Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery in Montgomery, Prattville, & Wetumpka
Persistent ankle pain, stiffness, swelling, or instability can make it difficult to walk, exercise, play sports, or stay active. When nonsurgical treatments are not enough, ankle arthroscopy may be an option to diagnose and treat certain problems inside the ankle joint using a minimally invasive surgical approach.
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, Joshua J. Wolfe, DPM, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon who performs foot and ankle arthroscopy and provides specialized care for patients in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, and surrounding Central Alabama communities.
Ready to find out what is causing your ankle pain? Request an appointment online or call (334) 613-9000 to schedule an evaluation.
What Is Ankle Arthroscopy?
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine and treat certain conditions inside the ankle joint. Instead of making a larger incision to access the joint, your physician uses an arthroscope, a thin instrument equipped with a small camera and light, to view the inside of the ankle. The arthroscope provides a detailed view of the joint while specialized surgical instruments can be inserted through additional small incisions to address damaged or problematic tissue. Because ankle arthroscopy uses smaller incisions than traditional open surgery, it may reduce disruption to the surrounding soft tissues and offer certain recovery advantages for appropriately selected patients.
When Is Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery Used?
Ankle arthroscopy may be considered for patients with persistent ankle symptoms caused by certain injuries or joint conditions. Depending on the individual diagnosis, it may be used to evaluate or treat:
- Persistent ankle pain
- Ankle instability
- Cartilage damage
- Bone or cartilage injuries within the ankle joint
- Ankle impingement
- Bone spurs
- Inflamed or damaged tissue within the joint
- Certain ligament injuries
- Problems related to previous ankle injuries
Not every cause of ankle pain requires surgery. Your physician will consider your symptoms, diagnosis, activity level, previous treatments, and other individual factors when determining whether ankle arthroscopy may be appropriate.
When Should You See a Specialist for Ankle Pain?
Minor ankle injuries often improve with time and conservative treatment. However, ankle pain that persists or repeatedly returns may indicate an underlying problem that needs further evaluation.
Consider seeing a foot and ankle specialist if you experience:
- Ankle pain that does not improve with rest
- Repeated ankle sprains
- A feeling that the ankle gives way or is unstable
- Persistent swelling or stiffness
- Difficulty walking, running, or participating in sports
- Pain that limits your normal activities
- Ongoing symptoms after a previous ankle injury
An evaluation can help identify the source of your symptoms and determine whether nonsurgical treatment or another approach may be appropriate.
What to Expect During Ankle Arthroscopy
The details of ankle arthroscopy vary depending on the condition being treated and the extent of the procedure. During surgery, your physician makes small incisions around the ankle joint. An arthroscope is inserted through one of these openings, allowing the inside of the ankle to be viewed on a monitor. Additional specialized instruments can then be inserted through other small incisions as needed to treat the affected area. The length of the procedure varies depending on the condition and the type of treatment being performed. Your physician will explain the procedure, anesthesia, and expected recovery based on your individual surgical plan.
What Are the Benefits of Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery?
For appropriately selected patients, ankle arthroscopy provides a minimally invasive way to access and treat certain conditions inside the ankle joint.
Potential benefits may include:
- Smaller incisions compared with traditional open surgery
- Less disruption of surrounding soft tissues
- Improved visualization inside the ankle joint
- Ability to diagnose and treat certain problems during the same procedure
- Smaller scars
- A treatment option for several different ankle joint conditions
The potential benefits and risks vary depending on the procedure and the individual patient. Your physician will discuss what you can reasonably expect based on your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Is Ankle Arthroscopy the First Treatment for Ankle Pain?
Surgery is not always the first step for ankle pain. Depending on the cause and severity of symptoms, nonsurgical treatment may be recommended before arthroscopy is considered.
Conservative treatment may include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Bracing or other forms of support
- Medications when medically appropriate
- Injections when appropriate for the condition
If symptoms continue despite conservative care, or if the injury or condition is unlikely to improve without surgical treatment, your physician may discuss ankle arthroscopy or other surgical options.
Recovery After Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery
Recovery following ankle arthroscopy depends on what was treated during surgery and the extent of the procedure. Some patients may need to temporarily limit the amount of weight placed on the affected ankle or use a brace, boot, crutches, or another supportive device during the early stages of recovery.
Physical therapy may also be recommended to help restore:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Range of motion
- Balance
- Ankle stability
Your physician will provide instructions for gradually returning to walking, work, exercise, sports, and other activities based on your individual procedure and progress.
Meet Our Foot & Ankle Specialist
Joshua J. Wolfe, DPM, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with advanced training in the treatment of complex foot and ankle conditions.
His areas of care include:
- Foot and ankle arthroscopy
- Sports injuries of the foot and ankle
- Complex foot and ankle conditions
Dr. Wolfe provides both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options with the goal of reducing pain, restoring function, and helping patients return to the activities that matter to them.
Ankle Arthroscopy in Montgomery, Prattville & Wetumpka
Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons provides specialized foot and ankle care for patients throughout Central Alabama, with convenient locations in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka.
If persistent ankle pain, instability, or an old injury is interfering with your mobility or keeping you from the activities you enjoy, an evaluation can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment options.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule a foot and ankle evaluation, call Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons at (334) 613-9000 or request an appointment online.