Total Ankle Replacement FAQs

Could a total ankle replacement end your ankle pain and mobility issues? Your podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Clinic in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Rice Lake, WI, can answer your questions about the surgery. The foot doctors also offer satellite offices in Menomonie, Cumberland, Baldwin, Shell Lake and Stanley, WI.

What happens during the procedure?

During total ankle replacement, your Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls or Rice Lake, WI, foot doctor removes the damaged bone and cartilage in your ankle joint and replaces them with an artificial joint that works just like your natural joint. Podiatrists use a special type of cement to permanently attach the replacement joint to supporting bones.

You'll receive anesthesia prior to the surgery to ensure that you don't feel any pain. Total ankle replacement is usually performed as same-day surgery.

Who can benefit from total ankle replacement?

Total ankle replacement may be recommend if you're experiencing:

• Pain that interferes with your usual activities
• Ankle instability
• Swollen ankle joint
• Stiffness
• Difficulty walking

These symptoms can be a result of:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• A broken ankle
• Infection
• Arthritis from a previous surgery or injury

What are the benefits of total ankle replacement?

Not so long ago, fusing the joints together was the only solution if you had severe ankle pain and mobility issues. Although fusion surgery eased your pain, it limited the mobility of your ankle joint and even led to new arthritis symptoms in nearby bones in some cases. Fortunately, total ankle replacement can help you avoid these issues. After surgery and physical therapy, you'll be able to move your ankle normally and without pain.

What is the recovery process like?

You'll need to avoid putting weight on your ankle for several weeks after surgery. Fortunately, that won't stop you from doing the range of motion exercises recommended by your doctor. A family member or friend will need to help you get around during the first day or two after surgery.

Physical therapy usually doesn't begin until you can stand on your ankle and your incision has healed. The therapy helps strengthen the muscles that support your ankle and improves your range of motion and flexibility.

Would you like to find out if a total ankle replacement could help you? Call your Eau Claire, Rice Lake and Chippewa Falls, WI, foot doctors and schedule your appointment. The podiatrists can be reached at these 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