Ankle arthroscopy

Ankle pain from injury, irritated tissue or joint damage can make it hard to move comfortably or enjoy the activities you love. Novant Health foot and ankle specialists offer arthroscopy for ankle conditions, a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pain, improves motion and restores function. We build a personalized treatment plan around your symptoms and goals, so you can move forward with confidence.

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What is arthroscopy for ankle?

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows your surgeon to see and treat problems inside the ankle joint. Using a tiny camera and small instruments inserted through small incisions, your surgeon can diagnose and address issues without the need for a larger, traditional incision.

This procedure may be recommended when nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief and ankle symptoms continue to limit your daily life. Ankle arthroscopy can help relieve pain, improve range of motion and support a return to the activities you enjoy.

Common reasons for arthroscopy for ankle

Ankle arthroscopy may be an option when nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief and symptoms continue. Our foot and ankle specialists may recommend this procedure to treat:

Bone spurs
Loose cartilage or bone fragments
Cartilage damage
Mild arthritis
Scar tissue
Ligament injuries that limit motion

Your physician will review your symptoms, examine your ankle and use imaging as needed to determine whether arthroscopy is the right next step for you.

Treatment options (surgical and nonsurgical)

Before considering surgery, we focus on conservative care to reduce pain, improve mobility and support healing. Your care plan may include:

Custom orthotics: Inserts to improve alignment and reduce joint stress
Bracing: Ankle supports to stabilize the joint
Physical therapy: Exercises to build strength and flexibility
Medication: Anti-inflammatory medicines to manage pain and swelling
Activity modification: Guidance on low-impact movement

Your care team monitors your progress closely to decide when arthroscopy may be the right next step.

When surgery is needed, our foot and ankle surgeons offer advanced, minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy procedures designed to restore joint health and support a smooth recovery, including:

Anterior ankle arthroscopy: Removes bone spurs, loose fragments and damaged cartilage
Posterior ankle arthroscopy: Treats posterior ankle pain caused by irritated or pinched tissue and certain tendon issues
Cartilage repair: Uses specialized techniques to treat damaged cartilage and support healing
Inflamed tissue removal: Clears irritated tissue inside the joint that blocks movement

These procedures typically use two or three small incisions, which means less discomfort, minimal scarring and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Recovery and rehabilitation

We create a personalized recovery plan using our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach to help reduce pain, support healing and get you moving safely again.

Weeks one to two: Walking boot or crutches; swelling management
Weeks two to six: Gradual return to weightbearing with physical therapy
Six to twelve weeks: Return to regular shoes; most people resume daily activities
Three to six months: Return to sports or higher-impact activity when your ankle is ready

After recovery, your care team will guide you in using supportive footwear, exercises and healthy movement habits to protect your ankle and maintain joint health.

Risks and considerations

As with any surgical procedure, ankle arthroscopy carries some risks, which may include infection, stiffness, nerve irritation or blood clots. Minimally invasive techniques are designed to help lower these risks compared to traditional open surgery.

Your care team will walk you through the potential risks and benefits of arthroscopy for your specific condition, answering any questions you have so you feel confident and informed before moving forward with treatment.

Conditions we treat

Our expert team delivers expert care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.

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Why treatment is important

Ongoing ankle pain or joint damage can limit your mobility and keep you from the activities you enjoy. Addressing these issues with the right treatment can help restore comfort, function and confidence in your daily movement. Our foot and ankle specialists are here to guide you through every step of your care.