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Advanced Ankle Care in New York Ankle Arthroscopy for Chronic Ankle Pain

Core Alliance Spine and Orthopedics is led by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Aron Rovner, who has over 20 years of experience in treating complex orthopedic and sports injuries. Before recommending Ankle Arthroscopy for Chronic Ankle Pain in New York, we prioritize accurate diagnostics, conservative treatment options, and minimally invasive techniques that minimize downtime and promote long-term joint health. Our mission is to help you regain your mobility with care tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and recovery timeline.

What Is Ankle Arthroscopy?

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized surgical instruments to diagnose and treat damage within the ankle joint. Through tiny incisions, we can safely visualize structures such as cartilage, ligaments, synovium, and joint surfaces.

This Technique is Commonly Used to Treat:

  • Chronic ankle pain
  • Cartilage injuries (chondral defects)
  • Synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining)
  • Scar tissue after sprains
  • Impingement syndromes
  • Loose bodies
  • Ligament injuries that contribute to instability

Anatomy of the Ankle Joint

The ankle is a hinge joint formed by the tibia and fibula (leg bones) articulating with the talus bone in the foot. Stability is supported by:

  • Articular cartilage (smooth tissue covering joint surfaces)
  • Ligaments like the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and deltoid ligament
  • Synovial lining, which produces lubricating joint fluid

Chronic ankle pain often develops when these structures are injured, inflamed, or degenerated after repeated sprains or wear over time.

How Ankle Arthroscopy Works

During arthroscopy, a camera is inserted into the ankle joint, displaying magnified images on a monitor. Using specialized instruments, Dr. Rovner can:

  • Remove damaged cartilage or scar tissue
  • Repair or tighten ligaments
  • Treat bone spurs or impingement
  • Extract loose fragments
  • Smooth and stabilize cartilage surfaces
Background media
legs in leggings walking on a tree covered road. Chronic ankle pain,

Ankle Arthroscopy Benefits

  • Minimally invasive with smaller incisions
  • Reduced soft-tissue trauma and postoperative pain
  • Faster recovery compared to open ankle surgery
  • Improved joint mobility and pain relief
  • Ability to diagnose problems not visible on MRI or X-ray
  • Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge
  • Lower complication rate and quicker return to activity
  • Preservation of normal joint structures whenever possible
Man holding a rolled up yoga mat, in New York City

Are You a Good Candidate for Ankle Arthroscopy?

You may benefit from ankle arthroscopy if you experience:

  • Ankle pain lasting more than 3 months
  • Pain after repeated sprains or fractures
  • Clicking, catching, or locking sensations
  • Instability or weakness
  • Limited range of motion
  • Persistent swelling
  • Pain that has not improved with physical therapy, bracing, rest, or injections

Ideal candidates have:

  • Completed conservative treatment
  • Imaging or clinical findings suggesting joint damage
  • Good overall health and realistic expectations

Arthroscopy for Chronic Ankle Pain

What to Expect Before, During, and After Ankle Arthroscopy for Chronic Ankle Pain in New York

Consultation

Your evaluation includes:

  • Comprehensive history and physical exam
  • Review of X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
  • Assessment of ankle stability, strength, and gait
  • Discussion of non-surgical and surgical options

Costs vary depending on insurance coverage, imaging needs, and the type of procedure. Core Alliance accepts most major PPO plans and can verify coverage before scheduling treatment.

woman sitting on her ankles suffering from chronic ankle pain

Procedure

  1. Anesthesia (local, regional, or general) is administered
  2. Two to three small incisions are created around the ankle
  3. The arthroscope is inserted to view the joint’s interior
  4. Damaged tissue is removed, repaired, or reshaped
  5. Loose bodies or scar tissue are excised
  6. Ligaments may be repaired or tightened if needed
  7. Incisions are closed with sutures, and the ankle is bandaged
  8. You return home the same day with postoperative instructions
Woman doing an athletci pose while waiting for ankle to heal

Recovery and Results

First 1–3 days: Elevation, icing, and limited weight-bearing.

