What To Expect After Ankle Arthroscopy

A recent study found that “the number of foot and ankle procedures performed annually is steadily increasing.” The good news is that many of those procedures are minimally invasive and performed through a specialized technique called arthroscopy.

Ankle arthroscopy can be used to treat numerous conditions, and in some instances, it can be used to identify the cause of pain that hasn’t been diagnosed. When the skilled surgeons at Orthopedic Institute of Fort Worth perform ankle arthroscopy, they send you home with detailed instructions to follow. We’ve put together this general guide to help you know what to expect during your recovery.

Ankle arthroscopy basics

Any kind of arthroscopic surgery is performed through very small incisions, using a camera with a light and tiny tools. It’s considered minimally invasive because it involves two or three small incisions, rather than a single large incision, as in conventional surgery.

Ankle arthroscopy is a type of procedure performed on the ankle. Your doctor may recommend it for numerous conditions, including:

Ankle impingement
Ankle instability
Arthritis
Injury
Persistent, undiagnosed pain

Once your surgeon has made the necessary incisions, they fill the area with a sterile solution, which creates space, allowing the doctor more room to work. Once the camera is inserted, it projects images onto a larger screen, allowing the surgeon to see your joint and the surrounding structures clearly.

Recovering from ankle arthroscopy

Your recovery depends on the reason your procedure was performed and the actions your doctor took during surgery. Some things are the same for everyone, though.

For example, your ankle will be swollen for a few days, partly because it’s healing, and partly because of the fluid used during the surgery. You’ll need to keep your ankle elevated and propped up, above your heart.

It's also likely that you’ll feel more tired than usual for a few days. You should rest and give your body time to heal. The skin around your incisions may also appear a different color at first — it will return to normal after a few days.

In addition to the specifics of your surgery, other factors that affect your recovery include your overall health, age, and individual circumstances. We ensure that you have clear instructions on how to care for yourself when you return home, and you’re always welcome to call our office with any questions.

Medications

If you’re prescribed pain medication, take it as directed, and if you stopped taking any of your regular medications to prepare for your surgery, begin taking them as your doctor instructs.

Some people prefer not to take prescription pain medication, or can’t for medical reasons. In that case, discuss other options with your doctor. Over-the-counter pain medications may be helpful, and applying ice can also provide relief.

Incision care

Keep your incisions clean and dry. Refer to your individual instructions about removing the dressing on your incisions. Sometimes it’s safe to do it within 48-72 hours, and sometimes you have to wait for the strips of tape to fall off.

Exercise

In general, the sooner you can begin moving, the better. You should begin by pushing your toes. Your doctor may provide simple leg exercises you can do immediately, or refer you to a physical therapy program.

Follow-up care

Attending your follow-up appointments is crucial to ensure you recover as quickly and thoroughly as possible. It also gives you the chance to ask questions.

Most people recover from ankle arthroscopy in 2-3 months and can return to all regular activities. We are always happy to answer your questions and discuss the specifics of what you can expect. Schedule an appointment at any of our three locations in Fort Worth, Southlake, or Weatherford, TX.