ANKLE REPLACEMENT

Ankle replacement or ankle arthroplasty surgery is the replacement of a damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant. David Larson, DPM, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, who specializes in ankle replacement surgery. After an exam, Dr. Larson can determine your risk and make treatment recommendations. To make an appointment, call the office in Mesa or Phoenix, Arizona, or request an appointment today.

When is Ankle Replacement Surgery Needed? 

The most common reason for ankle replacement surgery is due to severe ankle arthritis that has not responded to other conservative, non-surgical treatment. 

Sometimes, if the arthritis is not yet severe enough to warrant an ankle replacement, these surgical options may be an option:

• Arthroscopic debridement of the ankle
• Ankle fusion 

The main types of ankle arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear arthritis that develops in older adults.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: System-wide autoimmune disease that affects the joints.
• Arthritis: Happens because of past injury of the joint, often due to an ankle fracture.

Ankle arthritis can cause the following symptoms:

• Severe pain
• Inflammation
• Stiffness, which can lead to difficulty walking

What Can I Expect After Ankle Replacement Surgery?

After ankle replacement surgery, your leg will probably be immobilized and elevated. You will likely have pain right after your surgery. Pain medicines can ease the pain, which should diminish over a few days, and eventually you should have less pain than before your surgery. 

After surgery, you will probably need to wear a splint for a couple of weeks. You may also need to use crutches for several weeks. You will want to rest and elevate your leg for the first week or so post-surgery. You won’t be able to put your full weight on your foot for a few months.

Attending your follow-up appointments is important. This allows your physician to monitor your progress and adjust your post-op treatment, as needed. You may have your splint removed and replaced with a boot or a cast a couple of weeks after your surgery. This cast may come off several weeks post-surgery. You may need physical therapy for a few months to help you regain your strength and range of motion. It may be several months before you can return to all of your previous activities.

To learn more about ankle replacement, make an appointment at the practice of David Larson, DPM, today. Call the nearest office to speak with a staff member or request an appointment online.