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What we’ll cover
  1. Why do I keep twisting my ankle?
  2. Chronic ankle instability
  3. How can physiotherapy help reduce my risk of developing chronic ankle instability?

Can chronic ankle instability be prevented?

Have you recently injured your ankle or feel your ankles give way on a regular basis? Our physiotherapist Sarah Yule explores chronic ankle instability and what we can do for you here at Malvern East Physiotherapy.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in both sporting and the general population. They are actually one of the most common reasons for presenting to a physiotherapist. Ankle sprains most frequently result from a rolling in action of the ankle resulting in ligamentous injury. Due to the highly common nature of ankle sprains and the often-quick resolution of painful symptoms, these injuries are commonly viewed as only minor injuries that will heal themselves with time. Although this may be true for a small proportion of people, evidence shows that sprained ankles have one of the highest re-injury rates of up to 70%.

ankle instability

Why do I keep twisting my ankle?

Our ligaments play a very important role in proprioception, a phenomenon where our brain is able to understand where our body is in space without having to constantly look at the joint. The ligaments in our ankle stretch to allow the ankle to move, however will only stretch so far as to keep the ankle stable. The stretching of these ligaments provides important proprioceptive information to the brain, which then controls what muscles around the joint need to be activated in order to help stabilise the ankle appropriately. This special function of our ligaments, helps allow us to balance on one leg or walk on uneven surfaces without constantly rolling our ankles. Following injury to our ankle ligaments it is highly important to retrain this proprioceptive function with appropriate rehabilitation and exercises prescribed by your treating physiotherapist.

Chronic ankle instability

Do you have a history of commonly rolling your ankles? Chronic ankle instability is the term used to describe long-standing ankle laxity that commonly develops as a result of poor management or incomplete rehabilitation following previous ankle injuries.  If chronic ankle instability is left untreated, you may be at a higher risk of developing ankle osteoarthritis and chronic ankle pain. Stability of a joint is created by 3 main structures: bones, muscles and ligaments.  When a ligament is stretched or torn, this results in reduced stability of our joint and further increases risk of re-injury.

How can physiotherapy help reduce my risk of developing chronic ankle instability?

Physiotherapy will initially focus on reducing pain, normalising gait and restoring ankle range of motion following acute ankle injury. Once these factors have been appropriately addressed, treatment will largely focus on building strength and retraining coordination in our muscles around the ankle. The stronger our muscles are, the more stability and support they can provide the ankle joint. Retraining muscular coordination means that our muscles will be better able to react quickly to unexpected movements or uneven surfaces, therefore preventing future re-injury.

Rehabilitation programs have shown to significantly reduce the risk of recurrent ankle injuries. If you have recently injured your ankle or feel your ankles give way on a regular basis, make an appointment to see one of our experienced physiotherapists to start your rehabilitation process today. You can book online or call our friendly team on 9571 6888.


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Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

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