About the condition
Ligament surgery may be considered for ongoing ankle instability despite appropriate non-surgical care. Assessment should also look for associated joint or tendon problems.
Treatment options
A structured rehabilitation programme is commonly tried before surgery. Discuss the episodes of giving way and the activities you want to regain with the treating team.
Surgical considerations
An operation may repair existing ligaments or reconstruct them using graft tissue. Additional procedures can alter the protection period and exercise choices.
Rehabilitation principles
Early rehabilitation follows cast or boot, wound and loading instructions. Later progression addresses movement, strength and balance before demanding tasks and sport.
Recovery expectations
A stable repair still needs rehabilitation. Confirm the milestones for leaving support, resuming work and returning to sport. Persistent symptoms or repeated giving way require reassessment.
Evidence context
AOFAS describes surgical options and recovery considerations. The operation report and surgeon’s restrictions guide the individual rehabilitation programme.
Research & guidance
Evidence sources checked: 2026-10-11.
Editorial draft — HK+A clinical review pending.