What could be causing persistent issues with my left ankle?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Chronic ankle instability is often caused by past injuries such as ankle sprains, ligament tears, or incomplete healing after trauma. Common symptoms include repeated giving-way, swelling, and difficulty with balance. Treatment options range from physical therapy and balance training to bracing and, in more severe cases, surgical ligament reconstruction to restore stability and function.

If your ankle keeps bothering you, don't guess at the cause. Understanding what's driving your symptoms is the first step toward the right treatment—whether that's rehab exercises, a specialist visit, or something more. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of left ankle symptoms Learn if your left ankle needs care Find out what’s causing ankle pain See OTC options for ankle discomfort Find an ankle specialist near you Understand home remedies for ankle pain Check if ankle symptoms need urgent care

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Explanation

Persistent issues with your left ankle may be related to previous injuries such as sprains or ligament damage. According to the provided references, here are some possible causes and solutions:

Past Sprains: If you've sprained your ankle before, it might not have healed completely. This can lead to ongoing problems. Balance training can help improve the strength and stability of your ankle after a sprain.
Ligament Damage: Sometimes, the ligaments on the side of the ankle can get torn. This can cause the ankle to be weak or unstable. In some cases, surgery might be needed to fix the ligaments and make the ankle stronger.
Rehabilitation: Doing special exercises can help your ankle get better. These exercises focus on making your ankle muscles stronger and improving your balance.

If your ankle is still hurting or feels weak, you can get personalized insights about your symptoms by taking a free symptom checker assessment or talk to a healthcare professional who can check your ankle and suggest what might help it feel better.

(References)

Faizullin I, & Faizullina E. (2015). Effects of balance training on post-sprained ankle joint .... The International journal of risk & safety in medicine, 26639734.
Lynch SA, & Renström PA. (1999). Treatment of acute lateral ankle ligament rupture in the .... Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 10028133.
Sammarco GJ, & Idusuyi OB. (1999). Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using a split .... Foot & ankle international, 10063977.

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