Treatment Options for Chronic Ankle Instability

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

“RICE”
Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
Physical Therapy
Taping or Bracing
Heal on its Own

The RICE method is commonly used during the first 72 hours for the treatment of inflammation after a trauma, such as an acute ankle sprain.1

  • Rest helps the injured tissue heal and reduces any added stress on the area
  • Ice helps limit any injury in the tissue and reduces pain
  • Compression reduces swelling
  • Elevation of the injured ankle reduces blood flow to the area and helps reduce swelling


Anti-inflammatory medicines, also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are used to relieve pain and reduce swelling. They may help if you have swelling with your ankle injury,2 but should only be taken on the advice of a healthcare professional. You can purchase NSAIDs over the counter at your local pharmacy.  Speak to your pharmacist or GP about their recommended duration for use.​

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE AND ADVICE FROM YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

With the help of a healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist, physical therapy can be started immediately after an ankle injury. The severity of your injury will determine the type of exercises that are suitable.3
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Find out more about physical therapy

Taping and bracing may be used to treat your ankle injury as well as to help prevent another one.4 Your physiotherapist may advise ongoing taping or use of a brace during training sessions and games.

All ankle ligament injuries have some potential to heal on their own. This ability may be affected by factors such as:

  • The severity of your injury
  • If you see a physiotherapist and complete a course of rehabilitation
  • Individual factors such as your body mass index (BMI) or if you have any hypermobility

Surgical Treatment Options

When to Consider Surgery
Types of Surgery
What to Expect from Surgery​

Experts generally recommend you consider surgery if:

You have recurrent ankle sprains. Typically, your doctor may consider surgery if you have had three or more episodes
Your ankle shows clear signs of instability on physical examination
You have an active lifestyle


        DOWNLOAD QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SURGERY

        If you decide to have surgery, your surgeon may perform one of these types of surgeries, which are most commonly used in Australia to treat ankle instability.

        • Brostrom–Gould repair with or without augmentation, which shortens your stretched ankle ligament
        • Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction, which involves utilising a piece of tissue to replace the torn ligament.

        Watch: Learn about different types of ankle surgeries

        View educational video

        Please note: This link will take you to a global Arthrex patient education site. As such, the content contained in the video is not controlled by Arthrex Australia Pty Ltd and may not be entirely applicable for Australia.

        Your surgeon will talk you through all the steps involved, but in general, you can expect:

        • You may receive a general anaesthetic before the surgery
        • Your surgeon may insert a camera and instruments into your ankle through two small 1-cm key-hole incisions. This allows them to examine the inside of your ankle and perform any required repairs prior to the ligament procedure
        • An incision may be made over your ankle ligaments and your surgeon will perform the selected ankle-surgery technique to repair your ankle ligaments
        • You may be fitted with a plaster cast or a Controlled Ankle Movement (CAM) boot during the surgery
        • You may stay in hospital overnight for observation. During this time, you may also undergo a physiotherapy assessment