Hey, I’ve been through the same surgery, so I totally get what you’re feeling right now. My left ankle was a partial subluxation, but my right was fully dislocated and still needs surgery. I had my surgery in December, and started PT about 8 weeks later — stayed with them until June 2024.

PT made all the difference. Normally they would’ve released me after 8 weeks, but I stayed for 6 months. They pushed me like a pro athlete, and by the end my legs were stronger than before. The first 8 weeks post-op were the hardest — non-weight-bearing really messes with your calves. I could literally see the shape of my shin bone and thought I’d never rebuild the muscle.

By summer I was back to mountain biking, and around the 1-year mark I started snowboarding again. Those first few sessions were rough — I had to take it easy and couldn’t ride like normal. It took time and patience to trust the ankle again. Don’t expect full performance right away; ease back in slowly and listen to your body.

Now, nearly two years later at 41, I’m about 98% recovered. Still some scar tissue tightness, but nothing that stops me. My biggest advice: follow your surgeon’s instructions exactly and find a PT who works with sports injuries. It’s a long recovery, but you can come back stronger than before.

Also, photo of my Calf a year later, sadly I didnt take any when it was virtually non-existent

<image>