Getting Help With My Foot

If you have had a car accident, sports accident, or have atrophied ankles due to illness or disease, you may be facing total ankle replacement surgery as a solution to your issue. Before your podiatrist recommends this surgery, they likely have other solutions for you to try, so if you need ankle replacement, it means all other alternatives have been tried and exhausted or deemed unable to work for your needs.

Before you get total ankle replacement surgery, consider the following things. This way, you'll be best prepared for the surgery and know what to expect.

How long you'll be off your feet

Getting ankle replacement surgery won't leave you bedridden, but it will mean you won't be able to walk around for some time. You will likely be in crutches for a length of time and then be in a boot to help you get around for some time after that. This means you will have to forgo any strenuous activity for many weeks or until your podiatrist gives you the go-ahead and for some time you won't be able to bear any weight on the ankle at all.

If you have to get both ankles worked on, your podiatrist may opt to only do one foot at a time. This gives one foot time to heal before working on the other one. Your left foot is usually worked on first, if applicable, so you still have your driving foot to use to get around once you are able.

How long you'll be in therapy 

When you get total ankle replacement surgery, you give your ankle an upgrade. You'll have to retrain your body to use your ankle appropriately, and you'll need to get your ankle back to proper flexibility and rotation as soon as you are able to bear weight on it. Your podiatrist may refer you to a physical therapist to help you get back on your feet and use your ankle so you can heal in the best way possible.

The best way to manage your ankle problems is to visit a podiatrist who specializes in foot and ankle care. If you do get ankle replacement surgery, plan ahead so you can take time off work, school, and some family activities to get the most out of your surgical experience. Your podiatrist will give you pre-op instructions to help you best prepare for surgery so you can be prepared, relaxed, and ready to heal following your procedure.

If you are in need of total ankle replacement surgery, contact a podiatrist in your area.