ive torn the ligaments in my ankle twice do i need an operation?

Question

i need to know so i can get it sorted out please help

Answer 1

Not necessarily.
The fact that you have torn ligaments twice just means that your ligaments and muscles supporting that ankle are weaker than they should be. In other words you suffer from ankle instability. The main indication for surgery is a complete rupture of the ligaments of the ankle. Repetitive ankle sprains may require surgery to correct chronic instability but you should definitely try physiotherapy first as surgery involves a lot of rehab afterwards which may not be necessary if the instability can be treated conservatively (with physiotherapy) in the first instance.
I would encourage you to see a physiotherapist (GP can refer you on the NHS) who will give you exercises to improve the stability of the joint and to strengthen the muscles around it.
Some exercises you can do in the meantime are:
1. Tie a towel in a loop round both your feet and try to turn the foot of the problem ankle outwards against the resistance of the towel. Hold that muscle contraction for 20 - 30 seconds if you can. If not, build up to this.
2. Heel raises. Standing with both feet on the floor raise your heels up so you end up standing on your toes. Do 3 sets of 10 reps. Once you get stronger try doing this on just the bad ankle leg.
3. Some of the most important exercises you can do are proprioceptive exercises. Try standing on one leg at a time. I bet you are more wobbly on the leg with the bad ankle. Start off standing on that leg on solid ground for 30 seconds. Once you can do this easily try standing on your mattress, the unstable surface will be more of a challenge to the muscles that support your ankle.

Hope this is of some help!

Answer 2

There is no way to tell if you need surgical intervention without imaging studies of the ankle. If there is sufficient damage that reasonable physio therapy could not rehabilitate the ankle to a stable level or the ankle would cause recurrent injury or pain then surgical intervention might be indicated.

Your first step is to see your GP. I would not recommend doing exercises if you have had a recent injury until it is evaluated. I would follow the RICE protocol. RICE =
R = rest
I = ice
C= compression
E= elevation

do not use the ankle if possible, place ice on the ankle for 15 minutes per hour for the first 72 hours, wrap with an elastic bandage, and elevate above your heart.

See the GP, if necessary they will get imaging studies (X-Ray, CT, or MRI) if the studies are OK or show Grade 3 or less injury then Physio Therapy will rehabilitate the ankle. If there is a Grade 4 injury, surgery will be required.

Answer 3

As a non-medical person, it sounds to me as though you need a Minder!
Perhaps it would be a good idea to make an appointment with your medical practitioner and discuss your options for the future and advice on how to protect yourself in the meantime. A physiotherapist in a Sports Injury Clinic may be able to help you.