Maybe you used to enjoy playing basketball every weekend, but now your ankles are so painful and swollen that you can hardly move. Or perhaps you’re someone who once couldn’t wait to slip into a pair of high heels, but now, those heels sit untouched as you opt for more comfortable shoes. If you’re no longer able to enjoy the activities you once loved, these could be early signs that you might need an ankle replacement.
Signs and Symptoms of Ankle Problems
The first signs of a potential ankle issue often include stiffness and swelling around the joint. As time goes on, you may feel weakness in the ankle, causing instability. Walking, standing, or even performing routine daily activities can become increasingly difficult. Chronic pain, swelling, and inflammation can interfere with your quality of life, making simple tasks feel exhausting.
Conservative Treatment Options
Before considering surgery, many people benefit from conservative, non-surgical treatments, including:
- Rest
- Ice and Heat Therapy
- Anti-inflammatory Medications
- Physical Therapy
If these methods don’t provide relief and symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility continue to affect your daily life, it may be time to consult with an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Jonathan Hall.
Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
During your visit, Dr. Jonathan Hall and the team will assess your level of swelling, range of motion, and overall ankle function. X-rays may be taken to check for bone spurs, fractures, or damaged cartilage, and additional imaging such as an MRI or CT scan may be recommended for further insight.
If the diagnosis points to significant joint damage, ankle replacement surgery—also known as ankle arthroplasty—may be the best solution. This procedure involves replacing damaged cartilage and bone with a custom artificial implant, offering you the chance to regain mobility and quality of life.
When to Consider Ankle Replacement Surgery
Ankle replacement surgery is often recommended for individuals experiencing severe arthritis in the ankle joint, particularly when other treatments no longer provide relief.
The main types of ankle arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative condition commonly seen in older adults, caused by wear and tear on the joint over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that affects multiple joints throughout the body, including the ankle.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This form of arthritis can develop after an injury or trauma to the ankle joint.
Other common reasons to consider ankle replacement surgery include:
- Repeated stress on the joint due to sports or high-impact activities.
- Unhealed fractures that disrupt normal joint function.
- Excess weight, which places added stress on the ankle and accelerates joint damage.
How Long Is Ankle Replacement Surgery Recovery?
Most patients experience a full recovery within 6 to 12 months following ankle replacement surgery. Recovery includes physical therapy to help restore strength, mobility, and function to the joint. While the process can take time, the end result is often improved joint mobility and a significant reduction in pain, allowing you to return to daily activities with greater ease.
Ankle Replacement Surgery in Kirkland, WA
Contact board-certified foot & ankle orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD at (425) 823-4000 if you are having chronic pain and swelling in your ankle which is interfering with your daily activities. Returning to a more active lifestyle is possible.
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