How Long After Ankle Surgery Can You Drive? What Injury Victims Should Know

Ankle injuries often get downplayed. It’s “just a sprain,” or “you’ll be up and walking in no time,” right? 

Not always. 

At J&Y Law, we’ve seen firsthand how a single ankle injury can impact someone’s quality of life. 

In one recent case, we secured a $5 million settlement for a client who developed a chronic condition called CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) after a major retailer rammed shopping carts into her ankle. That injury required multiple surgeries. 

“One moment of negligence can trigger a chain reaction that steals your mobility, your work, and your peace of mind,” explains Parham Nikfarjam, Senior Trial Attorney at J&Y Law. “That’s why these cases matter so much.” 

Where Do These Injuries Come From? 

Ankle injuries that lead to surgery can happen in all kinds of accidents: 

• Motorcycle crashes, where ankles are pinned or twisted in high-impact landings 

• Slip or trip-and-fall incidents, especially in poorly maintained areas like grocery store entrances or parking lots 

• Dog attacks, where bites to the legs or sudden falls cause fractures or ligament tears 

• Retail negligence, where carts, equipment, or displays collide with customers unexpectedly 

Even if it seems minor at first, ankle damage can become life-altering if complications develop. 

So… How Long After Ankle Surgery Can You Drive? 

We’re not medical professionals, but here’s what we can tell you from our experience helping thousands of injury clients. 

Driving after ankle surgery depends on: 

• Which foot was operated on (right foot surgeries generally delay return to driving longer) 

• Type of procedure (open reduction, ligament repair, hardware installation, etc.) 

• Use of mobility aids (casts, boots, crutches, scooters) 

• Pain levels, reflexes, and range of motion 

• Prescription medications (especially narcotics) 

If your right ankle was operated on, most doctors recommend 6–8 weeks minimum before you’re safely able to drive again. It can be even longer depending on your recovery and the severity of the injury. 

Always speak with your surgeon and wait until you’re officially cleared before getting behind the wheel. 

Why Ankle Injuries Can Be Just as Serious as Knees or Hips 

Your ankle balances the weight of your entire body. It supports every step, every pivot, every moment you spend upright. 

A damaged ankle affects: 

• How you walk 

• How long you can stand 

• How you move through the world 

When complications like CRPS, nerve damage, or chronic inflammation set in, it takes an emotional toll, too. Clients often report depression, isolation, anxiety, and frustration over not being able to work, drive, or live independently. 

How Much is an Ankle Injury Claim Worth in California? 

When someone else’s negligence causes a life-altering ankle injury, we fight for all the damages: 

• Surgeries and physical therapy 

• Home modifications (ramps, shower bars, mobility equipment) 

• Lost income and future earning potential 

• Pain and suffering 

• Emotional anguish from loss of mobility and freedom 

“Insurance companies love to argue that because you can ‘walk a little,’ your life hasn’t really changed,” says Nikfarjam. “That’s ridiculous. We’ve been in courtrooms where juries understand that losing the ability to drive your kids to school or stand at work without pain is every bit as devastating as a broken bone. It’s our job to make sure the defense can’t minimize that.” 

At J&Y Law, we calculate what was taken from you and fight to make sure you’re compensated for every part of it. 

Talk to a Lawyer If You’ve Had Ankle Surgery After an Accident 

Whether you were hit while walking, hurt in a fall, or involved in a vehicle crash, if someone else was responsible, you have legal rights. 

Call J&Y Law today at (877) 735-7035 for a free consultation. We’ll review what happened and explain your legal options – no pressure, no gimmicks. Because even a “small” injury can have massive consequences.