Update had surgery! Chronic ankle instability -

[mousefan73]

Well it happened again. Was out walking in the woods and my ankle gave out and I fell. A minor sprain for probably the 30th time. Heck I don’t even consider it a sprain anymore I was considerate “my ankles did it again ” and in two or three days I can walk somewhat normal again.

Years ago after another incident I did go back to an orthopedic surgeon and we were discussing surgery. Then for some reason a follow up appointment he decided against it. At this point I have had it. Since I’m furloughed and I most likely will not start working again until the spring / Summer with continued home office, I figure now is time for surgery. I’m thinking about making another appointment in January or February. Timing is good in a way that I’m not working but there’s this thing with Covid.

Anyways a little background I am 46 years old and I’ve had this issue for at least 20 years. My first major sprain was when I was 14 playing basketball and ever since sprained numerous times. I can be walking and step in a pea and then I land on my back with a sprain. Been decades since I have worn heals

My questions are
1. Has anyone have decades long chronic ankle instability, sprains and had surgery and have had good results?
2. Did it fix the problem? Any input on your experiences would be great to know.
3. How the surgery went and how your recovery went and for how long.
4 what technic did they do. Just googled and there are two main types.
Thx

 

[MICKIMINI]

I'm sorry you had this for so many years! I can't help you with most of your post, however I can suggest you get an appointment to see your ortho ASAP. I had a knee replacement last year and started the process at least three months ahead of my surgery date. Now with covid, there are delays in seeing a doc and with elective surgery depending on where you live. It's important to hunker down until surgery so you stay well. Good luck!

 

[bennifer]

I had a modified Brostrom 5 years ago. I twisted it during a half marathon, then I fell about a month later, badly sprained my ankle- boot, PT, non weight bearing w/boot, more PT before they realized my ligaments just weren’t stabilizing. The surgery went well, I had a knee scooter from the non weight bearing 6 weeks, so that was helpful after about a week post op. I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks and had 2 different casts during that time. PT for a few months. I fell while I was exercising and I’m never doing an aerobic-style class again. It scares me. I did start running again and it only hurts when the weather changes or I have my foot twisted without realizing, but that’s to be expected I guess.I highly recommend getting it looked at again! It’s a difficult couple months but I don’t have to worry anymore!

 

[SG131]

I had a lot of years of sprains, followed by a break as an adult. About 3 years after the break I still was experiencing stability issues and frequent swelling. At that point I had surgery. They went in thinking they needed to remove an extra bone I have, but that ended up not being the problem. They ended up doing the brostrom. The recovery process involved 6 weeks non-weight bearing so that was a little tough and then a lot of therapy. I did get some relief at first, though I continued to have some swelling issues. Now back in September, I ended up with my foot in a hole, a break in my heal and a partially torn ligament. Because I had surgery on it once, a repair this time would be much more invasive. My dr is recommending trying PRP injections to encourage heeling so that they don't have to open me up again.

 

[cvjw]

I'm sorry you had this for so many years! I can't help you with most of your post, however I can suggest you get an appointment to see your ortho ASAP. I had a knee replacement last year and started the process at least three months ahead of my surgery date. Now with covid, there are delays in seeing a doc and with elective surgery depending on where you live. It's important to hunker down until surgery so you stay well. Good luck!

My dad had a hip replaced in June and a knee replaced in October. He was on the surgery schedule within a few weeks both times. He lives in Alabama.

He was originally scheduled for hip surgery in April, but had to wait until June for elective surgeries to be performed again. Elective surgeries started in May, but there were hundreds ahead of him, so it took about 4 weeks for it to be his turn.

With his knee, he had an MRI in September, and had surgery scheduled for October. Less than 4 weeks on that one.

Guess it really does depend on where you live. Super quick in Alabama!

 

[MICKIMINI]

Wow, that is amazingly quick! I know my surgeons and my son is a DPT who used to work with them, and it still didn't make a difference. Covid has really messed up schedules and I have heard that some January surgeries are, for now anyway, being postponed. I'm just grateful I had my knee done before this all exploded...I was in the hospital watching reports of Covid in China in late December 2019. It is surreal and another reminder not to put things off. Had I waited (and I was thinking about it), who knows when I would have been scheduled?

 

[disneyseniors]

I haven't had sprains, but it sure feels like it at times.
I will be walking or just standing, and my foot or ankle will just give out. No stress on them at all!
Then I walk with a limp and it gradually goes back to normal.
I don't know why, but have never been to a doctor for it. I guess because it always gets better.
If you do get your surgery, will you post how you are doing? thanks and I hope all goes well.

 

[Christine]

I haven't had your experience, but I am also looking at a major foot/ankle/tendon surgery. Mine is actually a tendon issue (posterior tibial tendon dysfunction) and not the ankle itself. It has caused "acquired flat foot deformity" in my left foot and my ankle/foot is now incredibly unstable. I have been babying/nursing it for 2 years. Had a consult with a surgeon and surgery is all that can be done at this point. I saw him in November and he was already booking into February. So when I go back in 2 weeks, I'll probably get on the schedule for March or April.

Do you have an official diagnosis yet and they know exactly what needs to be done?

 

[SarahM1987]

Ouch, sorry to hear about your ankle sprain! This year has been pretty challenging for both you and your mom. How is she doing, and hows her physio been? Has she noticed any positive changes with her foot and ankle pain when walking?

