Regain Pain-Free Movement With a Total Ankle Replacement

Strong, healthy ankles allow you to stay stable on your feet and move about with ease. When you have ankle instability or chronic ankle pain, those functions suffer. 

A total ankle replacement provides a solution for ankle issues when other treatments haven’t sufficed. And in certain cases, it may be your best option for pain-free living.

At Babak Kosari, DPM, Inc, in Northridge and Santa Clarita, California, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kosari has extensive experience performing total ankle replacement with lasting results. If ankle pain is wreaking havoc on your life, learn how this procedure may be able to help.

When to consider total ankle replacement

While total ankle replacement isn’t the first line of defense for alleviating ankle pain, Dr. Kosari may recommend this comprehensive solution if conservative treatments — such as physical therapy and medication — haven’t provided effective or long-lasting relief.

Ankle replacement surgery is often used to treat severe ankle osteoarthritis (OA). If this degenerative joint disease has worn away your ankle joint, causing significant damage and mobility problems, you may be a strong candidate for the procedure.

Total ankle replacement may not be recommended if you have circulation problems, diabetes, or a bone infection. Obesity may also rule out the surgery for you, given that excessive body weight raises your risk for complications following a total ankle replacement.

The total ankle replacement procedure

Total ankle replacement surgery replaces your damaged or diseased ankle joint with a prosthesis. The artificial joint consists of tough, biocompatible materials, such as ceramic or titanium, making them exceptionally sturdy and enduring. 

You’ll be under anesthesia during the procedure, which Dr. Kosari performs at a nearby hospital. He removes the damaged tissues through a small, minimally invasive incision. Once he places the ankle prosthetic and closes the incision, you’ll be moved to a recovery room for observation. 

Most patients stay in the hospital for two to three days, resting, drinking plenty of fluids, taking pain medication, and learning what to expect from physical therapy (PT) as it helps them get back on their feet.

Total ankle replacement results

Ankle replacement surgery helps you regain flexibility, stability, and strength in your ankle so you’ll be less prone to pain. You’ll be better able to exercise normally, too, which adds to these benefits.

Individual results vary, but many people recover fully within six to eight months. During your recovery, you’ll likely get around using crutches, a walking cast, or a walker. Your recovery plan will also include rest, pain medications, and progressive PT. Ankle replacement PT typically starts a week into your recovery for enhanced healing early on. 

To make the most of your total ankle replacement, follow your aftercare instructions closely. Moving forward, you may benefit from avoiding high-impact activities and cultivating lifestyle habits that keep your weight in a healthy range.

To find out if you’re a good candidate for total ankle replacement, call your nearest Babak Kosari, DPM, Inc, office in Northridge or Santa Clarita, California, today. You can also use our online scheduler to book an appointment at your convenience.