  • 1–2 weeks: Stitches removed; transition to protected mobility.
  • 2–6 weeks: Physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength.
  • 6–12 weeks: Progressive loading, balance training, and functional exercises.
  • 3–6 months: Return to full activity for most patients.
  • Full improvement: Can continue up to a year as joint tissues heal.
woman stretching her legs recovering from ankle injury

Alternative or Related Procedures

  • Image-guided ankle injections
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
  • Stem cell or regenerative treatments
  • Bracing or immobilization
  • Physical therapy for strength and stability
  • Pain management treatments
  • Activity or gait modification programs
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Dr. Rovner

Why Choose Core Alliance Spine and Orthopedics?

Dr. Aron Rovner combines orthopedic surgical experience with sports medicine expertise, enabling him to diagnose ankle pathology with exceptional accuracy. Our patients trust us for:

  • Thorough evaluations that prioritize accurate diagnosis
  • Conservative-first approach—surgery is never the first option
  • Minimally invasive techniques for faster, safer recovery
  • Cutting-edge imaging for precise treatment planning
  • Accessible care with flexible scheduling and virtual visits
  • Three-state coverage in NY, NJ, and FL
  • Extensive experience treating athletes and active individuals


Every patient receives individualized guidance, clear communication, and a recovery plan built around their life, not the other way around.

FAQ's Arthroscopy for Chronic Ankle Pain

What causes chronic ankle pain even after a “simple” sprain?

Up to 40% of ankle sprains can develop into chronic instability or persistent pain because the ligaments, cartilage, and synovial lining may not fully heal. Even small, repeated sprains can lead to scar tissue buildup, subtle cartilage injury, or loose fragments that cause ongoing discomfort—issues often detectable and treatable through arthroscopy.

Can ankle arthroscopy treat stiffness and limited motion, or just pain?

Arthroscopy can relieve stiffness caused by scar tissue, inflammation, or subtle bone spurs that may block normal joint movement. By clearing tissue that restricts glide and rotation, many patients experience improved flexibility and smoother gait mechanics after recovery.

How do I know if my chronic ankle pain is coming from the joint or from surrounding soft tissue?

A combination of physical exam findings, diagnostic imaging, and sometimes diagnostic injections helps clarify the source. For example, if a numbing injection into the joint provides temporary relief, it suggests that the pain generator is located inside the joint, rather than in the tendons or ligaments surrounding it.

Is ankle arthroscopy helpful for arthritis?

While arthroscopy cannot reverse arthritis, it can improve symptoms in early to moderate cases by removing loose cartilage, smoothing rough joint surfaces, and reducing inflammation.

What kind of anesthesia is typically used during ankle arthroscopy?

Many patients benefit from regional anesthesia, which numbs the leg while allowing you to remain awake or lightly sedated. This approach often results in less postoperative nausea, excellent pain control, and a smoother early recovery.

Can ankle arthroscopy help with instability from repeated sprains?

Yes. Arthroscopy is often used in conjunction with ligament repair to address the internal joint damage caused by chronic instability, such as synovitis or cartilage lesions. Treating both the internal and external components of instability often leads to stronger long-term outcomes and fewer reinjuries.

What are the risks of ankle arthroscopy?

Ankle arthroscopy has a low complication rate; however, risks include infection, temporary nerve irritation, bleeding, joint stiffness, blood clots, and, rarely, cartilage or tendon injury. At Core Alliance, your risk is minimized through precise instrumentation, minimally invasive portals, and close postoperative monitoring.

Will I need a boot or brace after surgery?

Most patients use a protective boot for 1–2 weeks to allow the incision to heal and protect the joint. If ligament repair is performed, you may be able to use the boot for a longer period. Your postoperative plan is customized based on the amount of work done inside the joint and your baseline stability.

Get Back to Confident, Pain-Free Movement

Chronic ankle pain doesn’t have to limit your life. If discomfort, stiffness, or instability is holding you back, we’re here to help you return to full activity with precision, clarity, and compassionate care. Schedule your consultation with Core Alliance Spine and Orthopedics today.

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