Is Ankle Replacement Surgery Right for You? What to Consider

If you consistently experience ankle pain, even your daily routine becomes much more challenging, and you need a permanent solution. 

Ankle replacement surgery is an increasingly popular orthopedic procedure that replaces a diseased or damaged ankle joint with a prosthetic device to relieve pain and improve range of motion.

Surgery is invasive, and rehab is long — you face a 6-12 month recovery that includes regular physical therapy sessions — but the results are good. So how do you know if ankle replacement surgery is right for you?

Dr. Pedro Cosculluela and our team at Austin Foot & Ankle Institute frequently advise patients on this topic. Based on their experience, here are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to schedule ankle replacement surgery.

Is your ankle pain chronic?

If you have ankle pain that occasionally flares up but then subsides, you probably don’t need an ankle replacement procedure.

If, however, you live in constant pain that’s getting worse over time, even with over-the-counter pain medications and other treatments, it may be time to consider surgery. This type of pain is often an indication of severe arthritis in the ankle.

Have conservative treatments failed to bring relief?

Surgery is invasive, so conservative treatments are the first line of defense. These treatments usually include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and joint injections. 

If these work, you’re good to go, but if your pain continues (as is often the case with severe arthritis), you may be a good candidate for ankle replacement surgery. 

Do you experience persistent ankle stiffness?

Arthritis in your ankle damages the cartilage and causes chronic inflammation, leading to joint stiffness. That affects the flexibility of your ankle and significantly reduces its range of motion. Some people may struggle even to climb a flight of stairs or walk any distance at all.

Is ankle pain affecting your quality of life?

All of these symptoms — pain, stiffness, lack of mobility — can have a major impact on your life. They can limit your activities and impact your ability to enjoy life or simply function as before. That can all lead to frustration and even depression. 

If that sounds like your situation, ankle replacement surgery may be a good option to restore not only your ankle but also your quality of life.

If you’re dealing with ankle pain and want to discuss your options, Dr. Cosculluela and our team at Austin Foot & Ankle Institute are here to help. Call our office in Austin or Bee Cave, Texas, or request an appointment online today.