Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT
Ankle sprains and recurrent giving way: rehab-first care, orthobiologic options and when to consider surgery with Dr. Paul Tortland, DO.
Condition
An ankle sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, and chronic ankle instability is when the ankle keeps rolling or giving way afterward. Most sprains heal with protected movement and rehab. For ligaments that stay sore, Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, may use an ultrasound-guided injection such as prolotherapy or PRP. An ankle that keeps giving way despite rehab may need a surgeon.
Explore related conditions: Browse the Foot and ankle condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.
CARE OPTIONS
Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland may evaluate persistent ligament-related pain or instability and, for selected cases, discuss prolotherapy/prolozone or PRP treatment. Injection treatment is not a substitute for restoring strength and balance, and candidacy depends on the severity of ligament injury and evidence for the proposed treatment.
Physical therapy and traditional care: Physical therapy is central: progressive ankle strengthening, balance and proprioception training, range-of-motion work, and sport-specific drills. Bracing or taping and temporary activity modification may reduce repeat sprains while function returns.
When other care may be needed: A suspected fracture, major ligament injury, repeated giving-way, or persistent instability despite rehabilitation may need imaging and foot-and-ankle specialist review.
Common questions
Chronic ankle instability often follows one or more ankle sprains that stretch or tear the lateral ligaments and leave the joint feeling loose. Weak stabilizing muscles and poor balance control can contribute.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, repeated giving way, and a feeling of insecurity on uneven ground. Inability to bear weight after an injury needs prompt evaluation to rule out a fracture.
Treatment includes bracing when needed, balance and strength rehabilitation, ankle mobility work and activity modification while function returns. Physical therapy helps retrain proprioception and reduce repeat sprains. Persistent giving-way despite a well-followed program may warrant imaging or specialist assessment.
Prolotherapy or PRP injections aimed at lax ankle ligaments may be discussed in selected cases, but evidence is still developing. Injections do not replace balance training, strengthening and a graded return to activity. Candidacy depends on injury severity and examination findings.
Dr. Tortland can review your imaging and history to recommend the most appropriate non-surgical path forward.