Reduce Risk of Sprains and Improve Mobility with Lateral Ankle Stabilization
Lateral ankle injuries are among the most common pathologies across the lower part of the body, accounting for up to 25 percent of all musculoskeletal injuries. These injuries range from minor to serious sprains that lead to discomfort and instability. When a lateral ankle injury can no longer be effectively treated with physical therapy, Drs. Rachel Balloch and Danielle Butto may recommend surgical lateral ankle stabilization to tighten your ankle ligaments and improve your stability. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists in Hartford County, CT, our doctors combine their extensive background with the latest techniques to provide patients with long-lasting relief and improved mobility.
Symptoms of a Lateral Ankle Injury
Surgery is designed to help patients with chronic ankle instability. Our doctors will typically recommend surgery if one or more ankle ligaments are loose or stretched. You may have chronic ankle instability if you:
- Suffer from chronic ankle pain
- Find yourself repeatedly spraining your ankle
- Find that your ankle regularly gives out
Our doctors perform dozens of lateral ankle stabilizations each year, and they use superior technology and proven techniques to produce the best possible results.
The Treatment Process
Since every procedure at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists is personalized to the patient, every timeline will be different. However, most patients can generally expect:
Preparation
In preparation for the procedure, Dr. Balloch or Dr. Butto will work with your primary care physician to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. You should also refrain from taking blood thinners (which can make it difficult to stop bleeding) and smoking (which inhibits your body's healing ability). Since the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, you will also be asked to fast the night before treatment.
Surgery Day
During the procedure, your surgeon will clean the affected area and make several small incisions. Using an arthroscope, she will remove the loose or stretched ligaments and make them shorter. They will then be reattached and your skin will be sutured back together with stitches. The entire procedure can typically be completed in less than one hour. Since it is an outpatient procedure, patients can return home immediately after.
Your Recovery
After your surgery, a friend or family member will need to drive you home. While patients who undergo traditional techniques often have to wait six weeks after the procedure to begin physical therapy, patients who receive the internal brace system under Dr. Balloch or Dr. Butto can begin bearing weight on their ankle with the help of a protective boot and start physical therapy in just three to four weeks after the treatment. Most patients begin wearing normal shoes about six weeks after the procedure.
Benefits of the Procedure
Since our surgeons combine extensive backgrounds with the latest techniques in foot and ankle surgery and highest quality materials, patients can enjoy a much faster recovery than those who receive traditional care. The faster recovery time is especially beneficial for athletes, whose career depends on their health and mobility. Additionally, this procedure is covered by insurance, making it an affordable option for many patients.
Enjoy Improved Stability Today
Ankle instability can increase your risk of sprains and prevent you from participating in life to the fullest. Drs. Balloch and Butto perform dozens of lateral ankle stabilizations each year and use superior technology and proven techniques to produce the best possible results. They are trained in the use of the Arthrex® Internal Brace System. To visit the Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists team, call us at (860) 352-1872 or request an appointment online.
