Chronic lateral instability of the foot

Injmy to the ligaments on the lateral side of the ankle and foot, caused by a sudden excessive inversion andlor torsion of the foot in relation to the leg, is probably the most common everyday injury of the locomotory system. Most of these injuries are sustained during sport, but with increasing age activities of daily life become a more dominant cause. It is estimated that one inversion injury of the ankle per 10.000 persons per day occurs. Despite adequate treatment, it is estimated that approximately 40% of the patients suffer from residual symptoms after sustaining this injury. These symptoms include recurrent sprains, 'giving way' sensations, pain, swelling and stiffness. The severity of these complaints is related to the level of demands regarding physical activities, but the great majority of the patients who note these complaints is not incapacitated by them. Presumably only a small percentage of patients with chronic lateral instability consults a general practitioner or a consultant. Based on the above mentioned percentages it can be deducted that chronic lateral instability of the foot is a very common problem.

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