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Ankle Replacement Or Fusion? Best Treatment For Ankle Arthritis

Talking With Docs

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Ankle arthritis can make every step painful but does that mean you’re headed for surgery? In this episode, Dr. Paul Zalzal and Dr. Brad Weening sit down with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Danny Arora to explain what ankle arthritis really is, what causes it, and how to treat it effectively without going under the knife.

You’ll learn:
What ankle arthritis actually means and how it develops
The most common causes and risk factors (injury, wear and tear, genetics)
Non-surgical treatments that work from physiotherapy to orthotics
When surgery becomes the last resort
How to manage pain and keep moving safely

If ankle pain is limiting your daily life, this episode breaks down what’s really happening inside your joints and how to stay active and pain-free longer.

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This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your treatment plan or lifestyle. Full disclaimer at talkingwithdocs.com.

#anklearthritis #jointpain #orthopedics #arthritisrelief #anklepain #talkingwithdocs #drarora #jointhealth #doctorexplains #mobility #painrelief

20 Comments

@kathleenbrown73 10 months ago

I had ankle replacement a year and half ago at age 66. My ankle would lock up making it difficult to walk. My replacement included a rod into my lower leg. 12 weeks into recovery the top of the metal rod caused a slight fracture in my leg. I was back in a boot for 6 more weeks.
PT was resumed after 6 weeks for 2 more months. I continue the pt exercises along with strength training to increase strength in the leg that was recovering. I have 0 pain in my replaced ankle.

@jackiel.1241 10 months ago

I am a retired PT assistant and I remember when ankle joint replacements were non weight bearing for 8-12 weeks. That's a lot to ask of anyone especially an older person. Really great to hear about the improvements in components and post op protocols. Thank you!

@travisjones3961 7 months ago

I wish you had a model when discussing range of motion.

@schoaf 8 months ago

After 20 years of swearing off fusion, I recently learned of replacements and am very excited about having my life back. Thank you for your input and information!

@hughsnyder2342 10 months ago

I had my ankle replaced eight years ago at age 62. Things went really well for several years. 2 1/2 years ago I needed a hip replaced and my other ankle started to show signs of arthritis. I went back to the original doctor that I had replaced my right ankle and he said I was a good candidate for a replacement on my left. A few months later, my replaced ankle started to swell, and became very painful, and after x-rays and CT scan, it was discovered that the attachment to my talus failed and I need it replaced again. I had it done two weeks ago and I’m in my first cast, which comes off tomorrow and then four weeks in another cast before weight-bearing. NowI’m looking at getting the other one replaced once I can put full weight, bearing and complete healing of my left ankle.

@davidhroberts 10 months ago

Had my ankle replacement only 3 weeks ago. My healing appears to be on track but, as mentioned in your vid, it will take 6 months or so before I know how much range of motion and level of activity I will get back.

@Jean-o7u7s 12 days ago (edited)

Always great topics, and Arthritis is so common and not just limited to North America. It is a blessing to have surgeons that are dedicated to helping those that suffer. Ever notice how blessed a doctor's hands look, just check out the hands of these surgeons. They are certainly gifted and a blessing to us. Surgery always sounds frightening. Too bad bodies did not come with zippers!

@theresaturner5800 10 months ago

I had an ankle fusion over 15 years ago…no regrets.

@traciekoenig9186 10 months ago

Had mine replaced in May. Arthritis is better, nerve pain is still there. Overall, well worth it. Had a previous injury that did not heal well.

@GodfreyTempleton 6 months ago

I've had a wedge osteotomy (painful) prior to a ankle replacement. I'm now reconsidering the fusion option.

@KL-py5tg 10 months ago

Very informative. Thanks

@Horsesmyheart 8 months ago

Thank you for this! I have been trying to decide between fusion and a replacement once the injections stop working (right now they are doing the job). This was very helpful!

@billylain7456 10 months ago

Another great video. Thanks for posting.

@SandSpyder_OceanCityMD 6 months ago

I'm 63 and had mine replaced 8 days ago and waiting for my followup in another 4 days. What surprised me the most was how quickly the pain from the surgery went away. Had the surgery on Friday, nerve block wore off Saturday, and by Sunday night the pain was manageable with over-the-counter pain meds and Oxy 1 time a day. Today, after a week into this surgery I haven't taken any pain meds at all. I'm feeling optimistic about everything so far and can't wait to get to the next phase.

@taztaffie 10 months ago

This talk was extremely informative!! Thank you for your honest information.

@twodogs91 10 months ago

Thanks for the vid. I've been undergoing rest, boot, braces, PT, and cortisone for the past 14 months with 3 therapists, and 2 pediotricians. Not really gotten far, so this vid was encouraging about surgical possiblities.

@Bleep325 10 months ago

Thanks for sharing this information. Having a joint fused sounds horrible. After hearing explanation of it is helpful. Admittedly, not happy thinking about any shifting or malfunctioning.