Understanding the compliance of individuals with chronic ankle instability to a home exercise program

Abstract

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries caused by physical activity such as running, kicking, or loss of balance 1. However, the majority of people never seek proper medical treatment, and this tends to lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI) 2. CAI is described by a subjective feeling of the ankle giving way or being unstable 3. CAI may develop after one, or repeated, ankle sprains due to weakened ligaments. Ligaments are structures that connect a bone to another bone crossing a joint to provide it with stability. The development of CAI is caused by a pattern of instability on the lateral side of an ankle. The ankle will repeatedly give out or sprain again because the ligaments have become damaged1. CAI is a problem because the continuous spraining can lead to a decrease in range of motion, strength, postural control, and movement of the ankle 4. However, there are treatments to remedy this form of injury. The proper treatment for acute ankle sprains would be applying ice, rest, and elevation to allow the ligaments to heal. Further treatments include looking at an ankle’s range of motion, exercise, and manual therapy in order to promote proper healing and recovery. CAI is best treated through proper physical therapy 5.