Foot & ankle conditions
Ankle ligament tears & instability
For the ankle that never quite recovered from the sprain: image-guided treatment for stretched and torn ligaments.
Understanding the condition
The sprain that keeps coming back
Most ankle sprains stretch or partially tear the ligaments on the outside of the joint. Many heal well. Some heal long instead of tight, and the ankle is left slightly loose — so it gives way on a kerb, on grass, or halfway through a game, and each episode does a little more damage.
That cycle is what clinicians call chronic ankle instability. It is worth treating on its own terms, because a persistently unstable ankle loads its cartilage abnormally and is associated with arthritis developing in the joint over time.
Symptoms
What patients describe
- An ankle that "gives way" on uneven ground
- Repeated sprains, each one easier to trigger than the last
- A vague ache or fullness on the outside of the ankle
- Loss of confidence changing direction or running on trails
- Swelling that never fully settles after the original injury
- Feeling you have to tape or brace the ankle to trust it
If this sounds like your situation, a consultation starts with finding out exactly which structure is causing the pain.
Treatment
Ankle instability treatment at RegenOrthoSport
Primary treatment
Image-guided stem cell therapy (BMAC)
Regenerative injections are placed into and around the injured ligament under ultrasound guidance, with the goal of supporting healing and restoring stability.
Bone marrow is collected from the back of your hip, concentrated in a centrifuge, and placed by Dr. Movva under ultrasound or X-ray guidance so the treatment reaches the structure that is actually injured.
Before surgery or steroids
Why look at regenerative options first?
Ligament reconstruction is a real option for a genuinely unstable ankle, but it is surgery, it takes the ankle out of action for a period of months, and it is normally reserved for people who have already completed a proper rehabilitation program without success.
Before that point, the combination of image-guided regenerative injections and structured proprioceptive rehabilitation targets both halves of the problem: the ligament tissue itself and the balance and control that were lost with it.
Your plan
What treatment can include
- Image-guided regenerative injection of the injured ligament
- Ultrasound assessment of ligament laxity and any associated tendon injury
- Balance and proprioception retraining
- Peroneal strengthening to protect against rolling the ankle
- Bracing during the return to sport
Every plan begins with a detailed assessment. Dr. Movva will tell you if regenerative treatment is not the right option for your case.
Recovery timeline
What to expect after treatment
All patients go home the same day. Mild soreness at the bone marrow collection site and injection areas is common for several days, as the healing process begins with a natural inflammatory response.
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First few days
Mild soreness or stiffness is typical.
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Weeks 2–6
Gradual improvement in pain, mobility, and daily function.
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Months 2–6
Continued healing as stem cells and growth factors support tissue repair.
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Your rehab plan
Dr. Movva provides a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you achieve the best possible results.
Related
More foot & ankle conditions
Am I a candidate for regenerative orthopedic treatment?
Candidates are typically individuals seeking non-surgical options for joint pain, sports injuries, tendon or ligament damage, or degenerative orthopedic conditions. Your physician will determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate based on your diagnosis, imaging findings, and overall health.
Can I return to sports or exercise after the treatment?
Return to sports depends on your diagnosis, the procedure performed, and your body's healing response. Our team develops individualized recovery plans designed to help patients safely return to their desired activities as healing progresses.
What is recovery like after treatment?
Recovery is typically much shorter than traditional orthopedic surgery. All patients go home the same day and gradually resume normal daily activities based on their physician's recommendations and individualized rehabilitation plan.
How long before I notice improvement?
Healing is a gradual biological process. Some patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, while others continue to experience progress over several months as damaged tissues respond to regenerative treatment.
Consultation request
Get your ankle evaluated
Tell us where it hurts and how it is holding you back. Our team will contact you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Movva at our Dallas office.
- Consultation with Dr. Movva
- Review of your history and imaging
- An honest answer on candidacy
Prefer to talk? Call (817) 442-9292 or text (817) 441-0457.
Contact us or request an appointment
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