In the last ten years I’ve had surgery eight times on my right ankle. Most of them were ligament reconstructions and finally a complete ankle fusion. Making the decision to fuse my ankle was one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make but with the chronic pain, instability, degenerative arthritis and inflammation I agreed. It’s going to be two years this June and although it’s been a very long recovery and endless hours of physical therapy I can say I’m feeling good about it. One of the biggest challenges is finding shoes that help me walk. With an ankle fusion you have no range of motion so I need orthopedic shoes to help me out. I wear a pair of MBTs but would like to find something different that still provides the support I need, any suggestions? I’d love to hear your story and how you are dealing with the ankle fusion -- was it the right decision for you?
~Gimpy
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment311 Comments
Is it even still possible to still get an ankle replacement when you've had a fusion done? If that's the case I will have to research that up because I too have gotten arthritis throughout my foot! I live with daily pain, seriously. :(
July 5, 2015 - 9:19amThis Comment
I was just told by my surgeon that is it possible to replace an ankle that had been fused. He said he is now only doing fusion with screws so that it can be easily reversed and the total ankle replacement can be done. I'm still not a good candidate for ankle replacement surgery as I'm too young at age 50. I had a car accident 20 years ago and my right ankle was smashed. (I was slamming on brake as we slammed head first into a telephone pole). I haven't had any other surgeries since 1997 when they removed a screw and am now in a lot of pain and also have less and less mobility now. I've got to do a surgery and he recommended fusion to my surprise when we'd only be talking about ankle replacement. Any info from anyone else on Ankle Replacement after fusion is welcome by me too. I may seek a third opinion now before I do the surgery. I've seen several doctors in the DC area over the years.
November 11, 2015 - 2:32pmThis Comment
I had my ankle fusion many years ago...1967. My foot leans to the right so I walk on the edge. (It feels like walking on cement if I don't have my tennis shoes on.)
About 5 years ago I went to an orthopedic surgeon to ask if it could be straightened. He said it could, but arthritic pain would be worse .
August 14, 2015 - 7:44amI just decided to trust his opinion. (At least he was honest.)
I only wear tennis shoes because of the cushiony support. I can't wear dress shoes and feel badly sometimes about that. But at least I stlll have my foot!
My injury is a 'dinosaur' case. Doctors first think I had a rod in the leg, but in 1967 I don't think there was anything more they could do but to fuse it. They did what they could and I had a wonderful surgeon.
Trust your physicians. Ask for opinions of more than one, though. Don't wait too long! Arthritis pain just gets worse and worse as we age.
I'm used to it now...pain is just part of my life.
Good luck to all of you.
This Comment
Hello, you all are not alone. I had one rocker bottom foot, and it was fused as a child. I walk with I slight limp and the foot rotates outward about 35°. But if I concentrate I can walk normally. Consequently my right leg is very strong, I played sports in high school with little to no issues. I am a firefighter now.
August 31, 2015 - 6:23amOne thing that helps me is memory foam (did I mention mine is left foot is 2 sizes smaller than my other one) I buy and manipulate the soles and I'm able to wear most shoes, though look strange I can pull it off. Well good luck with anyone dealing with this. Glad to share.
Rodell Morton
This Comment
Can you tell me where memory foam can be purchased?
September 4, 2015 - 4:29pmThanks!
(Brighton)
This Comment
Hello, you all are not alone. I had one rocker bottom foot, and it was fused as a child. I walk with I slight limp and the foot rotates outward about 35°. But if I concentrate I can walk normally. Consequently my right leg is very strong, I played sports in high school with little to no issues. I am a firefighter now.
August 31, 2015 - 6:23amOne thing that helps me is memory foam (did I mention mine is left foot is 2 sizes smaller than my other one) I buy and manipulate the soles and I'm able to wear most shoes, though look strange I can pull it off. Well good luck with anyone dealing with this. Glad to share.
Rodell Morton
This Comment
Yes
July 9, 2015 - 6:52pmThis Comment
My doctor said it is possible. From what I've read online it is a more difficult surgery. I will be seeing the doc in two weeks to discuss it so I'll post any info I get. Anything is better than this foot pain. And such a bad gait that it destroys the knee, hip, and back.
July 5, 2015 - 7:46pmThis Comment
Please fill us in on the info! Thanks!
July 11, 2015 - 8:04pmThis Comment
I'm curious also.
June 22, 2015 - 10:12pmThis Comment