Controversial issues of chronic ankle instability

Abstract

Chronic ankle instability is a chronic sports injury disease characterized by recurrent sprains, feeling of instability, pain, swelling and other symptoms after an initial sprain. Research on the pathological mechanism of chronic ankle instability still cannot explain the diversity of symptoms. In the past, the surgical indications for chronic ankle instability only emphasized mechanical joint laxity. However, most patients with chronic symptoms after a lateral ankle sprain may not have a typical complaint of mechanical instability. More patients presented with persistent pain or functional instability as the chief complaint. Surgical treatment also has a certain effect on the symptoms of functional instability, but the surgical indications of functional instability are mainly based on subjective symptoms. At present, there is a lack of objective indicators for surgery, which is still controversial. Further in-depth research on the mechanism of chronic ankle instability is needed to guide the formulation of diagnosis and treatment strategies.