About Ankle Injuries
Key Highlights
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Comprehensive diagnosis using physical exams and advanced imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT scan).Personalized treatment plans ranging from conservative care to advanced surgical techniques.Focus on restoring full ankle stability, range of motion, and strength.Minimally invasive arthroscopic options available for ligament and cartilage repairs.Integrated rehabilitation with physical therapy to ensure optimal recovery and prevent re-injury.
Who is this surgery for?
- Acute ankle sprains (Grade I, II, or III) with significant pain, swelling, and instability.
- Ankle fractures (e.g., lateral malleolus, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar fractures).
- Chronic ankle instability or recurrent sprains that limit daily activities.
- Osteochondral lesions (damage to cartilage and underlying bone in the ankle joint).
- Achilles tendon ruptures or severe tendonitis.
- Post-traumatic ankle arthritis causing persistent pain and stiffness.
- Failed conservative treatment after 6-12 weeks for a significant injury.
How to prepare
- Initial evaluation includes a detailed medical history and physical examination of the ankle.
- Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, and possibly an MRI or CT scan, is ordered to assess injury severity.
- For surgical cases, pre-operative tests (blood work, ECG) may be required based on patient age and health.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (local, regional, or general) and associated risks with the anesthesiologist.
- Patients are advised to stop certain medications (like blood thinners) and avoid eating or drinking for several hours before surgery if scheduled.
- Arranging for post-procedure support, such as help at home and transportation, is recommended.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve or blood vessel damage, potentially leading to numbness, tingling, or circulation issues.
- Stiffness, prolonged swelling, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Failure of bones to heal properly (non-union) or healing in a misaligned position (malunion).
- Hardware irritation from surgical plates or screws, possibly requiring removal.
- Development of post-traumatic arthritis in the joint over time.
- Risk of re-injury or persistent instability, especially if rehabilitation is not followed diligently.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-procedure care involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to manage pain and swelling.
- A cast, splint, or walking boot is typically used to immobilize the ankle for a period ranging from a few days to several weeks.
- Weight-bearing is gradually reintroduced as per the orthopedic surgeon's instructions, often with crutch assistance initially.
- Formal physical therapy is crucial to regain strength, flexibility, balance, and proprioception (joint sense).
- Pain management includes prescribed medications and later transitions to over-the-counter options as healing progresses.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing via X-rays and adjust the rehabilitation plan.
- Full return to sports or high-impact activities may take 3 to 6 months or longer, depending on injury and treatment type.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 6 weeks to 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering ankle injuries in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for ankle injuries in India include Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform ankle injuries. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for ankle injuries compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Ankle Injuries in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing ankle injuries.
Pooja Joshi, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Pooja Joshi, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid weekend hiker, twisted her right ankle badly while navigating a rocky trail. She heard a 'pop' and felt immediate, sharp pain. For two weeks, she tried RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) but could barely bear weight. An X-ray showed no fracture, but an MRI revealed a complete tear of her anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and significant instability. Her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended an ankle arthroscopy with ligament reconstruction, explaining that due to her active lifestyle and the ligament's poor healing potential, surgery would offer the best chance for a stable, pain-free return to hiking. Pooja was terrified of surgery and the potential downtime from her demanding job. The procedure went smoothly. Post-op, she was in a boot for six weeks, followed by rigorous physical therapy focusing on proprioception and strength. At six months, she was back on easy trails, and by nine months, she completed a challenging 10-mile hike without pain or instability. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and frustration over her forced inactivity to immense relief and empowerment. The successful recovery restored not just her ankle but her confidence and her cherished connection to the outdoors.
Orthopedists for Ankle Injuries
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform ankle injuries and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore