Understanding Total Ankle Replacement Surgery
Chronic ankle pain can really get in the way, significantly hindering your mobility and damaging your quality of life. While conservative treatments such as physical therapy are often the first line of defense, in severe cases, total ankle replacement surgery might be considered.
The team at PodiatryCare, P.C., and the Heel Pain Center has quite a bit of familiarity with the procedure; in fact, our own, Dr. Kristen Winters, is currently working to change some outdated and damaging limitations concerning it! Ultimately, when the chips are down, and the pain is increasing, total ankle replacement can help you get back on your feet pain-free, so we want to demystify the process for you. Read on to learn more.
Total Ankle Replacement: A Last Resort
Like most surgeries, ankle replacement isn’t undertaken lightly.
Total ankle replacement, also known as total ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where the damaged ankle joint is replaced with artificial implants.
This is typically considered a last resort after non-surgical treatments fail to provide lasting pain relief.
Conditions Leading to Ankle Replacement
Several conditions can necessitate the procedure.
The most common culprit is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage breakdown and bone spur formation. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis (following a severe ankle fracture), and avascular necrosis (bone death due to lack of blood supply) can also damage the joint and warrant surgery.
How Does it Work?
The procedure typically involves general anesthesia.
A podiatrist will make an incision on the front or side of the ankle, carefully remove the damaged joint surfaces, and implant artificial components made of metal and plastic.
These components mimic the natural joint and restore movement and stability.
Considering Ankle Replacement Surgery?
If you have persistent ankle pain that interferes with daily activities and doesn't respond to conservative measures, don't wait for the pain to worsen. Instead, consult a podiatrist!
Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel provide best-in-class podiatric care and compassionate, responsive treatment to patients in Hartford County. To contact us or schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.