Ankle Instability Specialist

Patients commonly report:

• Repeated ankle sprains
• Ankle weakness
• Chronic swelling
• Catching or locking sensations
• Pain during activity
• Difficulty with running or sports
• Loss of confidence during movement
• Feeling that the ankle "gives out"

Symptoms often worsen over time without appropriate treatment.

Accurate diagnosis is essential for successful treatment.

Evaluation may include:

• Weight-bearing X-rays
• Stress radiographs
• Diagnostic ultrasound
• MRI evaluation
• Gait analysis
• Ligament stability testing
• Assessment of foot and ankle alignment

Many patients have associated injuries that contribute to ongoing symptoms.

Chronic instability often occurs alongside:

• Peroneal tendon injuries
• Osteochondral lesions
• Cartilage damage
• Ankle impingement
• Synovitis
• Flatfoot deformity
• Achilles tightness
• Post-traumatic arthritis

Identifying and treating all contributing conditions improves long-term outcomes.

Many patients improve without surgery. Treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy
• Balance and proprioceptive training
• Functional bracing
• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Custom orthotics
• Sports-specific rehabilitation

When instability persists despite appropriate treatment, surgical stabilization may be recommended.

The most commonly injured ligaments are:

• Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)
• Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)
• Deltoid ligament complex

Ligament reconstruction restores stability and helps prevent recurrent injury.

Goals of surgery include:

• Restoring normal ankle mechanics
• Preventing future sprains
• Reducing pain
• Improving athletic performance
• Protecting cartilage health
• Preventing progressive arthritis

Modern ankle stabilization techniques have evolved significantly with the introduction of Internal Brace™ technology.

The Internal Brace utilizes high-strength suture tape augmentation designed to reinforce ligament repairs while healing occurs.

Potential benefits may include:

• Increased construct strength
• Enhanced stability
• Protection during ligament healing
• Earlier rehabilitation protocols
• Earlier return to activity for appropriate patients
• Durable long-term support

Internal Brace augmentation is commonly used in conjunction with primary ligament repair or reconstruction procedures.

The Modified Broström procedure remains the gold standard for treating chronic lateral ankle instability.

When combined with Internal Brace augmentation, the repair can provide additional reinforcement for patients with:

• Severe instability
• High athletic demands
• Generalized ligament laxity
• Revision surgery cases
• Recurrent ankle sprains

This technique aims to restore the ankle's natural anatomy while improving overall stability.

Many ankle procedures can now be performed through smaller incisions and less invasive techniques.

Benefits may include:

• Less soft tissue disruption
• Smaller scars
• Reduced postoperative discomfort
• Faster rehabilitation
• Earlier return to activity

Treatment recommendations are customized to each patient's condition and goals.

Many patients with chronic instability also have intra-articular pathology that may not be visible on standard imaging.

Ankle arthroscopy may be performed to address:

• Cartilage injuries
• Scar tissue
• Synovitis
• Bone spurs
• Loose bodies
• Osteochondral defects

Treating these conditions at the time of reconstruction may improve outcomes and reduce persistent symptoms.

Athletes place significant demands on their ankles.

Common sports affected include:

• Running
• Soccer
• Football
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Pickleball
• Volleyball
• Dance and gymnastics

The goal of treatment is not only stability but also a safe return to sport at the highest possible level.

Not all ankle surgeries heal successfully.

Revision surgery may be required for:

• Failed Broström procedures
• Recurrent instability
• Persistent pain
• Ligament re-tears
• Previous trauma
• Malalignment
• Untreated tendon pathology
• Progressive arthritis

Revision cases require advanced evaluation and individualized reconstructive planning.

Repeated ankle sprains and instability can accelerate cartilage damage. Early stabilization may help:

• Protect cartilage surfaces
• Reduce recurrent injury
• Preserve ankle function
• Minimize long-term degeneration
• Delay or prevent post-traumatic arthritis

Addressing instability before significant joint damage occurs often leads to better long-term outcomes.

Successful treatment of ankle instability requires expertise in:

• Sports medicine
• Ligament reconstruction
• Arthroscopic surgery
• Internal Brace stabilization
• Tendon reconstruction
• Revision surgery
• Foot and ankle biomechanics

The goal is to restore stability, improve function, reduce pain, and return patients to the activities they enjoy

If you suffer from recurrent ankle sprains, chronic ankle instability, persistent pain, or have failed previous treatment, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine the most effective treatment plan. 

Dr. John Goodner specializes in ankle ligament reconstruction, Internal Brace™ stabilization, sports medicine, minimally invasive ankle surgery, revision ligament repair, and complex foot and ankle reconstruction.

Same-day and next-day appointments are available in Boca Raton and Delray Beach.