Which findings are associated with chronic ankle instability?

Which findings are associated with chronic ankle instability?

• A. Decreased laxity, improved ROM
• B. Increased laxity, impaired DF ROM, deficient leg and hip strength, diminished postural control
• C. Normal postural control with increased DF ROM
• D. Increased proprioception

Answer: (B)

Chronic ankle instability comes from repeated ankle sprains that leave the ligaments looser and disrupt the normal sense of joint position. This combination causes the ankle to feel unstable and to give way during activity, which is the mechanical side of the problem. At the same time, the ability to move the ankle through dorsiflexion is often reduced because of capsular tightness and tissue changes from injury, limiting how far the foot can smoothly move upward and affecting overall ankle function. Strength in the muscles of the leg and hip tends to be weaker, which reduces the dynamic control needed to stabilize the ankle during activities like walking, running, or changing direction. Proprioception—the sense of joint position and movement—is also diminished because the sensory receptors in the ankle are damaged or not functioning optimally, leading to poorer postural control and balance. Taken together, these features—increased laxity, impaired dorsiflexion ROM, weaker leg and hip muscles, and reduced postural control—fit the pattern seen with chronic ankle instability. Increased proprioception would not typically be expected in this condition.

Chronic ankle instability comes from repeated ankle sprains that leave the ligaments looser and disrupt the normal sense of joint position. This combination causes the ankle to feel unstable and to give way during activity, which is the mechanical side of the problem. At the same time, the ability to move the ankle through dorsiflexion is often reduced because of capsular tightness and tissue changes from injury, limiting how far the foot can smoothly move upward and affecting overall ankle function. Strength in the muscles of the leg and hip tends to be weaker, which reduces the dynamic control needed to stabilize the ankle during activities like walking, running, or changing direction. Proprioception—the sense of joint position and movement—is also diminished because the sensory receptors in the ankle are damaged or not functioning optimally, leading to poorer postural control and balance. Taken together, these features—increased laxity, impaired dorsiflexion ROM, weaker leg and hip muscles, and reduced postural control—fit the pattern seen with chronic ankle instability. Increased proprioception would not typically be expected in this condition.