General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery -- Can I run again? Rss Feed  
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2014-04-07 1:23 PM

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Spokane, WA
Subject: Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery -- Can I run again?
I'm recovering from arthroscopic ankle surgery and I'm worried about my running future..... The MRI showed minimal cartilage issues that needed to be cleaned up and the Doc felt that it would be minor and I'd be back running in a fairly short time.
However..... when he got in there, he found a large "hole" or mushy spot in the cartilage and had to remove a good sized area and drill into the joint to get some fluid and blood flowing into the hole. In theory, this will fill in the hole and solidify, creating a cushion similar to cartilage in the affected area.
After surgery the doc says I should be able to swim & cycle before to long, but at least 4 months is needed before I try to run again.........

Has anyone had a similar procedure? Did it work? Were you able to eventually resume normal running? I love to run (and swim & bike) and am just sitting here fretting about my running future, if I have one......


2014-04-11 11:58 AM
in reply to: soretaint

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Subject: RE: Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery -- Can I run again?
owww, sorry to hear this! I will tell you about my experience, but I guess it depends on your doctor and if you listen to the doc.

I had my ATFL cut and a metal anchor was put in along with some stitching up on a partially torn peroneal tendon. I was also informed no running for 3 months. at 11 weeks I was feeling good so I called and asked the doc if I could try. they gave me the green light to start off with 1.5 miles. I was a little shocked as I only wanted to try 5 minutes, but things worked out. Woke up in lots of pain in the night that night, but ice was my best friend and I bumped up from there. I completed several races last summer including an IM 9 months out from the surgery.

I got on the healthboards forum and looked for folks with similar issues. That helped a bit. I also stayed positive, ate very clean, took supplements like fish oil and glucosamine, read inspiring stories about athletes, listened to my PT and doctor, backed off and never pushed through pain and iced all the time.

I think you will be able to run again as long as you believe you can run again!

Good luck!
2015-03-03 9:33 AM
in reply to: soretaint

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Westminster, Colorado
Subject: RE: Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery -- Can I run again?
I had arthroscopic surgery on my right ankle for synovitis. My cartilage was fine but the surgery recovery time was more like 6 months. I did not run on my ankle for an additional 6 months until I had my full strength back. I still have PT problems and I can feel soreness every once and while. My flexibility in the ankle is not 100% either. The ONLY shoe I can run in for long distances is the HOKA. I have tried several other shoes without success. The HOKA's were the only ones that allowed me to feel comfortable impacting the ankle joint. I would think you will be able to run again. You need to be very regimented in your physical therapy. Work on your flexibility and strength before attempting any running. The recovery times sucks, I feel for you. I'm sorry you're going through it.
2015-03-04 4:04 AM
in reply to: rhetbehler


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Subject: RE: Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery -- Can I run again?

I think people are slightly missing the point in that the OP is referring to cartilage issues that have tried to be remedied with microfracture. I am well aware of many people returning to athletic impact activities after MX but i think it should be understood its a very SLOW process with no guarantees.

Hope it all works out well for you!
2015-03-21 4:20 PM
in reply to: #4977931


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, Ontario
Subject: RE: Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery -- Can I run again?
I had arthroscopic ankle surgery in 2005. I had cartilage or scar tissue impinging in the joint so it could not move from years and years of bad sprains. It took physio and many months but ten years later my ankle is stronger and less prone to injury than it was before the surgery and I'm training for a half marathon. The recovery time varies, but my experience was that, in the long run, I have a better ankle for running than before the surgery Good luck!
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