Slocum Orthopedics provides ankle replacement care for patients across Eugene, Springfield, and the southern Willamette Valley. As the region’s largest provider of orthopedic care, our team supports individuals seeking to restore mobility and reduce ankle pain.
What is Total Ankle Replacement Surgery?
Ankle replacement surgery, technically called “total ankle arthroplasty,” is designed to resurface the worn parts of your ankle joint with artificial components, similar to a hip or knee replacement.
Your ankle joint is formed where the tibia (shinbone) meets the talus (ankle bone). When healthy, these bones are coated with cartilage that allows for smooth, pain-free movement. However, conditions like arthritis can wear away this protective cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. If you’re experiencing persistent ankle pain, difficulty walking, or trouble with daily activities, it might be time to consider ankle replacement.
Ankle Replacement Procedure
The procedure typically involves:
1. Removing the damaged joint surfaces
2. Reshaping the bones
3. Implanting metal components on the tibia and talus
4. Inserting a plastic spacer between these components
These new surfaces allow your ankle to move more naturally, reducing pain and improving function.
The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours, and most patients can go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
Medical Management of Ankle Arthritis
Before considering surgery, there are several non-surgical approaches that can help manage ankle arthritis and potentially slow its progression. While they won’t cure arthritis or reverse joint damage, these strategies can be very effective in managing symptoms and may help delay the need for surgery.
Weight Reduction
The basic truth is that the more weight your ankle has to carry, the more pain you will experience in the joint and the faster the remaining cartilage will deteriorate. Your ankle experiences up to 5 times your body weight with each step, and even more during activities like running or jumping. Extra weight means more pressure and faster cartilage wear. Even small weight reductions can significantly reduce ankle pain and slow joint deterioration. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Adaptive / Walking Devices
Using a cane in your opposite hand can help reduce weight on your ankle joint and improve balance. Specialized ankle braces or compression sleeves can provide additional stability and reduce swelling. For more significant support, a walker or crutches may be necessary. Custom orthotics or supportive footwear can also help redistribute pressure and provide better ankle support during daily activities.
Activity Modifications
High-impact activities can accelerate ankle damage and increase pain. Avoid activities like jumping, running (especially on uneven surfaces), and sports with quick directional changes. Instead, choose exercises like swimming, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and controlled resistance training. These activities strengthen muscles around your ankle without excessive joint stress while maintaining cardiovascular health and helping with weight management.
Is Total Ankle Replacement Right for You?
When pain from arthritis causes severe limitations to your life and conservative treatments no longer help, it may be time to consider total ankle replacement surgery. Signs that you might be ready for ankle arthroplasty include:
• Severe ankle pain that interferes with everyday activities
• Pain that persists even when resting
• Ankle stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Failure to improve with other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy
• Visible deformity of the ankle
If you’re considering total ankle replacement surgery, the next step is to consult with a Slocum orthopedic specialist. Our team will provide a thorough evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the long term outlook of total ankle replacement surgery?
Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after ankle replacement. While you’ll need to avoid high-impact activities, many people return to activities they love, such as walking, swimming, biking, and golf, free from the pain that once held them back.
What does recovery from total ankle replacement surgery look like?
After surgery, your journey to recovery begins. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll wear a splint for about 2 weeks
- You’ll need to keep weight off your ankle for several weeks (your surgeon will provide specific instructions)
- Physical therapy will begin 2-3 weeks after surgery
- Most patients can start bearing weight in a walking boot between 2-6 weeks after surgery
- Full recovery can take 4-6 months
Pain management is a crucial part of your recovery. Your care team will work with you to ensure you’re comfortable while you heal.
What is ankle replacement vs. ankle fusion?
Your surgeon may discuss both ankle replacement and ankle fusion as options. While both can relieve pain, ankle replacement aims to maintain motion in your joint, potentially providing a more natural gait and reducing stress on surrounding joints.
How much pain will I have after surgery?
The amount of pain after surgery varies. Perception of pain is a very individual experience. Your physician and nursing staff will work with you to adjust your medications to minimize your pain. You will experience pain, especially in the first two weeks. Other interventions such as intermittent use of ice, gentle exercises as directed, deep breathing relaxation and meditation can help minimize your pain. The nerve block and pain pump provided during surgery will help control your initial post-operative pain, typically lasting 2-3 days.
When will I be able to take a bath/shower after surgery?
You may shower right after surgery with your surgical site/splint covered. It is strongly recommended to avoid immersion of your ankle in water, either in a bathtub or hot tub for at least 6 weeks following surgery. Even after the incision initially appears healed, the skin is still fragile and infection can occur.
When will I be able to drive after surgery?
With surgery on the right ankle, it is generally recommended that you wait for 4-6 weeks after surgery to resume driving. Numerous studies have documented delayed reaction times with the operated leg that last a month or longer. In addition, you should not drive as long as you are taking narcotic pain medications during the day as this may affect your ability to react quickly and make good decisions.
When can I get rid of my crutches or walker and begin using a cane or walking sticks?
Your surgeon and physical therapist will help you make decisions related to the appropriate assistive device to use with ambulation. It is important to develop sufficient muscle strength before changing to a less supportive device. Transitioning too soon can reinforce bad muscle habits and lead to undesirable stress on your new ankle and other joints.
Why Eugene Patients Trust Slocum for Ankle Replacement
For more than 80 years, Slocum Orthopedics has helped keep the Eugene–Springfield community moving. As the region’s largest orthopedic practice, our board-certified surgeons provide advanced joint care supported by on-site physical therapy, imaging, and a dedicated surgery center.
