Timothy Miller, MD: Ankle sprains and ankle instability are really one of the most common things I see in my office. 

An ankle sprain can range anywhere from just a simple stretching injury to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to a complete tear of those ligaments leading to long-term instability of the joint. 

Typically, those patients will get immobilized and a removable boot or splint for about two weeks before they start physical therapy. And in the long run, if they don't get better from those non-operative treatments, they may require a procedure that stabilizes or tightens the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to maintain stability of the joint.

If the patient's ankle instability or ankle pain doesn't resolve after immobilization and physical therapy, then they commonly require a procedure to stabilize the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. This requires a small incision just below the tip of the fibula on the outside of the ankle and tightening of those ligaments to prevent long-term instability.

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The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center]