Management of Ankle Injuries and Chr onic Ankle Instability in Football Players

Abstract

Ankle sprains are common injuries in football, with approximately 20% to 40% of patients progressing to chronic ankle instability (CAI), leading to recurrent sprains, residual pain, and functional limitations that affect athletic performance and daily activities. Existing treatments such as the RICE principle, physical therapy, and functional braces are effective but have limitations in long-term recovery, proprioceptive restoration, and stability maintenance, and their optimal timing and indications remain controversial. Emerging imaging technologies, such as dynamic ultrasound, MRI, and gait analysis, as well as novel therapeutic methods, including neuromuscular training, virtual reality–assisted rehabilitation, and wearable feedback systems, provide more accurate diagnosis and personalized rehabilitation programs, which may compensate for the shortcomings of traditional treatments. With the continuous progress of related technologies and the improvement of evidencebased rehabilitation strategies, the accuracy of clinical decision-making is expected to further improve, and patient rehabilitation outcomes are expected to improve. This review aims to evaluate the application effects of these new technologies in the management of CAI, analyze their clinical potential and current challenges, and propose directions and priorities for future research.