Chronic Ankle Instability: When Sprains Lead to a Lasting Problem

Quick answer: Treatment for chronic ankle instability treatment michigan follows a stepwise approach: 1) conservative care first (rest, ice, supportive footwear, OTC anti-inflammatories), 2) physical therapy and targeted exercises, 3) in-office treatments (injections, custom orthotics) if conservative fails at 4-6 weeks, 4) surgery for refractory cases. Most patients resolve at step 1 or 2. Book online, or call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

▶ Watch

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

Insurance Accepted

BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Book online 24/7 at either office.

Book Your Appointment

(810) 206-1402

More Podiatrist-Recommended Ankle Sprain Essentials

Stability Walking/Running Shoe

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 — lateral support during recovery walking.

KT Tape for Ankle Support

KT Tape — proprioceptive support for athletic return-to-play.

Supportive Insole

PowerStep Pinnacle — arch support reduces re-injury risk during recovery.

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.

Chronic Foot Ankle Wounds Balance Foot Ankle - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

A sprain that hasn’t fully recovered after 6 weeks often has residual ligament laxity or occult fracture that keeps the ankle unstable. Balance Foot & Ankle X-rays and stress-tests every lingering sprain — if the ligament is torn, we offer bracing, PRP, and (for chronic instability) minimally-invasive repair. Don’t keep re-rolling the same ankle; let us stabilize it properly.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township

Watch: Dr. Tom explains

Podiatrist-recommended products

As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.

Aircast CAM Walker Boot

Temporary immobilization breaks the instability cycle – combined with bracing and rehab.

Check price →
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotics

Lateral heel wedge reduces supination stress on lateral ligaments.

Check price →
FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack

Controls lateral ankle inflammation after recurrent sprains during rehab phase.

View on Amazon →
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel

Topical relief for chronic lateral ankle pain while pursuing conservative rehab.

View on Amazon →

Ready to solve this? Book today.

Book online 24/7 · Howell & Bloomfield Township · 4.9★ (1,200+ reviews)

☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced treatment options — including Ankle Sprain & Instability Treatment in Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics.

Book online 24/7. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Dr. Tom’s Biomechanics Support Picks

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles — Semi-rigid arch support that corrects overpronation mechanics. The OTC I send patients home with before custom orthotics. Holds its shape longer than competitors.

Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Natural arnica formula for soreness from gait dysfunction and overuse. Plant-based, FSA-eligible. Apply 3–4×/day.

Disclosure: We earn a commission if you purchase — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we use in our clinic.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Related care from Balance Foot & Ankle

Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan offices.

Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.

Book your appointment

Choose your office

Choose an office, then select New or Existing. Existing patients must also choose a reason for visit before selecting a date and time.

Howell

4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Book Howell

Bloomfield Township

43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302

Listed as “Bloomfield Hills Office” in the scheduler.

Book Bloomfield Township

No times on your chosen date? Try another available date or check the other office. Need help? Call (810) 206-1402.

How do I choose a visit reason?

If you select Existing, choose a reason for visit. Use “What reason should I choose?” in the scheduler if you are unsure.

Insurance and referrals

Review accepted plans and referral information before your appointment. View insurance information.

Paying without insurance?

View self-pay pricing and booking guidance.

Prefer a callback?

Our team will call you within one business day. A callback request does not reserve an appointment. Request a callback.