How Long is Recovery After Ankle Surgery?

When you have severe ankle pain from any chronic condition, such as injury or arthritis, and it is not going by any treatment method, your doctor may recommend surgery. Ankle surgery can get you back to your initial condition. Ankle surgery recovery takes time and depends on various factors such as:

• Your age

• The complexity of the surgery

• Your general health

• Your compliance with instructions

Generally, the recovery time takes 3-4 months, and if the surgery is complicated, the recovery may take a full year or more.  

Types of Ankle Surgery

Your doctor must consider the extent of damage to the ankle before determining the type of surgery. There are different types of ankle surgery according to the assessment:

• Ankle arthroscopy

• Ankle replacement

• Ankle fracture repair surgery

• Ankle fusion

• Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction

What is Ankle Arthroscopic Surgery?

It is a surgical procedure in which several ankle conditions are treated with the help of a small camera and instruments by giving a minor incision. In ankle arthroscopies, there is a very low risk of complications, and the patient can go home the same after the surgery. 

What are the Conditions Treated by Ankle Surgery?

The surgery is mostly carried out to remove the damaged structure or repair them. These include:

• Cartilage damage - There are discrete areas of damaged cartilage that are significantly prevalent. The surgery is done to bring back the normal cartilage and improve function.

• Bone spur - It is an outgrowth of bone formed on the edge of a bone. These are often formed in the front of the ankle joint, which causes pain while walking. Ankle arthroplasty is done to remove these spurs relieving pain.

• Scar tissue - The surgery also helps remove the scar debris accumulated inside the ankle joint. This causes a reduction in inflammation and strengthens the joint.

• Posterior ankle pain - Pain in the back of the ankle due to various reasons. This condition can be treated by ankle arthroscopy.

How Much Does it Cost for Ankle Arthroscopy in India?

The cost of ankle arthroscopy in India is between USD 2160 to USD 2640. The patient must stay in the hospital for 2 days, and the total cost of the treatment will depend on the facilities the patient chooses.     

What is Full Recovery from Ankle Surgery?

The recovery time for ankle arthroscopy is approximately 6 weeks. However, the patient is discharged from the hospital within 1-2 days of the surgery.

After the discharge, the patient needs to follow certain instructions:

Immediate Care

• Use ice packs to decrease the swelling, pain, and redness.

• The patient may bathe only after 48 to 72 hours of the surgery.

• Elevating the leg and the ankle above the heart level, especially while sleeping.

• Keep the dressing on the incision clean and dry. Do not remove the tape unless it falls off itself.

Recovery From the Surgery

• Walking as much as possible after the doctor allows the patient.

• Depending upon the severity of the surgery, the patient may need to wear an ankle cast or braces as advised by the surgeon.

Diet

• A normal diet may be taken.

• Drink plenty of fluids and fiber-rich food, as you might have constipation just after the surgery. Consult your doctor in case of severe constipation.

Medication

• Take medications as prescribed. Do not skip any dosage.

• If you were taking blood thinners before the surgery, ask your doctor when you can restart.

Physical Therapy

The patient must consult a physical therapist for the exercises to enhance the function and strengthen the joint.

How Much Bed Rest Is Necessary After Ankle Surgery?

All Ankle Surgeries require rest and elevation of the operated foot for a minimum of 2 weeks after the surgery. The patient can resume their normal routine, most probably after 2 weeks. 

If the injury is severe, the bed rest time can increase to get a complete recovery.

Is Walking Good After Ankle Surgery?

Walking is not permitted until the wound is reviewed after 2 weeks of the surgery. At that time, the patient is allowed to walk in a walking boot. After that, the patient can try to walk as normally as possible, which will help them recover.

Is Ankle Surgery Risky?

Ankle surgery may cause complications such as: 

• Bleeding and blood clots

• Damage to the ankle’s nerve or blood vessels 

• Infection

• Joint weakness

Best Ankle Arthroscopy Doctors in India

• Dr. Prithvi Mohandas: He is a well-known Orthopedic Specialist with 20 years of experience. 

• Dr. Jayant Arora: He is a renowned Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, practicing for more than 20 years.

• Dr. Atul Mishra: He is a well-known Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon with 23 years of experience. 

• Dr. Ashok Rajgopal: He is a respected Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, practicing for more than 33 years. He had treated a number of famous sports persons like Pullela Gopichand.

Takeaway

Patients after ankle surgery take different times to recover, depending on the healing rate. Taking good care of your ankle after the surgery is vital to resume your daily activities as early as possible. India can be the best destination to get high-quality services for ankle surgery at an affordable price.