Mri done on ankle; anterior talofibular is torn, ankle joint effusion, flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis. meaning? doc handed me off. help. no ins.

Ankle sprain: Tears of the anterior talofibular ligament and an ankle effusion are indications of an ankle sprain. The effusion can often extend into the flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath. Most ankle sprains will heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation. Some patients will have persistent pain and may need further evaluation.

Cast or Surgery: If your anterior talofibular ligament is torn, it is important to not walk on that foot. Use crutches or walker to stay off the foot. If the torn ends are in proximity, you can treat it conservatively and let the tissue heal. However, if it is completely torn of bone ie fibula, than it needs to be repaired surgically or you will aways have an unstable ankle joint and develop arthritis.

Immobilize >therapy: You can order a cast boot online for very little money. $35-$65. These are all removable casts. You need it tall like a real short leg cast. Keep your weight off it. Get crutches or a walker at drug store or good will. You need to immobilize it to allow the atfl ligament to heal. This will take 6 to 8 weeks to knit itself together. After it heals you really need to get therapy to rehab the ankle.

Rest and PT: With many ankle injuries, there is a tear of the anterior talofibular ligament and a joint effusion, and these almost always heal with resolution of the joint effusion and fibrotic healing of the ligament with simple rest and a bit of physical therapy. The flexor hallucis longus tendonitis is usually diagnosed due to fluid in the tendon sheath. This is probably a normal variant, and not worrisome.