Total Ankle Replacement

Hello all. I am getting closer to getting rid of my boot and I want curious about what shoes everyone likes. I know I need rockers and before surgery I was wearing Hokas but I am open to suggestions.
TIA. Mike

First shoe I went in was Merrell Hiking Boots. My Physical Therapist really liked them for me. They are firm in the heal and give ankle support.

HOKA’s did not work for me. Too cushiony. Wore them once and going to sell them.

I had my surgery October 8th. A Vantage ankle was put in. I agree with all comments that everyone heals differently. I have very flat feet and have custom made arch supports to slip in my shoes I wear in the house. I think this has helped me heal as it keeps everything in right position. I really started feeling well at 6 months. Now at almost ten months, I can walk both my dogs (separately) so that is a lot of walks. I swim and have gone to a museum for 3 hours. I was diligent about my physical therapy and I think that made a big difference. It was also a nice excuse to buy quality walking shoes for outside. Hang in there! I am very happy I did it.

I discovered HOKAS about a year before my surgery and really liked them. They wear out quickly though. I have wide feet so they fit well.

Hi everyone,

I’m 54 and just a couple of weeks away from getting the Inbone with Prophecy TAR. My ankle was destroyed in a mountain climbing accident 28 years ago. The surgeons patched me up back then, and I’ve been able to walk, but it’s been constant pain ever since. About two years ago, I saw Dr. Kile, and we decided to move forward. First step was removing all the hardware, then waiting for that to heal—now I’m finally at the point of getting the replacement.

I’m honestly excited for the surgery. Living with this pain every day has been exhausting, and it’s only gotten worse with age. At the same time, I’m very active—hiking, biking, Pilates—and also very stubborn. My biggest fear is being inactive for too long during recovery and how much that will impact me mentally.

During the recovery from the hardware removal, I stayed active with a lot of core work and mat Pilates, which really helped. For those who’ve gone through TAR:

* Was the post-surgery pain too overwhelming to keep up with any kind of exercise?
* How did you deal with the mental side of being less active for so long? Did you find ways to avoid sliding into depression?

Appreciate any insight—thank you!
Bud

@budnorman I am sorry I did not see this sooner. I hope your surgery went well. How is recovery going?

I probably don't need to address the first question at this point so for the second, I read a lot, I did lift some weights and I took back over my kitchen pretty quickly so I knee scootered around a decent amount. Once the Dr. said I could start PT I threw myself in. I am also very patent and having lived with pain for decades I knew relief was in right around the corner so I was able to temper any frustration with that in mind.

Good luck. Give us an update when you can.

Been a while since I have updated. I had my 4 month check up yesterday. I feel great. I am so happy I did this. I'm not 100% yet but I rarely have pain. I tell people I have some discomfort and stiffness and even that is less every week. My range of motion is better than before surgery. I hope you all are well.

@mrmikebr Wow! That is great. Congratulations.

@mrmikebr I wore Hoka’s for 4 years after my TKA then when I was getting my orthotic they had Propet shoes and you can find them on Amazon. I have been wearing them for a year now and they work just as well and not as expensive.