Ankle replacement surgery is a last resort to eliminating severe pain, stiffness, and inflammation caused by arthritis. This procedure is usually considered only after less-invasive measures, such as arthroscopic debridement and ankle fusion, have been dismissed. There are many risks involved with ankle replacement surgery, including infection, nerve damage, and blood clots. Additionally, there is a chance of misalignment of the bones involved, as well as risks related to age and other underlying medical conditions. The procedure replaces parts of the affected bones with plastic or metal pieces. It is usually recommended only for someone who can barely move their ankle. Recovery from this surgery may include wearing a cast or protective boot and taking prescription pain medication. The ability to bear weight on the ankle will improve very slowly, and recovery may take four months or longer. The new ankle joint is expected to last for about 10 years. For more information on ankle replacement surgery or to see if you qualify, please consult a podiatrist.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Amir Shalev, DPM from Complete Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
- Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
- Ankle sprains
- Broken ankles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Stress fractures
- Bursitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Las Vegas, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