 

[Lehuaann]

I am late 40’s with the same since a teen aka Rolling Ankle. I typically go down head first, and it’s not pretty. One of my recent falls was in front of the MK with much attention and EMTs That one required a wheelchair the rest of the trip and a long time healing.

After falling so often within a certain amount of time, I thought about surgery, but honestly dread having it done. I also knew it kept happening in one particular pair of New Balance sneakers, so I tossed them and no hard falls since. Not saying my ankle is 100% stable, but it is definitely more secure in my Sketchers. I also can’t wear additional insoles where my heel sits up higher contributing to instability.

 

[mousefan73]

To answer some questions, over the years I have had some diagonoses... I have just had it.
It is also become a mental issue for me. Back when I would work in the office, I would get nervous walkiing with my lunch tray ( we have a corporate WHQ Cafeteria) I would have fear that I would roll my ankle and fall with food and all. I once rolled why crossing the street..
I did have different shoes on today.. I might toss them they were a bit loose.

I am late 40’s with the same since a teen aka Rolling Ankle. I typically go down head first, and it’s not pretty. One of my recent falls was in front of the MK with much attention and EMTs That one required a wheelchair the rest of the trip and a long time healing.

After falling so often within a certain amount of time, I thought about surgery, but honestly dread having it done. I also knew it kept happening in one particular pair of New Balance sneakers, so I tossed them and no hard falls since. Not saying my ankle is 100% stable, but it is definitely more secure in my Sketchers. I also can’t wear additional insoles where my heel sits up higher contributing to instability.

your MK experience could totally be me. What happened today was not pretty. Actually VERY lucky I didnt hit my head or hurt anything else.. just my right leg while going down.. I was in the woods on a dirt/gravel path.

 

[mousefan73]

 

[mousefan73]

Besides the ankle the only other injury was this.

 

[AlohaNow]

DH had both ankles done in 2018. He was a chronic roller and, much like you, was just done with it. He is SO happy to have two 'brand new' ankles! If we go on a hike, or walk around somewhere all day, he always comments on how much better it feels. He had a fantastic surgeon and then 2-3 months of weekly PT each and it's all gone great!

 

[LuvOrlando]

That might not be what you think it is, I'd ask a Rheumatologist for clearance before anything connective tissue related, some things are sneaky & surgery can do more damage than good stirring things up that can be quieted with a dose of prednisone or something simple.

The fact it comes and goes could point to a thing that has flares and remissions, if it's Rheumy I'd be relieved because it sounds very mild since it's infrequent and plays peek a boo.

 

[Lehuaann]

your MK experience could totally be me. What happened today was not pretty. Actually VERY lucky I didnt hit my head or hurt anything else.. just my right leg while going down.. I was in the woods on a dirt/gravel path.

View attachment 541657

I feel so bad for you. Yep, this is me. I hope the palms of your hands aren’t too bruised /scratched up as well I think I have issues with my wrists from always catching myself

Is your ankle swollen badly? My ankle at WDW was ugly bruised with a large ball sticking out of the side. I would have went to the hospital, but the EMT took a good look and helped with ice, etc. If it got worse, they would always be available to help. It was those beautiful brick personalized pavers that did it (and my shoes!)

The healing process was ankle brace, rest, foot/leg elevating, ice packs, and ibuprofen. Now my ankle brace goes with me every trip

 

[Silver saucer]

Im in my late 50's and had chronic ankle instability for years. I too had a modified Brostrom a year ago. I was nonweight bearing for 6 weeks, then partial weight bearing for another month. I had a few months of PT which in my mind is the most important part!!
My ankle is great now. Im so glad I had it done.
I had my ACL reconstructed a year before my ankle surgery and the ankle surgery for me was much easier to deal with.

Best of luck to you OP.

 

[KPeterso]

My Dad was supposed to have an ankle fusion about 3 years ago. He tore his Achilles tendon completely over 50 years ago. And now has no real stability in his ankle. It rolls or gives out all the time. We cancelled his surgery as it was going to be less than 2 months after my Mom's knee replacement and she was still being helpless at that point, and there was no way I could work and take care of both of them. And neither could help the other much, so timing just did not work out. Since then, he has just decided he does not want it. He is 85 and feels like that is a lot for him at his age. But yet, it impedes him a lot too. And he won't use a cane or anything to help with walking and stability, so it really is just a mental thing now.

 

[mousefan73]

Going to the Ortho in an hour.. Nervous what he will say... Ánkle stopped hurting 2 days ago.. a bit over a week.... finger crossed...

 

[mousefan73]

Appointment went well. Dr and I had a great discussion. He said usually he goes first with PT ( conservative) and then surgery but he said it’s my decision. Seeing my history. I admit I have never had PT but this issue has been going on for 35 years and as I was an athlete so had many trainers coached me and ankle build up, I am very active and do many forms of workouts that include balance and other. So we in the end decided on surgery.

AND the best to thing is that he had a cancellation and was able to schedule me first Jan. 12th!!!! Which is awesome as I am furloughed until at least March!!!!!’ Spoke to my boss last night on how the timing is perfect.
Waiting now to go in for my MRI. Spent all day on the phones scheduling blood work, EKG, MRI, Covid testing. Good thing I am not working. Need also time to move our house about setting up the guest room downstairs. Not looking forward to the recovery. But I hope in the end I am just unhappy I didn’t do this sooner!