Published on: 4/24/2025
What could prevent my ankle from bending properly?
Your ankle might not bend properly due to stiffness, past injuries, or instability. This can happen after a fracture or if the muscles around your ankle are not working well.
Explanation
There are several reasons why your ankle might not bend as it should.
Stiffness: According to a study, stiffness in the ankle and the muscles that help you point your toes can make it hard to move your ankle. This stiffness can be caused by different factors, including how your muscles and joints work together.
Past Injuries: If you had a fracture in your lower leg that needed special support to heal, like an external fixation, it might affect how your ankle moves. The healing process can sometimes lead to less movement in the ankle.
Chronic Ankle Instability: When your ankle feels wobbly or weak, it might be due to chronic instability. This means your ankle has trouble staying steady, which can affect how it moves. This condition often happens after repeated ankle sprains or injuries.
Understanding these issues can help you know why your ankle might not bend properly. If you are concerned about your ankle, talking to a healthcare professional can provide more personalized guidance.
(References)
- Taylor GJ, & Allum RL. (1988). Ankle motion after external fixation of tibial fractures - PMC. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 1291421.
- THEISEN A, & DAY J. (2019). Chronic Ankle Instability Leads to Lower Extremity .... International Journal of Exercise Science, 6355117.
- Borges PR, Santos TR, Procópio PR, Chelidonopoulos JH, Zambelli R, & Ocarino JM. (2017). Passive stiffness of the ankle and plantar flexor muscle .... Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 5537429.
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