loss of balance;
- fatigue of the legs.
In case of acute injury (ligament sprain, subluxation or dislocation) the ankle joint swells, turns red and starts to hurt. Over time, the range of motion in it may be limited, difficulties arise, for example, with extension-flexion of the foot.
How to treat chronic ankle instability?
Advanced chronic ankle instability is treated surgically. However, when problems are just beginning, you can do without surgical intervention.
The main methods of conservative treatment of chronic ankle instability:
Drug treatment and physiotherapy are used for acute (repeated) sprains, when the joint swells and hurts. Their main task is to reduce the intensity of inflammation and pain. And a bandage on the joint is primarily necessary to prevent repeated injury to the ankle.
The main methods of conservative treatment of chronic ankle instability:
- painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (including local forms - for example, ointments, gels);
- physiotherapy;
- use of special ankle bandages.
Drug treatment and physiotherapy are used for acute (repeated) sprains, when the joint swells and hurts. Their main task is to reduce the intensity of inflammation and pain. And a bandage on the joint is primarily necessary to prevent repeated injury to the ankle.
How to choose the "right" ankle brace?
The "correct" ankle bandage should perform the following basic functions:
Since the bandage sometimes has to be worn for a long time, it must contain natural fabrics that will not irritate the skin and disrupt normal air exchange. The Lauma Medical ankle bandage is made of the following materials:
Please note: the inner layer of the bandage provides a "micro massage" of the ankle area. This improves blood circulation in the problem area and quickly reduces tissue swelling.
The Lauma Medical ankle bandage can be used not only for chronic instability, but also for rheumatic lesions, arthritis, bruises, and for the prevention of sports injuries.
In addition, an elastic bandage is a mandatory component of therapy in the rehabilitation period after surgical treatment of chronic instability of the ankle joint. It allows it to recover faster and prevents repeated sprains.
- limit excessive ankle mobility;
- stabilize the joint;
- improve blood circulation;
- reduce inflammation and pain;
- restore normal joint functionality.
Since the bandage sometimes has to be worn for a long time, it must contain natural fabrics that will not irritate the skin and disrupt normal air exchange. The Lauma Medical ankle bandage is made of the following materials:
- cotton - 72%;
- latex - 17%;
- polyamide - 11%.
Please note: the inner layer of the bandage provides a "micro massage" of the ankle area. This improves blood circulation in the problem area and quickly reduces tissue swelling.
The Lauma Medical ankle bandage can be used not only for chronic instability, but also for rheumatic lesions, arthritis, bruises, and for the prevention of sports injuries.
In addition, an elastic bandage is a mandatory component of therapy in the rehabilitation period after surgical treatment of chronic instability of the ankle joint. It allows it to recover faster and prevents repeated sprains.
Lauma Medical ankle bandage is a modern and effective way to protect your leg joints from damage
Lauma Medical ankle bandage is a modern and effective way to protect your leg joints from damage