What Is a Total Ankle Replacement?

The podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Clinic have many convenient locations in Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Shell Lake, Cumberland, Stanley, and Baldwin, WI. They are here to help in case you need a total ankle replacement. Ankles are strong joints that bear as much weight as our knees but just like any joint, it's possible to develop arthritis in them.

Who needs a total ankle replacement?

A total ankle replacement, or ankle arthroplasty, replaces the ankle joint. The most common reason for this surgery is osteoarthritis that has destroyed the cartilage in the ankle joint. This can be very painful when walking because healthy cartilage is essential for pain-free movement Symptoms of ankle osteoarthritis include:

• Pain when walking
• Stiffness in the joint
• Swelling, warmth, or redness at the joint
• Locking or buckling when walking
• Instability on your feet
  
  

Come see us in Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Shell Lake, Cumberland, Stanley, and Baldwin, WI, if you are having these symptoms so we can help with a total ankle replacement.

What is total ankle replacement surgery like?

The procedure is designed to relieve the pain in the ankle from arthritis and increase mobility. During the surgery, your podiatrist removes the damaged bone or cartilage and replaces your joint with metal components. This involves resurfacing the ends of your shinbone and lower ankle bone with metal and placing a plastic spacer that allows for a gliding surface so you can easily move the joint.

After an ankle arthroplasty, you should be able to move your ankle up and down and be rid of pain when doing so. You heal for approximately six weeks in a cast or brace for your foot. You will be advised to avoid high-impact activities and wear comfortable and supportive footwear once your cast is off.

If you need a total ankle replacement, the podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinic can help. We are conveniently located in Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Shell Lake, Cumberland, Stanley, and Baldwin, WI. You can schedule an appointment by calling the following numbers:

(800) 359-4421 - Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Stanley, and Baldwin, WI

(715) 468-2711 - Shell Lake, WI

(715) 822-7200 - Cumberland, WI