Sometimes the pain in your ankle when walking or running is unbearable, isn't it? Sometimes, the sprain that occurs when you climb a flight of stairs or step on a small bump doesn't heal even after months of taking medication and undergoing various treatments. If the pain doesn't subside, your doctor may suggest surgery. So today, let's talk about ankle surgery. There's nothing to worry about, you'll feel a lot of relief once you know about it.
What is this ankle surgery?
Simply put, this is any surgery that is performed to treat a condition or injury in your ankle. Think about it, the ankle joint is where the lower leg and foot meet. It’s not just a joint. It’s a complex and important structure made up of several bones , cartilage and ligaments that hold them together, and muscles and tendons that help move the joint. We only consider surgery if there is pain caused by damage to any of these parts and other treatments don’t work.
What conditions are treated with ankle surgery?
There are various reasons why ankle surgery may be necessary. Let's take a look at the main conditions for which this surgery is performed.
| Condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Ankle Arthritis | Pain and swelling occur as the cartilage in the joint wears down and the bones rub against each other. |
| Ankle Deformity | Change in the shape of the ankle due to birth or accident. |
| Ankle Fracture | Fracture of one or more bones in the ankle joint due to an accident. |
| Ankle Impingement | Pain caused by an extra piece of bone or tissue getting stuck inside the joint. This is also called 'footballer's ankle'. |
| Tendonitis | Swelling and pain in the ankle tendons. |
| Bone spurs | Growth of extra bone around the joint. |
| Ankle Instability | Frequent ankle sprains, a feeling of looseness. This is caused by weakening of the ligaments. |
| Tendon Tear | Rupture of the major tendons associated with the ankle (e.g., peroneal or Achilles tendon). |
What are the main surgical procedures?
Okay, now let's see what different types of surgeries the doctor might suggest depending on your condition.
1. Ankle Fracture Surgery
This surgery is done to realign a broken bone in the ankle. It involves using plates, screws, and wires to hold the broken bone in place. Sometimes, if the bone and ligaments are damaged, they can also be repaired during the surgery.
2. Ankle Fusion Surgery
This is done for very advanced arthritis . It involves removing damaged cartilage and bone, placing the bones above and below the joint together, and fixing them with plates and screws. Over time, the two bones fuse together, becoming one bone.
The most important thing is that even though the arthritis pain is completely gone after this surgery, the ankle joint's flexibility is lost. However, doctors fix it in a way that allows you to walk and stand without pain.
3. Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
This is done for people who frequently sprain their ankles and have a 'loose ankle'. This is because the torn ligaments are not healing properly. Here, the weakened ligaments are sutured and tightened. This method is called the Brostrom procedure . In some severe cases, a tendon taken from another place may have to be transplanted.
4. Total Ankle Replacement Surgery
This is like putting an artificial joint in the knee. We call this arthroplasty. Here, the damaged parts of the ankle joint are completely removed and replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic. This is a good solution for severe arthritis and deformities.
5. Ankle Arthroscopy
This is actually a surgical procedure. Most of the time, surgeons try to perform the surgery through as small an incision as possible. Arthroscopy is one such procedure. What happens here is that a small incision is made and a thin tube with a camera (arthroscope) is passed through it into the joint. Then, the doctor can see inside the joint on a monitor and do things like remove stuck tissue and clean cartilage.
Let's also learn about the risks and recovery time of surgery.
Like any surgery, ankle surgery can carry a few minor risks. However, these do not occur very often.
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Complications of Anesthesia
- Wound healing problems
- Accidental damage to a blood vessel or nerve
Also, remember that it is very important to follow physiotherapy after surgery. If you don't, your ankle joint may become stiff and weak.
Is the surgery painful? No. You will be anesthetized during the surgery, so you will not feel any pain. You will also be given medication to control the pain after the surgery.
How long does it take to heal?
The recovery time varies depending on the surgery. Typically, you will need to wear a cast or a medical boot for two to six weeks . During this time, it is essential to use a support such as crutches, rather than resting your foot on the ground.
After the cast is removed, it will take a few more weeks of physical therapy to get your ankle back into shape. Most people can return to their normal activities within 8 to 12 weeks . However, it can take anywhere from six months to a year for your ankle to fully heal. Your doctor will advise you on all of this.
Take-Home Message
- Not all ankle pain requires surgery. Medication and physical therapy treatments are tried first.
- Surgery is only recommended when other treatments have failed or if the condition is severe.
- Minimally invasive techniques such as arthroscopy are now widely used.
- To fully recover after surgery, it is essential to follow the doctor's instructions and physiotherapy exactly.
- Talk openly with your doctor about the surgery that is best for your situation and its risks. Don't be afraid, it's best to be informed.
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