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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. Call (810) 206-1402.

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

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

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(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 Hills

Watch: Dr. Tom explains

Dr. Tom Biernacki 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.

View on Amazon →
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotics

Lateral heel wedge reduces supination stress on lateral ligaments.

View on Amazon →
FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack

Controls lateral ankle inflammation after recurrent sprains during rehab phase.

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Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel

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

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Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)

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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, same-day options — including Ankle Sprain & Instability Treatment in Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.

Same-day appointments available. 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 same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Related care from Balance Foot & Ankle

Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, 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.