Ankle Replacement Surgery
Sports are a fantastic way for people to hone their bodies and enjoy entertainment at the same time. It is well known that sports also have significant psychological benefit to those who participate in them. However, whenever physical activities are involved, there is a chance for injury. Because of this, there is a branch of care called sports medicine that is specifically focused on keeping athletes and active people in good physical condition. At Foot & Ankle Concepts, our goal is to help our patients live their lives unimpeded by joint pain. We understand that inflamed and painful joints can hold you back from the activities you love most. Each of our specialists has years of experience and is devoted to helping patients maintain their active lifestyles.
Mild Symptoms
For patients with mild to moderate arthritis, our physicians may recommend a conservative (non-surgical) treatment plan. Less severe arthritis can often be treated with the following options:
- Pain medication
- Knee injuries
- Orthotics (shoe and foot inserts)
- Physical Therapy
- Anti-inflammatory injections
However, should the above treatments prove ineffective, then you might be able to consider ankle replacement or other surgical options.
Ankle Replacement Surgery Overview
Total Ankle Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure which replaces the affected ankle joint with a fully-functional artificial implant. Although arthritis can affect all the joints in the body, the ankle joint receives a lot of wear and stress daily. The smooth cartilage between your bones can wear away over time. Without cartilage to help them move smoothly, your joint areas will begin to become inflamed and swollen. With an ankle replacement, your damaged ankle joint is replaced, reducing both swelling, pain and stiffness in the area. When performed by an expert, Total Ankle Arthroplasty can provide significant improvements in the function of the replaced joint. The goal is to resolve pain, increase your mobility and give you more control over your life.
Is an Ankle Replacement Surgery For Me?
Total Ankle Arthroplasty surgery is an invasive procedure. We typically recommend it for patients who are experiencing symptoms which have not improved with non-surgical treatment options.
If you are experiencing significant stiffness, inflammation, and pain which is affecting your mobility. Then Total Ankle Arthroplasty might be a solution.
Patients who are candidates for an ankle replacement surgery tend to suffer from one of the following types of arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: joints worn from aging
- Rheumatoid arthritis: joint conditions caused by autoimmune disease
- Post-traumatic Arthritis: occurs from past joint injury
Ankle Replacement Process
During your consultation, our physicians will work with you to evaluate your symptoms and candidacy for the procedure. This will determine if Total Ankle Arthroplasty is right for you, or if you would benefit from other less invasive treatments.
During the procedure, the arthritic portions of the ankle are removed. The joint is then replaced with smooth metal surfaces and a high-density polyethylene spacer to maintain motion of the ankle joint.
Recovery and Downtime
Total Ankle Arthroplasty is an invasive surgery which requires significant recovery time. Typically, patients require pain medication for the first few days to weeks following surgery. Recovery from ankle replacement surgery also requires a period of non-weight-bearing to allow the surgical site and implant to heal. Avoid putting any weight on the ankle until your physician advises you to do so.
A complete set of instructions will be given to you by your surgeon. Following these during recovery is absolutely crucial to having a successful ankle replacement.
avoid putting any weight on it until your physician advises you to do so.
Throughout your recovery, follow-up visits will be important. They allow your surgeon to track your recovery and provide advice to keep your recovery going smoothly.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are experiencing severe symptoms in your ankle, then it might be time to consider an ankle replacement. Schedule a consultation today to meet with one of our foot & ankle experts. Each of our providers is an expert in their field and devoted to helping patients live their lives unimpeded by joint pain.
During your consultation, we will work with you to determine if ankle replacement is right for you. Every step of the way, our goal is to keep you informed and provide a comfortable experience. Don’t let arthritis and pain limit your activities in life.
Contact Foot & Ankle Concepts to learn more about what treatment options are available to you. We have multiple locations serving a wide range of local communities. In addition to ankle replacements, we offer a variety of treatments and procedures for patients suffering from foot, ankle, and joint conditions.
