So, after 35 years of intermittent ankle pain after a bad ligament sprain and the promise of arthritis in later years. I reached 50 and had the worse painful experience in my ankle ever. After visting A&E I was told my cartlidge is shot and the arthritis is agressive. I was referred for a steroid injection in the ankle which I had, but 3 weeks later after a gentle (honest) swim, my ankle swelled up again and I was back to my usual pain - not the one off horrenhous one, but the usual pain and limp for a few days. After going back to the consultant, he has told me that ankle fusion is the only way to remedy the problem whilst still being able to swim, cycle and play golf. He doesnt reccomend it until the pain becomes unbearable.
Can anybody relate to this ? and if so, what did you do ? I am a bit torn to say the least, particularly as my kids are still young enough for me to want to run / play with.
I'm 56 years old and my doctor said I was to young for fusion,said I needed total ankle replacement. Which gives you full range of motion and your ankle is bendable. If you have your ankle fused then your other parts like hip and knee will suffer.get a second opinion.
I had total ankle on Sept 6,and I am healing just fine. Hardly any pain.
Puedo relacionarme con todo lo que dices, mi médico también quería fusionar mi tobillo. No me gustó la idea, quería mantener el poco movimiento que tenía en mi tobillo. Opté por una prótesis total de tobillo, que me hicieron el 14 de septiembre de este año. Ya estoy con menos dolor que antes de la cirugía. Así que si fuera tú, investigaría ambas opciones y basaría mi decisión en lo que encuentre. Hasta ahora, estoy extremadamente satisfecho con la decisión que tomé. Mucha suerte, espero que esto ayude
Hi Steve, I can completely relate to your situation, I also have aggressive Arthritis in my ankle with pain that is just dreadful. The only option for me also is the 'Ankle Fusion' I'm 54 and am trying to leave the op until the pain is unbearable. The problem I have is that I work full time in teaching and cannot afford to have weeks and weeks off work and don't have anyone to take care of me post op. I am told that I would be completely incapacitated,, afterwards so what ever would I do?
Similar situation in early years as yours. Now 60 & needed something drastic for ankle swelling,limp,pain & post traumatic arthritis.
Found a great surgeon who said I was too young & active (aw) to have a fusion. Just went through a total ankle replacement & other minor pre op surgeries before hand.
Just saying that seemed like a good choice for me & I have an active teen daughter that still wants to do fun things & I wanna be there to do them.
I hope you decide what to after reading the forum & get on the road to healing & being there for your children. Sooner than later is my personal thought.