Total Ankle Replacement for Arthritis Pain
Total Ankle Replacement for Arthritis Pain
Total ankle replacement is an advanced surgery that relieves severe ankle arthritis pain by replacing the damaged joint with a prosthesis, preserving motion.
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About Total Ankle Replacement for Arthritis Pain
What Is Ankle Replacement?
Ankle replacement involves two main steps. First the surgeon removes the diseased joint surfaces and any osteophytes or bone spurs. Second custom cutting guides prepare precise flat surfaces on the tibia and talus to accept the implant. The new joint consists of a cobalt chrome tibial component a titanium talar component and a durable polyethylene insert that glides smoothly between them. Unlike ankle fusion which eliminates motion ankle replacement preserves up and down movement allowing more natural gait and reducing stress on nearby joints such as the knee and hip.
Ankle Replacement Candidates
Candidates for ankle replacement usually experience constant deep ankle pain that interferes with walking work and sleep. Swelling and stiffness limit range of motion and the joint may give way on uneven ground. Imaging shows advanced arthritis with narrow joint space cystic bone changes and large spurs. When daily activities require frequent pain medication or when bracing and injections no longer provide relief our specialists may recommend ankle replacement as the best path to restore quality of life.
Ankle Replacement Recovery Progress
Ankle arthritis begins with intermittent soreness after vigorous activity then progresses to daily pain morning stiffness and episodic swelling. As cartilage erodes the joint space narrows and spurs form leading to visible deformity and limited motion. In the final stage bone on bone contact causes grinding and sharp pain with every step. During evaluation we assess the integrity of surrounding ligaments alignment of the foot and prior surgeries to confirm that ankle replacement will offer predictable pain relief and durable function.
Ankle Replacement Treatments
The procedure is performed under regional or general anesthesia and usually requires a hospital stay of one night. A well padded splint protects the ankle for the first two weeks while the incision heals. Most patients begin gentle non weight bearing range of motion exercises within days followed by progressive partial weight bearing in a removable boot. By the sixth week supervised physical therapy (if recommended) focuses on rebuilding strength balance and gait mechanics.
During months three to six many people return to low impact sports such as cycling golf and swimming while long distance running and high impact court activities are discouraged to prolong implant life. Our modern implants have shown excellent ten year survival and ongoing studies demonstrate continued success beyond fifteen years.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Persistent ankle pain and stiffness do not have to dictate your pace of life. Early expert evaluation can determine whether total ankle replacement is the right solution for you.
Contact Mountain Spine & Orthopedics today at (561) 223-9959 or complete our simple online consultation form.
Our experienced foot and ankle team will review your imaging explain every treatment option and design a personalized surgical and rehabilitation plan that restores comfort supports mobility and helps you step forward with confidence.
Ready to Get Started?
Don't let pain hold you back. Our Florida orthopedic specialists are here to help you get back to the activities you love.
Possible Causes We Evaluate
These conditions may cause total ankle replacement for arthritis pain symptoms:
Treatments We May Recommend
Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend:
