American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What intervention is suggested for chronic instability resulting from ankle sprains?

1. Extended rest and ice application

2. Proprioception training

3. Medication therapy

4. Immediate surgical intervention

The correct answer is: Proprioception training

Proprioception training is suggested as the appropriate intervention for individuals experiencing chronic instability due to recurrent ankle sprains. This type of training focuses on improving the body's ability to sense its position in space, which is critical for maintaining balance and coordination, particularly in the ankle joint. Chronic ankle instability often arises after multiple sprains, during which the proprioceptive fibers in the ligaments can be damaged. Proprioceptive exercises help in retraining the nervous system to recognize the position of the ankle and the body's orientation, thus enhancing stability and reducing the risk of further sprains. This intervention typically involves activities designed to improve balance, agility, and coordination, such as using balance boards or performing single-leg stands. Other options like extended rest and ice application may temporarily reduce pain or inflammation but don’t strengthen the joint or address the underlying issue of proprioceptive deficit. Medication therapy can help manage pain and inflammation but does not contribute to restoring stability. Immediate surgical intervention is typically reserved for cases where there are significant structural abnormalities or failures of conservative treatments and is not the first-line treatment for chronic instability. Thus, proprioception training is the most effective and appropriate intervention for addressing the root causes of chronic ankle instability following sprains.