If you are thinking about getting ankle replacement surgery or know someone who is, it is normal to wonder if it will hurt. This surgery can help people walk better and feel less pain from arthritis or injury.
Here, we will discuss what to expect, so you can feel more ready.
Understanding Ankle Replacement Surgery
Ankle problems can make life hard. Walking, standing, or even just moving around your house can be painful. Ankle replacement surgery could change that.
It might sound scary, but knowing what to expect can make things less scary and help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
Before Ankle Replacement Surgery
You will meet with your doctor before the surgery to plan everything. To ensure your health is adequate for the surgery, you might need tests, such as blood work. Your doctor will also talk to you about how to get ready and what you should do at home to prepare.
Here are some general tips to prepare for ankle replacement surgery:
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Get Your Home Ready
Before your surgery, make sure your home is set to make moving around easy. You might need to move furniture or remove rugs that could trip you.
Having items you use often within easy reach can also help, so you do not have to exert yourself to access them.
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Plan for Help
Ask family or friends if they can help you after the surgery. While you are recovering, you will need someone to drive you home from the hospital and help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and shopping for the first several days.
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Exercise
If your doctor says it is okay, doing some exercises to make your upper body stronger can really help. After surgery, you will be using crutches or a walker, so having strong arms will make it easier to move around.
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Quit Smoking
Smoking can slow down healing. If you smoke, try to quit or cut down before your surgery. Your doctor can give you tips or resources to help.
During Your Surgery
The big question is: Does the surgery hurt? Fortunately, you will not feel anything during the procedure because you will be asleep under anesthesia. The surgery usually takes a few hours to complete, but you will be completely knocked out for it and will not feel any sensation of it.
After Surgery
Once you wake up, the area around your ankle will feel numb due to medications in your system. This helps manage the pain. You might feel discomfort after the numbness wears off, but the hospital will prescribe medicine to help control it.
Following your doctor’s advice on ankle and foot care after the surgery is essential for healing and keeping the pain at bay.
Recovery
Recovery time for ankle replacement surgery varies for everyone, but you can expect to spend a few weeks to months getting back to normal. You will likely need to use crutches or a walker for support while you recover.
Physical therapy is also part of the recovery. It helps strengthen your ankle again and teaches you how to walk with your new ankle. Keeping up with your physical therapy sessions and doing your exercises at home will help you recover faster and with less pain.
Here are some tips to help you in your recovery after ankle replacement surgery:
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Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Always take your medicine as prescribed and follow all the care instructions your doctor gives you. This will help you heal faster and reduce pain.
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Don’t Be Too Sedentary
Rest is important, but moving around is just as crucial. Gentle movements early on can help improve blood flow and speed up healing. While it may be difficult in the beginning, you need to move around, walk, and do gentle exercises, as recommended by your medical team.
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Attend Your Follow-Up Appointments
Go to all your follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions. These check-ups help make sure you are healing well and allow your doctor to catch any problems early.
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Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water can help your body heal. Foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can support recovery.
Long-Term Expectations
Most people feel less pain than before the surgery and can do more activities. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s guidelines on what activities are safe to do and what to do to avoid hurting your new ankle.
Top-Notch Ankle Replacement Surgery in Warwick and Middletown, RI
Ankle replacement surgery can sound scary, but it helps many people live without the constant pain they had before. If you are considering this surgery, talk to an experienced orthopedic doctor to determine if it is the right step for you.
If you need ankle replacement surgery, you can rely on Foot & Ankle Institute of New England. Our board-certified doctors and foot and ankle surgeons will ensure you get the care you need. Call our office near you if you have questions about our ankle and foot problems services. You can also book a consultation using our appointment request form.
Let us be your trusted partner in caring for your ankles. We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/14595-total-ankle-replacement
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ankle-surgery/about/pac-20385132
