I have ankle mobility issues and I am not able to run. Do I need a surgery?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have several issues with the ligaments in my ankle. I have ankle mobility issues, and I cannot lean my knee forward. I can rotate my ankle only with slight discomfort. I have no problem in walking on flat surfaces but I am not able to run. I have had a scan and have been told that surgery is the best plan. I want to get a second opinion.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear about your injury, and I hope you recover soon. As from history, I recollect the following points

a) You feel laxity in ankle joint.

b) Pain in sitting.

c) Not able to run.

d) You want to return to your sports activity soon.

It seems that you would have an injury to your ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament) and CFL (calcaneofibular ligament) ligaments. These are very important stabilizers of the ankle joint and are very prone to injury in soccer players. If you want to return to sports, you must get operated on soon, as it takes six weeks to six months post-surgery to get recovered as I have seen in my patients.

I wish you good health.

Thanks and regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen your MRI (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). ATFL appears to be intact. However, CFL appears to be thinned out. However, in this case, clinical judgment is best. As per my experience with these kinds of injuries, ATFL becomes nonfunctional sometimes even if it is intact. I would like you to go with your orthopedic surgeon's advice if you feel laxity.

Thank you.