What Causes Weak Ankle?

Posted on Thu, 3 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Apr 2014 Answered on

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have really weak ankles, they give way when I walk and first thing in the morning when I first get out of bed, my ankles hurt and I have to hold on when I walk until I feel them click into place, what causes this?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: need more information Detailed Answer: hello XXXXXXX I am Dr Mittal How long have you had this problem? Have you had x rays done? What did they show? Also what are the levels of vitamin D? I think your symptoms indicate some fibromuscular dysplasia. The best way and the safest way to help yourself in this condition is Physiotherapy The exercise taught by a physiotherapist should be done regularly This helps male the muscles stronger and thereby help avoid the problem. Also suggesting thyroid test Best of luck Do respond so I can help you further Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (2 hours later)

I have had this problem for the past few years, I have only had my ankles x-rayed when my ankle has given way and have badly damaged it ie sprained,torn ligaments,fractured it, I also have no idea on the vitamin D level, I am dairy intollerant so having calcium supplement with vitamin D in aswell, I have had thyroid test done in the past and they have always come back ok

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (34 hours later)

Brief Answer: tests suggested Detailed Answer: hi thanks for responding i think there are at least two tests you need to check out 1. xray of the lower back 2. cpk-mb the first test is meant to make sure there are no possible nerve compressions making your leg muscles weak. the second test is to make sure there is no muscle problem as such the idea is to find out what is causing the problem. since you are on supplements, i can assume that the levels are either normal or on their way to correction. so i wont comment on that. this means we need to make sure that a. your nerves are functioning well. they supply the muscles. if they collapse, the muscles may give way. b. the muscles are fine. if they have a problem, they may collapse themselves causing the problem i hope that helps please do respond for any further queries Best of luck Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar