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After Ankle Arthroscopy

After surgery, your joint may be swollen, painful, and stiff. Recovery times can vary. Your surgeon will tell you when to resume activity. If you had a loose body or bone spur removed, you may be able to bear weight when the pain is gone. You may need to wear a surgical boot or cast, limit weight-bearing, and use crutches for some time.

Foot with ghosted-in positions showing foot rotating.
To help with healing, you may be instructed to draw the letters of the alphabet in the air with your feet.

At home

Follow your surgeon’s guidelines for healing:

  • Elevate and ice your ankle.

  • Limit weight-bearing as directed.

  • Use a bandage to compress your ankle.

  • Take pain medicine as directed.

  • Don't drive until your surgeon tells you it's OK to do so. 

The checklist below helps remind you what to do after arthroscopy:

☐ Schedule your first follow-up visit after surgery as directed.

☐ Take care of your incision (cut) and bathe as directed.

☐ Complete your physical therapy program.

☐ You can do these activities right away:

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Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD
Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2022
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