When you have been experiencing chronic ankle pain and you have subsequently been diagnosed with severe ankle arthritis, your podiatrist may have recommended that you get a total ankle replacement surgery. However, you may feel apprehensive and unsure about going through such a surgery and about what to expect from the process. Get to know some of the important facts about total ankle replacement surgery. Then, you can feel less apprehensive and more prepared to get your ankle replaced and can schedule your surgery as soon as possible.
Ankle Replacement Will Significantly Reduce Your Pain
One of the biggest things that you should know about ankle replacement surgery is that the procedure will greatly reduce your pain. It may even eliminate your ankle pain altogether. Sure, you will experience some pain immediately after surgery, but you will be given medications to help you manage that pain.
Within a few days of the surgery being complete, your pain should already be lower than it was prior to your surgery. This can be life-changing for someone who has been struggling with chronic arthritis-related pain in their ankle.
You Will Stay in the Hospital Only Two or Three After Surgery
Generally speaking, when you get a total ankle replacement surgery, you will only have to spend about two to three days in the hospital. And most of the time it is only two days.
This time in the hospital is used to ensure you do not have a reaction coming off of anesthesia, your pain is well-managed, and you get the chance to do some physical and maybe even occupational therapy while you are in the care of the hospital. The occupational therapist, for example, can help to ensure you are able to use your crutches and get around safely using them.
You Will Be on Crutches for 4 to 6 Weeks After Surgery
A major question you might be asking about your ankle replacement surgery is the length of recovery. Just like with any joint replacement surgery, recovery can take a while, but that does not mean the process has to be difficult.
After surgery, you will likely be using crutches for about 4 to 6 weeks. This is to avoid putting your full weight on the ankle right away and allowing the joint to heal. During this time, though, you will be using your ankle in physical therapy by doing various exercises to build flexibility and strength in the joint.
Once you have hit the 4- to 6-week mark and your doctor determines that you are ready, you will have a boot or splint on your ankle to provide additional support as you begin to walk and put weight on it.
Now that you know more about total ankle replacement, you can feel better prepared for the surgery and the recovery and can schedule your surgical appointment right away.
Contact a clinic like the Ankle & Foot Clinic Of Everett to learn more.
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