It is very common to sustain an ankle sprain, with swelling and pain on the outside of the ankle. This will usually resolve with physiotherapy. Very occasionally, patients will have ongoing instability, and sensations of the ankle giving way. If physiotherapy cannot help, and the condition is debilitating, surgery can be considered.
Surgery involves and incision on the outside of the ankle, and a tightening of the two lateral ligaments – the ATFL and the CFL. Patients are in a cast for a week, then a boot for 5 weeks – rehab is for six months. With a very low risk of infection and numbness, surgery is successful in 95% of people.
Dr. Tim Dwyer 