If you have arthritis in your ankle and the pain keeps you from leading an active lifestyle, it may be time to consider surgery. There are two types of surgical procedures for ankle arthritis. One is an ankle fusion, and the other is an ankle replacement. Here's how to tell when surgery might be a good match for you and the benefits you might enjoy from ankle replacement surgery.
When to Consider Surgery for Your Ankle Arthritis
Your doctor will probably try a variety of treatments for your ankle before suggesting surgery. If you've tried pain medications, physical therapy, braces, injections, and other treatments, and they don't help your pain or increase your mobility, it might be time for surgery. Your doctor considers how the ankle arthritis is limiting your activities, your general health, your age, and other medical factors when deciding if you're a good candidate for surgery.
How to Decide on the Right Surgery
Your age and activity level play a role in the type of surgery your doctor will recommend. You might have a preference for ankle replacement surgery, but your doctor also has to consider how the results of the surgery will impact your life.
One major difference between the two surgeries is that you lose range of motion in your ankle when you have a fusion. Ankle replacement surgery involves putting in an artificial joint, so once you've healed, your ankle will have normal movement and no pain. However, an ankle replacement might not be the best choice if you play certain sports, or if you're young. Your doctor has to consider several factors when determining if ankle replacement surgery is the best option for you.
How You Might Benefit From Replacement Surgery
Ankle replacement surgery provides two important benefits. One is that it eliminates arthritis pain in your ankle, even when you're walking and bearing weight. The other benefit is that the artificial joint replicates the action of a normal, healthy joint, so you can walk and move your ankle normally.
If you're eager to resume an active lifestyle, you may find ankle replacement surgery allows you to walk and be active once again. You can even play sports after you've had ankle replacement surgery, but your doctor might suggest low-impact sports. However, it could be several months to a year before you've healed well enough after surgery to resume full activities with your ankle.
It's burdensome to live with pain every day, so if your arthritis pain is not controlled with other means, then it may be time to talk to your doctor about having an ankle replacement.
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