Are you looking to get back on your feet after ankle replacement? The recovery process following any surgery can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We are here to put your mind at ease and guide you through the process of starting to walk again following your ankle replacement surgery! Ankle replacement is a surgical procedure used to treat severe arthritis when conservative treatments have failed. This surgery aims to replace the damaged parts of the ankle joint with an artificial joint to help relieve pain and preserve joint mobility. After replacement, your ankle will need time to adjust, heal, and recover.
The recovery period for ankle replacement surgery will vary for each patient, so you should always follow the instructions given by your surgeon. Immediately following surgery, your ankle will be immobilized to allow for healing. Unlike replacements of the hip and knee, you will likely not be able to bear weight on the ankle for around 4-6 weeks. During this period, you will need to use assistive devices for walking such as a wheelchair, scooter, walker, or crutches. Once you can begin bearing weight on your new ankle joint, you will use a protective boot to support your ankle when you walk.
Around this time, you will work with your physical therapist to practice exercises to regain strength and flexibility in your ankle. About 2 months following surgery, many patients will be able to remove their boot and walk with normal shoes again. At about 6 months following surgery, your ankle will be mostly healed and you should have regained ankle strength, flexibility, and mobility, enabling you to walk with more ease than before your surgery.
It is important to note that every patient’s journey back to walking following ankle replacement is different. Oftentimes, ankle replacements are done at the same time as other procedures. This can change your recovery protocol. You will work closely with your surgeon and physical therapist to set realistic goals for your ankle’s functionality, ensuring the best recovery for you. Dr. Daniel Dean offers ankle replacement surgery so that you can return to walking effortlessly with comfort!
Dr. Daniel Dean is a board-certified and fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon. He treats all musculoskeletal pathologies of the foot and ankle in adolescent and adult patients. He has specialized training in total ankle arthroplasty, sports injuries, flatfoot, complex fractures, and minimally invasive techniques in bunion correction.
