Arthroscopy is a way to find problems and do surgery inside a joint without making a large cut (incision). Your doctor puts a lighted tube with a tiny camera through small incisions. The camera is called an arthroscope, or scope.
This surgery can treat several problems.
You may go home on the day of surgery. Your ankle may be in a brace, a flexible boot, or a cast. You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. If your doctor repaired a broken bone or torn tissue, recovery will take longer. You may have to limit your activity until your ankle strength and movement are back to normal. You may need physical therapy.
You may be able to go back to your normal routine a few days after the surgery. If you lift things or stand or walk a lot at work, it may be 1 to 2 months before you can go back to work. If you had surgery for a broken bone (fracture), it may be even longer before you can do physical labor.
After surgery and rehab, you will probably have less pain and more strength and movement in your ankle.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Arthroscopy is a way to find problems and do surgery inside a joint without making a large cut (incision). Your doctor put a lighted tube with a tiny camera—called an arthroscope, or scope—and surgical tools through small incisions in your ankle.
You will feel tired for several days. Your ankle and leg will be swollen. And you may notice that your skin is a different color near the cuts (incisions). This is normal and will start to go away in a few days. Keeping your leg higher than your heart will help the swelling and pain.
Your recovery will depend on what kind of surgery you had. You may have to limit your activity until your ankle strength and movement are back to normal. You will also need to do regular physical rehabilitation (rehab) exercises.
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