Ankle pain is very common with virtually everyone having it at some point in their lives. Some people simply step wrong and have pain that’s relieved by rest, icing, and over-the-counter medications.
Others develop ankle pain due to underlying conditions such as arthritis, torn ligaments and tendons, or a rupture of the Achilles tendon. There are several different types of ankle surgery that can be extremely effective and part of a successful treatment plan.
At Downtown Podiatry Physicians, we work with you to determine the cause of your ankle pain and how best to approach pain relief, improving mobility and strength, and putting you in the best possible position. Let’s look at some of the most common ankle surgery options.
Ankle ligament repair surgery
Patients with ankle instability may experience frequent sprains and strains because a ligament is not strong enough to function as intended. In some cases, the existing ligament can be reinforced with sutures.
More severe injuries may require other tissue or a tendon graft to replace a torn ligament. Recovery usually includes rest, a boot or assistive device, limits on exercise and prolonged standing, and a temporary break from driving.
Patient experience
Our team supports patients from the first appointment through surgery and follow-up care. Clear instructions, responsive communication, and a coordinated surgical experience are central to the process.
Ankle tendon repair surgery
Tendon tears in the ankle can be caused by injuries, overuse, structural abnormalities or they can be caused by diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. The pain from tendon tears in the ankle is usually quite severe and includes swelling and instability.
To repair tendons in the ankle, your doctor will stitch the ends back together, if possible. This is a great solution in less serious cases. When the tear is more severe, then grafts will be used to reconstruct the tendon or add stability.
Tendons commonly affected by tears
- Posterior tibialis – this tendon runs along the inside of the foot and ankle and is responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot and inverting the foot.
- Peroneal tendon – each foot has a pair of peroneal tendons that run along the outside of your foot and ankle. They are responsible for the eversion of your foot.
Foot and ankle tendon surgery is very similar to ligament surgery when it comes to recovery. Expect to be off your foot and resting it for several weeks. Your activities will be limited as you give your body the appropriate time necessary for quality healing.
The better you are about following your doctor’s recovery guidelines, the greater your odds of having successful results are.
Achilles rupture surgery
Most people are familiar with the Greek myth of Achilles, where he was dipped into the river Styx to make him invincible except for the area of his heel, where she held him. This led to the phrase Achilles’ heel, which is meant to point out an area of weakness.
Your Achilles tendon is obviously not mythological and anyone who has had a damaged Achilles tendon can tell you, it can be incredibly debilitating.
Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel and giving you flexibility and strength necessary to walk, run, and jump. When an Achilles tendon tears or ruptures the pain is generally immediate and very intense.
You might find that you’re unable to bend your foot downward in some cases. While Achilles tendon ruptures often require some force, there is a degenerative condition involving the Achilles tendon known as tendinitis or tendinopathy.
Generally, the pain is less intense and may present more like stiffness along the back of your heel. Tendinitis is often caused by overuse and repetitive stress, which can happen during sporting activities or your occupation.
Achilles tendon surgery to repair a tear, rupture, or tendinitis is similar. The tendon will be stitched back together if possible. If there is significant damage, a portion may need to be removed and replaced.
The goal is usually to do all Achilles tendon repair in the most minimally invasive way possible, leading to better outcomes and less recovery time. That said, expect to have several weeks of recovery and reduced mobility in your foot and ankle.
Your odds of success are greatly enhanced by your ability to allow your tendon to heal naturally.
What to expect with ankle surgery
Rest assured, you are in experienced hands when you trust Downtown Podiatry Physicians for your ankle surgery. Our foot and ankle surgical team combines advanced techniques with individualized treatment planning to help patients pursue safe, durable outcomes.
- Customized treatment plan. Before your surgery, your doctor will discuss the procedure in detail and take your lifestyle, activity level, and overall health into consideration. This will lead to a customized plan that is designed to give you the best results possible. Any and all questions will be addressed before the surgery.
- Before surgery. The night before surgery, you will be asked to cease eating and drinking to prepare your body for the anesthesia. You might want to prepare clothing that’s comfortable and easy to get in and out of. Make sure you have a ride home arranged as you will not be able to drive after ankle surgery – even if it’s on your left foot.
- On the day of surgery. You will be asked to arrive an hour or two before surgery for preparation. During this time there will be some additional paperwork to complete, and you will once again walk through the procedure with your surgery team.
- Most ankle surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Whether your surgery is an inpatient surgery or outpatient will depend on the procedure and the severity of your condition.
- Post-surgery protection. Most patients will be given some type of device to protect their ankle post-surgery. This device could be a boot, crutches, a walker, wheelchair, or leg scooter. Rest and protection are key parts of the healing process. You may also want to arrange your home so it’s easy for you to move about without bumping into objects once you get home.
- No driving. As mentioned, you will not be able to drive home after your surgery, please make arrangements to have someone drive you home. You also will not be able to drive for a few days post-surgery. It’s best to check with your doctor to see when they believe you’ll be able to drive safely.
- Follow-up care. Your doctor will prescribe some follow-up care for you to perform until your first post-op appointment. This might include rest, medications, icing techniques, and elevating your ankle. These steps will be thoroughly discussed with you and you’ll receive written instructions, in case you should have any questions. If you feel you don’t quite remember or understand your written instructions, please call our offices, we’re happy to help.
- Post-surgery appointments. Your medical team will schedule a series of appointments for you after your ankle surgery to make sure you’re progressing as expected and to prevent complications. These appointments are very important and may include x-rays, dressing changes, exercises to begin working on range of motion, and pain medications.
Frequently asked questions
What are common types of ankle surgery?
- Ankle fracture surgery
- Ankle fusion
- Ankle joint replacement
How do I know if I may need ankle surgery?
An examination and imaging are needed to determine whether surgery is appropriate. Warning signs that merit an evaluation include:
- Persistently stiff or swollen ankles
- Pain from mild activity
- Difficulty walking up or down steps
- Aches, pain, or stiffness
- Decreased mobility
What should I expect after ankle surgery?
Depending on the procedure, you may use a splint or cast for one to two weeks to limit joint movement and support healing. Your surgical team will provide instructions for wound care, elevation, movement, and follow-up visits.
Is ankle surgery painful?
Some pain or discomfort is expected after surgery. Your care plan will include strategies to manage it. Contact the office if pain is severe, worsening, or continues beyond the period your surgeon described.
How long after ankle surgery can I walk again?
Recovery depends on the procedure and your healing process. It may take six weeks or longer before you can walk normally. Crutches or another assistive device may be needed to keep weight off the ankle during recovery.