Question
Hello,

I'm a 46 yo active male.  I had arthroscopic left ankle surgery early Aug 2009 for a 1cm OCD posterior medial side of the talus.  The surgeon also cleaned up scar tissue throughout the ankle and shaved for an impingement issue in between tibia and talus anterior lateral side.  I was 5 weeks NWB and another 5 weeks partial and in walking air boot.  

My question is what typically should I be experiencing at this point.  I'm seeing a diff PT now for more targeted work.  I have good ROM and decent strength and flexibility I believe.  My balance and proprioception needs more work though.  

I'm currently experiencing pain on the anterior lateral side upon heel lift sometimes while walking, changing direction, etc.  When I first got out of the boot I couldn't even do a heel lift on that foot, so I've improved but by no means is it perfect at this point.  I can ride the bike, eliptical no problem.  I am purposely avoiding any high impact stuff at this point.  The area of the OCD does not seem to be causing me much grief, some sensitivity hear and there, but none of the catching like I was getting prior to surgery.

My OS gave me a cortizone shot in the front recently with some results but seemed short lived.  I also have a prescription for custom orthodics to address slight arch colapsing and pronation.  

I'm getting anxious because I'm not sure if I have something else wrong or if the front left part of my ankle is just part of the healing process and will take 12 months with more PT instead of the 4-5 months I've given it...

Thanks for your input.

Answer
This Chicago Podiatrist says......

Can't give you much info without x-rays-but here goes...

You didn't mention if you are overweight.This can make a Big Difference in the recovery phase.
A well made pair of orthotics/orthoses should help by keeping the talus in a position that prevents it from rubbing into the tibia or fibula. Go see a Board Certified Podiatrist in Orthopedics for the orthotics-especially if the ones you get don't seem to help.
Perhaps an ankle brace may help also.
Should not take 12 months of therapy.Three months out of the boot should be enough unless there are additional issues.


Hope this helps!
Good Luck Again My Friend!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further