Picture this: you’re walking down the driveway with your hands full of groceries and—bam—your ankle rolls out from under you again. No uneven surface. No warning. Just that dreaded “oops-I-did-it-again” moment that sends you limping and leaves your confidence crushed.

Sound familiar?

If your ankle feels wobbly, unreliable, or like it just can't be trusted anymore… you're not imagining things. You could be dealing with a sneaky condition called chronic ankle instability. But here’s the good news: it’s treatable, and we’re here to help you fix it.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is what happens when the ligaments around your ankle—especially on the outside—have been damaged (usually from one or more sprains) and never fully healed.

So now? Your ankle is like that one friend who flakes on plans. Unreliable. Unstable. And always letting you down at the worst possible time.

Here are the red-flag symptoms:

• Your ankle keeps giving out (especially on uneven ground)

• You’ve had multiple ankle sprains over the years

• It feels weak, especially after physical activity

• You’re constantly on edge, afraid it’ll roll again

The Hidden Cost of “Shaking It Off”

Maybe you sprained your ankle months (or years) ago and thought it would just get better on its own.

We get it.

But here’s the thing: untreated ankle sprains can snowball into long-term instability. That means more injuries, more swelling, and more downtime. And the longer it goes unaddressed, the more likely you are to develop arthritis or long-term joint damage.

You don’t need to live like this.

How We Help at Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter care. Whether you’re a high school athlete, an active parent, or someone just trying to walk the dog without drama, we tailor your treatment to you.

Here’s what working with us looks like:

✅ Step 1: Pinpoint the Problem

Through a detailed exam (and sometimes imaging), we’ll confirm if it’s CAI or another ankle issue. No guesswork—just clear answers.

✅ Step 2: Build a Stronger, Smarter Ankle

Depending on the severity, we may recommend:

• Physical therapy (game-changer!)

• Ankle bracing or taping for stability

• Custom orthotics to correct your gait

• Regenerative treatments to repair ligament damage

And if conservative care isn’t enough? We’ll talk through surgical options to repair and tighten the ligaments safely and effectively.

✅ Step 3: Keep You Moving

Our goal is to get you back to your life—on your feet, not on the sidelines. Whether you’re chasing your kids or hiking Mount Washington, we’ll help you get there with confidence.

Let’s Fix That Ankle for Good

You don’t have to live with the fear of your ankle giving out anymore. Let’s stop the cycle of reinjury and start the path to stability and strength.

Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH today or request an appointment online.

Your ankles carry your entire life. It’s time to treat them like it.