My Ankle Surgery - Intro

Hi, it's Kathy.  With my recent surgery, I thought it would be a good time to test some products-hopefully I don't hurt anything else (I tend to be a klutz and walk into walls regularly).  My plan is to use products that we carry at the store and give you my review on them.  Good and bad.  I want to be able to give you a true account of the product and not just what the manufacturer says.

A little background history.  Last fall I started having ankle pain.  Sometimes it felt like the top of my foot was on fire, other times I just had a little throbbing.  Since I do work that requires me to be on my feet for the majority of the shift, I figured it was just time for new shoes.  New shoes helped-for a short bit that is.  I saw my primary doctor and she referred me to a podiatrist.

At some point in the past year, I ruptured my anterior talofibula ligament (ATFL).  I think it might have been during a mini golf match against my sister.  I actually fell UP the steps between the 8th and 9th holes.  When I did, I rolled my ankle pretty far - did I mention that I'm clumsy?  Anyway, the ligament runs from the little knobby ankle bone to another bone in the foot.  And yes, you can continue to walk with ATFL, but it can hurt a lot!  My doctor said that often this ligament will repair itself or at least try to, but in my case not so much.

The remaining process will go something like this:

• The first two weeks are non weight bearing
• The next two weeks or so will be light weight bearing and begin physical therapy.  I'll be in a walking boot
• After that, I start wearing a brace and continue PT

For most people, it is a 6-8 week recovery period. 

This is the beginning.  I plan to post an update at least once a week.  My surgery is on June 20th.  Not going to lie, I'm a little nervous about it, but I know it needs to be done.  And if my story can help even one person, it will be worth it.

Kathy