Why Your Ankle May Keep Rolling: What the Latest Research Tells Us
If you’ve ever rolled your ankle, you’ll know how painful and frustrating it can be. For some people, the ankle never feels quite the same again. Instead of fully recovering, it may continue to roll easily, leading to what’s called chronic ankle instability. This is a common issue, especially for active people who play sports that involve running, jumping, or quick changes of direction.
A recent study looked at how the peroneal muscles (the muscles on the outside of your lower leg that help stabilise the ankle) behave in people with and without chronic ankle instability. These muscles are particularly important because they act quickly to stop the ankle from giving way.
The research found that in people with chronic ankle instability, the peroneal muscles don’t respond as well as they should. Their reaction times can be slower, and their overall strength and endurance may also be reduced. This means the ankle is less supported when it’s suddenly challenged; for example, landing awkwardly after a jump or stepping on uneven ground.
So, what does this mean for you?
If you’ve had repeated ankle sprains or your ankle often feels weak or unstable, it’s not just “bad luck.” Your muscles and nervous system may not be working together as effectively as they should.
If you’ve had repeated ankle sprains or your ankle often feels weak or unstable, it’s not just “bad luck.” Your muscles and nervous system may not be working together as effectively as they should.
The good news is that physiotherapy can help retrain these muscles through specific exercises that improve strength, reaction time, and balance. By targeting the neuromuscular system, we can restore stability, reduce the risk of re-injury, and get you back to doing the activities you enjoy with more confidence.
If ankle sprains are holding you back, let us help you build a stronger, more stable foundation. Give us a call on 9997 4970, email us at [email protected], or click below to book now.
Reference: Lima, C. D., de Araujo, V. L., Dos Santos, J. D., Ribeiro, D. C., & Bastos, F. N. (2022). How do neuromuscular characteristics of the peroneal muscles differ in adults with and without chronic ankle instability? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 52(6), 1339–1357. https://www.physio-network.com/research-reviews/ankle-foot/how-do-neuromuscular-characteristics-of-the-peroneal-muscles-differ-in-adults-with-and-without-chronic-ankle-instability-a-systematic-review-with-meta-analysis/