Day 13 Post Op: Cast Off, Sutures Off, and Moving Into CAM Boot

Cast Removal

Today was my first time seeing my ankle since surgery. Once the cast came off, I finally got a clear look at the incisions:

Two small arthroscopy portals
Two larger incisions from the ligament repair

Swelling was minimal, which was reassuring, but the skin felt tight and sensitive. Any small ankle movement pulled on the incisions right away.

What Was Done in Surgery

Based on the operative notes:

They used an arthroscope to inspect and clean the joint
Repaired and tightened the lateral ankle ligaments
Cleaned up irritated soft tissue
Stabilized the outer ankle to address the chronic instability I had before

Seeing the incisions made the whole procedure feel more real.

Suture Removal

This was the most painful part of the day. Each stitch felt like a sharp, quick sting — basically a series of papercut‑type pains, all slightly different. Cleaning the wounds afterward burned for a moment, but once everything was done, the pain settled down.

The incisions are tender, and when I move my ankle, the skin pulls, which adds to the discomfort.

Transition to the CAM Boot

After the sutures were out and the wounds were cleaned, they fitted me into a CAM boot. It’s protective, but it’s tight, and the outer shell presses directly on the lateral incision. That spot is already sensitive, so the pressure makes it more uncomfortable.

Instructions from the NP:

20–30 ankle pumps
3–5 times per day
Stay non‑weight‑bearing for 2 more weeks
Follow‑up after that
Physical therapy once cleared

So even though the cast is gone, I’m still not walking on it yet.

Now on CAM boot

Can be taken off at night

Pain and Swelling Check

Swelling: minimal
Pain: mostly incision‑related
Movement: painful because the incisions move with the ankle
Meds: Tylenol and ibuprofen
Boot: causing pressure on the outer incision, adjusting straps as needed

It’s more of a surface pain now — the kind that comes from raw skin and fresh wounds rather than deep surgical pain.

Plan Going Forward

For the next two weeks, it’s ankle pumps, elevation, and staying off the foot completely. I’ll keep monitoring the incision sensitivity and adjusting the boot padding so it doesn’t press too hard on the outer ankle.

Next step is the follow‑up appointment, then physical therapy.