Does your ankle still buckle on uneven ground long after the swelling from your last sprain has gone down? Repeated rolling, lingering pain, and a nagging sense that your ankle could “give way” at any moment are signs that the lateral ligaments may no longer be holding the joint together the way they should. Surgical stabilization can restore the strength and stability your ankle has lost — letting you walk, run, and play without bracing for the next twist.
At Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, bring more than 20 years of trusted foot and ankle expertise to The Woodlands and Magnolia. Their advanced surgical training and patient-first approach have earned them recognition as the Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012.
What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic ankle sprains develop when the lateral collateral ligaments — the tissues that stabilize the outside of the ankle — are stretched or torn from repeated injury. Once weakened, these ligaments can no longer maintain the joint’s normal range of motion.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent ankle pain or soreness
- Trouble walking on uneven surfaces
- A feeling of the ankle “giving way”
- Recurring sprains with minor missteps
- Swelling that lingers after activity
Conservative care — strengthening exercises, proprioceptive rehabilitation through physical therapy, and bracing — is always the first step. When those measures fail to restore stability, surgery becomes the next consideration.
Surgical Options for Lateral Ankle Stabilization
Two main surgical approaches are used to rebuild a stable ankle joint. Your surgeon will recommend the right one based on your activity level, occupation, weight, and whether you have had prior surgery.
Brostrom-Gould Procedure
This outpatient procedure uses your own local tissue to reconstruct the lateral ligament complex. It preserves normal anatomy, maintains a strong range of motion, and offers excellent cosmetic results. Recovery typically involves 4–6 weeks in a non-weight-bearing short-leg cast, followed by 2–3 weeks of protected weight-bearing in a cam walker or brace before returning to regular footwear.
Tenodesis Procedure
For more severe instability, a tendon or fascia lata graft is routed through small drill holes in the ankle and foot bones to rebuild support. Newer allogenic grafts allow this reconstruction without sacrificing your own anatomy. Recovery generally includes 6 weeks of non-weight-bearing, followed by 3–6 weeks of protected weight-bearing, with physical therapy as needed.
Possible Complications
As with any surgery, certain risks exist. The most common include a mild decrease in subtalar joint motion (which controls side-to-side foot movement) and sural neuritis from nerve traction, which is usually temporary and resolves within a year.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Chronic Ankle Sprain Surgery in The Woodlands, TX?
Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists combines decades of surgical experience with leading-edge technology to give you a smoother, more confident recovery. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey are both board-certified by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and they take the time to walk you through every option so you can make the choice that fits your lifestyle.
Recovery is supported in-house with convenient services such as MLS laser therapy, which can reduce post-surgical pain, inflammation, and swelling with 85–90% efficacy, as well as in-office physical therapy for coordinated rehabilitation. From your first consultation through your return to activity, the team blends compassion, integrity, and innovation to help you get back on your feet for good.
Get Back to Steady, Confident Movement
Chronic ankle instability does not have to keep you sidelined. With personalized surgical care and full-service recovery support, lasting stability is within reach. Schedule a consultation with Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists at our The Woodlands, TX, office at (281) 292-4944 or our Magnolia office at (281) 789-4956.