Evaluating and Differentiating Ankle Instability.

TitleEvaluating and Differentiating Ankle Instability.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsGribble PA
JournalJ Athl Train
Volume54
Issue6
Pagination617-627
Date Published2019 Jun
ISSN1938-162X
KeywordsAnkle, Ankle Injuries, Ankle Joint, Humans, Joint Instability
Abstract

Given the prevalence of lateral ankle sprains during physical activity and the high rate of reinjury and chronic ankle instability, clinicians should be cognizant of the need to expand the evaluation of ankle instability beyond the acute time point. Physical assessments of the injured ankle should be similar, regardless of whether this is the initial lateral ankle sprain or the patient has experienced multiple sprains. To this point, a thorough injury history of the affected ankle provides important information during the clinical examination. The physical examination should assess the talocrural and subtalar joints, and clinicians should be aware of efficacious diagnostic tools that provide information about the status of injured structures. As patients progress into the subacute and return-to-activity phases after injury, comprehensive assessments of lateral ankle-complex instability will identify any disease and patient-oriented outcome deficits that resemble chronic ankle instability, which should be addressed with appropriate interventions to minimize the risk of developing long-term, recurrent ankle instability.

DOI10.4085/1062-6050-484-17
Alternate JournalJ Athl Train
PubMed ID31161943
PubMed Central IDPMC6602389