Recurring Ankle Sprains: Symptoms, Treatment & When Surgery Is Needed
An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries in South Africa, affecting everyone from athletes to people who simply misstep on an uneven pavement.
Most sprains heal well with rest and rehabilitation. But when the same ankle keeps rolling, or feels unstable and untrustworthy, it may be a sign of chronic ankle instability, a condition that should be assessed by a foot and ankle specialist before it causes lasting damage to the joint.
As an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, Dr George Oduah provides expert diagnosis and personalised treatment for ankle ligament injuries and instability, helping patients regain a stable, confident stride.
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What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic ankle instability develops when the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn usually from one or more sprains and never regain their full strength.
The result is an ankle that gives way repeatedly, often during ordinary activities like walking on grass, climbing stairs, or changing direction during sport.
Common causes include:
- A previous ankle sprain that did not heal fully
- Returning to sport too soon after injury
- Repeated sprains that weaken the ligaments over time
- Naturally loose ligaments (ligament laxity)
- Untreated damage to the joint surface from earlier injuries
Without proper treatment, each new episode can stretch the ligaments further and damage the cartilage inside the joint.
Symptoms of Ankle Instability
Common symptoms include:
- An ankle that repeatedly rolls or “gives way”
- Ongoing pain or tenderness on the outer side of the ankle
- Swelling that returns after activity
- A feeling of weakness or wobbliness on uneven ground
- Hesitancy or loss of confidence during sport or exercise
- Stiffness after periods of rest
Early diagnosis by Dr George Oduah is key to protecting the joint and avoiding long-term complications.
When To See A Specialist
You should consider seeing a foot and ankle specialist if:
- Your ankle has “given way” more than once
- Pain or swelling persists more than a few weeks after a sprain
- You avoid sport or uneven surfaces because you don’t trust the ankle
- Rest, strapping, or previous physiotherapy has not resolved the problem
- You heard a pop at the time of injury, or the ankle bruised heavily
Dr George Oduah can perform a full assessment, including imaging where needed, to determine the extent of ligament damage and recommend the best treatment path.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
In many cases, ankle instability improves without surgery.
Conservative treatment may include:
- A structured physiotherapy programme focused on strength and balance
- Proprioceptive (balance) retraining to restore the ankle’s reflexes
- Bracing or taping during sport and high-risk activities
- Anti-inflammatory medication for pain and swelling
- Activity modification while the ankle recovers
Many patients regain excellent stability with these approaches, especially when treatment starts early.
However, when the ligaments are too damaged to recover on their own, further intervention may be required.
When Ankle Surgery Is Needed
Surgery may be recommended when instability continues despite a proper course of rehabilitation, or when imaging shows significant ligament or joint damage.
You may need surgical evaluation from Dr George Oduah if you experience:
- Repeated giving way despite bracing and physiotherapy
- Ongoing pain deep inside the ankle joint
- Ligaments that are completely torn rather than stretched
- Cartilage damage identified on scans
- Instability that limits work, sport, or daily life
At this stage, Dr George Oduah may recommend a procedure to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments.
What Happens During Ankle Ligament Surgery?
Ankle ligament repair is a well-established procedure with excellent outcomes.
Depending on the injury, it may involve:
- Tightening and reattaching the stretched ligaments
- Reconstructing severely damaged ligaments using a tendon graft
- Arthroscopic (keyhole) assessment of the joint to treat cartilage damage at the same time
The approach is tailored to each patient’s injury, activity level, and goals from returning to competitive sport to simply walking with confidence again.
Recovery After Ankle Surgery
Recovery is an important part of treatment success.
Most patients can expect:
- A period in a boot or cast to protect the repair
- Gradual return to weight-bearing over the first few weeks
- Structured physiotherapy to rebuild strength and balance
- Return to most daily activities within weeks
- Return to sport typically within a few months, guided by rehabilitation progress
Dr George Oduah and his team guide each patient through every stage of recovery.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Every episode of the ankle giving way risks further damage to the ligaments and the cartilage lining the joint.
Seeing a foot and ankle specialist early ensures:
- Faster, more predictable recovery
- More non-surgical treatment options
- A lower risk of developing ankle arthritis later in life
- Confidence to return to sport and daily activities safely
What patients often dismiss as “weak ankles” is usually a treatable ligament problem — and treating it early keeps the solutions simple.
Choosing the Right Ankle Specialist in Mbombela
It is important to choose someone with experience in diagnosing and treating ligament injuries and instability of the foot and ankle.
Patients should look for:
- Accurate diagnosis supported by appropriate imaging
- Experience in both surgical and non-surgical care
- A rehabilitation-first approach, with surgery reserved for when it is truly needed
- Structured follow-up care through to full recovery
Dr George Oduah provides expert care for ankle instability and recurring sprains, combining clinical precision with personalised treatment plans designed to restore stability and quality of life.
Book an Ankle Assessment in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
If your ankle keeps giving way, or an old sprain has never felt right, early assessment can prevent lasting damage to the joint.
Dr George Oduah offers expert evaluation and treatment for ankle ligament injuries, guiding you from diagnosis through to recovery with clarity and care.
Call to Book an Appointment WhatsApp Our Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of doctor treats recurring ankle sprains?
Recurring sprains and ankle instability are treated by a foot and ankle specialist, typically an orthopaedic surgeon with experience in ligament injuries.
Can ankle instability heal without surgery?
Yes. Many patients regain full stability through structured physiotherapy, balance retraining, and bracing. Surgery is reserved for cases that do not respond.
How do I know if my ankle ligaments are torn?
Heavy bruising, a “pop” at the time of injury, or an ankle that repeatedly gives way are warning signs. A clinical examination and imaging confirm the diagnosis.
How long is recovery after ankle ligament surgery?
Most patients return to daily activities within weeks, with a return to sport typically over a few months, guided by physiotherapy.
Will my ankle sprain lead to arthritis?
A single well-treated sprain rarely does. Repeated untreated instability, however, can damage the joint cartilage over time, which is why early treatment matters.
