kehorner

Sometimes sprains can heal themselves. I saw an orthopedic surgeon who also sees athletes at a major university, and he did not automatically want to jump into surgery even though the MRI showed two ligaments were completely torn. I did end up having the surgery, though, because I kept twisting my ankle again and it was interfering with my life.

I've actually had surgery to fix both of my ankles. My left ankle I sprained really bad when I was in the 7th grade. I finally got it fixed 9 or 10 years later. The surgery was extensive, because there was a lot of scar tissue, inflammation, and extra bone growth that needed to be removed.

My right ankle I sprained April 2009. I got it fixed December 2010, and there was a lot less bad stuff going on. The longer you wait to have it fixed, the more athritic changes, inflammation, and scar tissue will accumulate (and have to be removed).

I don't think that all torn ligaments need to be repaired. It depends on if it is a problem for you or not. If it is causing pain and limiting your activities, then get it repaired. If you do decide to get it repaired, do it sooner rather than later.

As much as you'll hate me for saying this, summer break would be a great time to get it done. Then you won't be struggling to get around on crutches in school, or getting behind on assignments because you are tired or in pain. Plus, it's so much easier to get around on crutches when there's no snow on the ground! I had one surgery in the spring in Arizona, and one surgery in the winter in Michigan. Things were so much easier in the spring!