Annual Strength & Structure Section
This advanced orthopedic surgery can help alleviate ankle pain caused by arthritis.
Understanding Ankle Arthritis
While ankle injuries are common and often heal fully, repeated sprains or a severe fracture can cause the cartilage in the ankle to begin to wear away, resulting in ankle arthritis. This can cause chronic pain that affects the ability to walk and perform everyday activities, negatively impacting quality of life. If nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, ankle braces, and corticosteroid injections haven’t provided relief, surgery may be recommended.
Total Ankle Replacement
Total ankle replacement, also known as ankle arthroplasty, is an increasingly common procedure that restores mobility and relieves pain for patients with ankle arthritis. While the patient is under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the ankle and replaces it with an artificial implant made of metal and plastic. Total ankle replacement can be performed in an outpatient setting, allowing some patients to return home the same day.
Benefits and Outlook
As innovations in prosthetic design and surgical methods continue to evolve, total ankle replacement has become an increasingly effective and reliable option. It offers patients an alternative to ankle fusion, which permanently fuses the ankle bones together, limiting its movement after surgery. With total ankle replacement, the ankle implant functions like a natural joint, providing a full range of motion.
Following surgery, physical therapy will help strengthen the ankle and improve its range of motion. Full recovery typically takes between six months and a year, after which patients can return to light recreational activity and enjoy long-lasting pain relief and a restored quality of life.
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. As managing editor for CMC Media & Marketing Group, she is responsible for the development and completion of 16 publications involving health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. Additionally, Rachel has led digital marketing initiatives for CMC Media & Marketing Group as well as the development of content for the introduction of Choose Huntsville™, Huntsville Resource & Relocation Guide™ for Huntsville, Alabama.
