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Spraining your ankle is an inconvenient injury, to say the least. It is painful, it limits your mobility and it can take a while to recover from. Some ankle sprains are so severe that you may require surgery for treatment, which takes even more time for recovery. However, it may not be as bad as you may be thinking.
Thanks to minimally invasive surgery techniques, you may be able to recover from ankle surgery quicker than you realize.
How much time does it take to recover from ankle surgery?
Your ankle surgery recovery time will vary depending on the severity of your injury and the type of surgery you receive. There are two major types of ankle surgery for a sprained ankle: arthroscopy and reconstruction:
- Arthroscopy — Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive type of surgery that involves the use of a small tube with a camera on the end known as an arthroscope. This allows surgeons to see inside the joint so they can use tiny surgical instruments to remove bone and cartilage debris that developed as a result of your sprain.
Most people who have ankle arthroscopy can return home the same day. Your surgical wounds will take a couple of days to heal, but you should be able to resume normal activities by this point. After a couple more weeks, you should be able to participate in more physically demanding activities like sports. - Ligament reconstruction — Ankle ligament reconstruction surgery may be necessary for severe ankle sprains. In this surgery, the surgeon attaches the ligaments to the bones and tightens them for better performance.
Ankle ligament reconstruction surgery can require several weeks for recovery. During the initial few weeks, you may need to use crutches. Then, you will switch to a stiff boot for support and protection for a few more weeks. Finally, after eight to 12 weeks, you’ll be able to return to your normal footwear.
Visit the iRISE Spine and Joint Institute for sprained ankle surgery
Don’t let a sprained ankle keep you from living an active and independent lifestyle. Our surgeons at the Florida Spine and Joint Center can help you overcome your ankle injury and get back to your normal life. Contact our team today for more information about ankle injury treatment or call us at (888) 966-9750 to schedule an initial appointment.
