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
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I wear Danskos, they offer alot of support and have a natural rock to them. Both of my feet are fused and I find it very difficult to buy shoes. I always have to have rockers put on my shoes by folks that make orthotics and prosthetics. Your insurance company should pay for it.
September 12, 2019 - 7:14amThis Comment
I crushed my ankle in an auto accident in 1978. They couldn’t do surgery because I had a bad staph infection in my head and almost died. I lived with it until I couldn’t stand the pain in 2000 when I had it fused. It was better but eventually the pain in my foot and toes was too much. In 2017 I had the fusion undone and had a replacement. The doctor (same one that did the fusion) is one of the best in California. I was his 18th patient to go from a fusion to replacement. So far it’s going well. It took about a year to relearn how to walk normally. I don’t have full range because it’s fused under the joint but it’s so much better pain-wise. I know it’s supposed to only last 5 years but I’m hoping for longer. When my knee was replaced they said it would only last 10-12 years and it’s been 20.
September 9, 2019 - 1:48pmThis Comment
Hello, can you tell me who your doctor was in CA?
September 11, 2019 - 2:03pmI am contemplating reversal of my 1986 ankle fusion as well. thank you
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My doctor is Dr George Lian. He’s in Sacramento on K St. I’ve been with him since 2000 and I really like him. He listens and is very honest about things. He has an excellent reputation.
September 13, 2019 - 7:35amThis Comment
If I may ask a couple more questions. Was the recovery from your reversal surgery extensive? Are you happy with the results of the reversal?
September 15, 2019 - 2:48amWould you say that you have less pain and swelling now than you did before the reversal?
Thank you for your time.
Janet
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The rehab was similar to the fusion. Of course, my fusion was 19 years ago so it may be different now. I had a wheelchair for 2 months because it’s total no weight on the ankle. I don’t know only spent one night in the hospital because I wanted out but in hindsight I should have waited at least one more night. It was painful. I don’t remember enough to compare between the fusion and replacement. I have a lot less swelling than the fusion. My ankle was always swollen before, to the point of only being able to wear crocs or slippers for the last few years before the reversal. I have some swelling now if I’m on my feet for a long time or it’s a really hot day. In the afternoon if I’ve been not been active it does stiffen up and is painful for the first few steps until it loosens up. Just like really bad arthritis which it could be since I do have arthritis pretty bad in my foot and toes. I am happy I did it. I’m hoping it lasts more than 5 years.
September 15, 2019 - 8:04amThis Comment
This information is very helpful to me. Thank you
September 15, 2019 - 2:36pmVery much! All the best for you and your ankle!
Janet
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Thank you so much for the info.!!
September 15, 2019 - 2:42amJanet
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I had an ankle fusion after 4 failed surgeries almost 5 years ago. It was the best decision I made. I can now walk with tolerable pain. Active release and regular adjustments with my chiropractor help a lot. My orthopedic surgeon suggests harder soled shoes. I wear what ever is comfortable. For long walks and at work (I am a nurse but in an office and not on my feet for more that 4 hours) I wear a good fitting expensive walking/running shoe. New Balance work too. I have a small lift in my shoe since I am a 1/8 an inch shorter on that side. It does make a difference. I can actually wear a wedge shoe now for dress if I need to. Just not walking or dancing a lot. It takes time but it is the best decision I made given my ankle was shattered into a million pieces that wouldn't go back together after a semi hit me. I would chose it again. But I have done everything my Dr told me to do and prayed a lot. I hope yours works out well. Give it time and take it easy. The rocker shoes worked for me for a while until my knee started hurting from them.
September 9, 2019 - 9:01amThis Comment
had left ankle fused in 1978 when i was 25 due to work related accident working in a garage.both legs were crushed below the knee and i am fortunate to even walk.in2010 i had right ankle fused. ihave been trying to find high boots that i can get my foot into due to lack of movement. ilike to 4 wheel in the mud and higher boots than i have been using would be a blessing. can anyone give me a name of a boot that might fit the bill wayne.
April 3, 2018 - 1:58pmThis Comment