Signs You May Need a Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle replacement is a serious procedure, but there are signs that this intensive treatment may be the best option for your ankle stability and pain issues. If you’ve been dealing with these problems for years, it may be time to ask yourself if total ankle replacement is right for you.

Texas Health Care’s Bone and Joint Clinic offers ankle pain treatments, including options other than total ankle replacement, but in certain circumstances, the latter is the best option. Consider your unique situation and ask yourself if the signs below sound familiar. If so, it may be time to consult with one of our orthopedic specialists about this surgical option. 

You’ve been dealing with chronic ankle problems

Many people sustain ankle injuries. In fact, ankle sprains are among the most commonly experienced musculoskeletal issues for which people seek emergency department care. You can usually manage an acute issue like a sprain or even a fracture with a deliberate recovery plan and lots of rest. Acute injuries usually don’t require a total ankle replacement. 

However, if you’ve been dealing with ankle pain for years, it may be time to think about this option. Most people with ankle pain are affected in their daily lives because the ability to walk easily is essential to basic functioning. 

You’ve tried other treatments for your ankle pain 

If you’ve been in pain for a long time, you’ve probably tried less invasive treatments, such as rest, braces, adjustments to your activity, and reducing inflammation through lifestyle changes or treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Physical therapy is another excellent option for strengthening the ankles in cases of chronic pain and stiffness.

Sadly, though, over time, patients can experience increased problems with their ankles, making it harder to participate in a program like physical therapy. Other treatments may also have little to no effect, making it hard to know where to turn. If this is the case for you, it might be time to consider total ankle replacement. 

You’re in good health 

Total ankle replacement is a strain on your body, and you must have strong bone density and quality for the procedure to work. Your body will need to allow for the new ankle, made of plastic and metal, to strengthen appropriately as you rehabilitate post-surgery. 

Other than your ankle problems, you should be in good enough health to undergo surgery. 

You’re a moderately active older adult 

In most cases, total ankle replacement isn’t performed on younger people but rather on older people who are still active. Highly active people, like athletes, aren’t the best candidates because of the delicate nature of the replacement ankle, and we typically recommend less aggressive treatments on younger patients. 

You’re in end-stage ankle arthritis 

Not every patient who receives this treatment has been diagnosed with end-stage ankle arthritis, but the majority of those who do have been. This is true for several reasons. First, arthritis in the ankles isn’t reversible, so treatment usually focuses on reducing its impact and preventing worsening symptoms, which this surgery helps achieve. 

In addition, end-stage arthritis means that the functionality of that body part is in steep decline. Other treatments usually don’t work, and without intervention, you may lose your ability to move comfortably. In this case, total ankle replacement is usually a last-resort intervention. 

Am I a good candidate for total ankle replacement? 

If one or more of these signs apply to you, it’s possible that this surgery could help you regain your movement and manage serious ankle pain, stiffness, and other problems. 

Let us help you with your journey toward wellness and mobility. Visit one of our three clinics in the Fort Worth, Texas, area. You can make an appointment online or call today.