Total Ankle Replacement

Hi! I am new to this group.

I also am in the need of a total ankle replacement after treating symptoms for over 10 years.

I am in the process of meeting with surgeons to make a decision.

Wondering how you are all doing after ankle replacement surgery?
How is your recovery going?
I am very scared because the surgery I had on this ankle 12 years ago got infected and ate all the cartilage in joint. I have discussed these issues with surgeon.

I am a pretty active at 63 years old. Walk avg 10 miles/day, rails to trails bike riding, some hiking. Had to give up jogging (which included marathons) and other activities due to ankle pain. I am retired but now watch grandchildren, love to travel which includes a lot of walking. Currently having difficulty watching grandchildren, general housework, etc. Feel like I have lost my life and a useless person. Will I get any quality of life back?

I appreciate any feedback you may have to offer.

Thanks!!

Hi,

I replaced my ankle October 8th of 2024. We have some things in common, although everyone’s story is unique. I had a prior surgery on my old ankle to remove a bone chip (about 24 years ago). It became infected OR I had an allergy reaction (never really found out which) and the surgeon went in to flush out ankle ( emergency surgery). That surgery did well until 2022. Then pain became intolerable and I couldn’t do what I loved (swimming, walking my dogs). I had severe degenerative arthritis in joint and no cartilage. My heal joint still has some arthritis as I chose not to have it fused. Ankles are MUCH slower to recover from than knees. The joint is much smaller and carries more weight. You need to be faithful to your Physical Therapy exercises, one you can start. I had to be Toes above the Nose for 2 weeks. Only “hopping with Walker” I did was for bathroom. You will need someone to help you. Bottom line, I am glad I did it. Feel free to ask me any burning questions you have. I walked my dogs for the first time last week, individually. So excited. Share with your doctor in detail what happened when your ankle was infected. My records were no longer available, maybe yours are.

Hi more I:
Thank you for getting back to me. I apologize for not seeing your reply earlier.

Our situation does sound very similar. I hope things are continuing to go well for you! It is such a long recovery.

I had my total ankle replacement 9 days ago. I realize I am just in the beginning of this but still in a lot of pain and hopping on walker to bathroom like you. Just putting my foot down to do that is horrific with pain level and toes turning purple.

Thanks again for your response and would love to hear how you are doing?

Thanks for sharing everyone. I'm getting my left ankle replaced on June 16. So I will be popping in here with some questions and to check in how everybody is doing..

Yes. Please do.
I had my right one replaced on April 16 and have my 3 week checkup at surgeons later this week to have stitches removed.
I am still having high pain levels which appear to include streaking nerve pain (???). Sleeping is very difficult.
I am very curious to find out how normal or abnormal this is.
Good Luck and take care!

I am at 7 months past surgery now. My old left ankle was so painful! Pain from surgery was less. I did have numbness, which has gotten better and is almost gone. It takes awhile for nerves to regenerate. I have arthritis in my heel still (not part of ankle replacement). I chose not to have my heel fused. That is the only thing causing me swelling and pain today. I wear a compression sock on my left foot and it helps. Doctor says swelling can continue for 1 year after surgery. Swelling from my heel will remain. :-(.

What do you mean by streaking nerve pain? Early on I did get what I called "zaps" of nerve pain, but it did not wake me. If yours is so bad it wakes you, tell your doctor.

Thanks for getting back to me. I am now a month out of surgery and still very painful but not as bad as when I came home from hospital and have reduced pain medicine.

Your description of “zaps” regarding nerve pain is what I could call mine too. I also have numbness. When I went back to get stitches out, I explained the nerve pain and was prescribed Gabapentin for the nerve pain. It has helped but not gone away but I am now able to sleep better at night. I go back in two weeks to see surgeon and possibly start PT.

I knew this would be a long recovery, just hard to know if my pain etc is normal.

Sorry to hear about your heel pain. Hope it continues to improve along with your ankle. Take care and good luck.

The most progress I made with ROM was by walking in soft sand. The small movement for balance, and dispersed weight bearing really help my recovery. My journey started in 2009. Good luck to you..

My surgery has been moved up to June 11. What are some essentials you all needed at home? In the hospital? Any specific products that you found most helpful? How soon until you are able to do things like sit up and read or work?

I am the main cook in the house so we are trying to figure out meals. what are some things that worked for you? I've not had much success cooking large batches and freezing.

Also, did anyone have doubts or feel anxious going into the surgery? What helped you get mentally ready?

Also, how is your recovery going? What is working well? What have been the biggest struggles?

Thanks in advance

I had a TAR last December. I would recommend getting a pair of sweat pants which have full zippers down the side. That makes it much easier for the first few weeks with the splint on your foot. I used a knee scooter which worked well on our hard floors. It’s not as good on carpet. Also I used a toilet safety rail which helped getting up since you won’t be able to put any weight on one leg and will have to use your arms more. You might have to put a cushion on your favorite chairs and switch sides of the bed. Think things through ahead of time and practice

Good luck.