Why Might I Need Ankle Replacement Surgery?

If you have severe arthritis in your ankle, you may need ankle replacement surgery. For example, a chronically red and swollen ankle probably impacts your quality of life. It probably hurts and may keep you from doing the things you love. If it doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, surgery might be your best option. 

At Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center in McKinney, Texas, Dr. Benjamin Clair evaluates foot and ankle pain and makes recommendations. His goal is to eliminate your pain and restore your mobility. 

Why ankle replacement surgery could be the answer 

If you’ve tried physical therapy, pain medication, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and other conservative treatments and they haven’t worked, replacement surgery (arthroplasty) could help. Here are some of the conditions that may benefit from ankle replacement surgery:

1. Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease 

Osteoarthritis is a common reason for ankle replacement surgery. If you have this degenerative joint disease, you have a cartilage breakdown in your ankle joint, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Cartilage is the rubbery material that protects the ends of your bones, and when it wears away, you feel the painful interaction of bone against bone. 

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting your joints. An inflammatory disease, it can attack all of your joints, causing chronic inflammation and pain. Ankle replacement surgery may improve your joint function and relieve your pain. 

3. Past injuries 

Fractures, sprains, or dislocated ankles can damage your joints, leading to arthritis later in life. This type of arthritis usually feels stiff and painful.

4. Ankle instability 

If you’ve experienced repeated sprains or ligament damage in your ankle and now it feels unstable, you may be a good candidate for replacement surgery.

5. Failed previous surgeries

Maybe you’ve experienced a previous surgery that wasn’t successful in reducing your pain and improving your mobility. In some cases, another ankle replacement surgery can correct that. 

Ankle damage can come in many forms, and if you’re experiencing ankle pain, Dr. Clair can evaluate your condition and make viable recommendations. He asks detailed questions about the start of your pain and when your pain is at its worst. He may request X-rays to assess the state of your bone and the cartilage inside. 

There are multiple types of ankle surgery, including replacement surgery. Choosing ankle replacement surgery is a complex decision based on your medical history, lifestyle, and current condition. Yet, it’s possible to improve your quality of life and restore your mobility with a new ankle.

At Sports City USA Foot & Ankle Center, you can find ankle pain relief and get the recommendations you need. Call our office or request an appointment online today.