Hi! I am 49 years old, and had a right ankle fusion when I was only 9 years old, due to an undiagnosed fracture on the fibula's growth plate. I recovered well from the procedure, and my foot learned to compensate for its lack of movement in creative ways due to my young age. In the last few years however, things have been challenging. I am completely flat-footed now on that foot, due to overstretched and worn out tendons/ligaments in the arch area. This is causing strain and pain in my achilles, my right knee, and my left sacroiliac joint. When I see doctors for options at this point, they seem to be at a loss. I wear custom orthotics and awesome Wolky lace up boots that support and hold up my ankle, but the pain is ever-present. I would love to hear from anyone who has had an ankle fusion for a long time, and anything that you have experienced that might help, or just let me know I'm not alone in this. Thank you so much!
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I had R ankle fusion in 1985 at the age of 26. I am now 56. In addition to the obvious complications you have described, I also have sever L knee arthritis and constant bouts with pseudo gout. While I was still quite active and worked through any issues, I have found my mobility has deteriorated significantly over the last year. There are days when I cannot walk due to the pain.
August 3, 2017 - 7:44amThis Comment
See if they will do and ankle joint replacement to ease the pain. I was introduced to the fusion as an option and turned it down for the problems you indicated. Im looking for an ankle joint replacement. Even if they tell you it last 5 years get it anyway to take the pressure off your other joints, because of an uneven gait.
October 24, 2017 - 4:03pmThis Comment
hello.I too have undergone a R ankle fusion, back in 1989 at the age of 20.have lived an extremely active lifestyle framing houses professionally , and as a hobby i reached the summit of nearly half of Colorado's highest mountains! not so anymore..the R ankle has held up like a champ, however within the last 10 years the pain and discomfort in my R knee,R hip and lower back have increased dramatically.I know the change in my gait brought on by the R ankle fusion is the root cause of the pain that I am now experiencing in R knee,R hip,and lower back.I am no longer framing houses,and cannot ambulate more than a few hundred yards before the R knee and R hip start to hurt.My quality of life has deteriorated. Having a very difficult time psychologically dealing with these limitations.Trying to find a solution and a way to be at peace with in.
August 29, 2016 - 12:42pmThis Comment
I had a fusion in 2002. I was 57at the time. I am now 73. Yes other parts of my foot but lately I am having knee pain. The pain begins on the outside bone near my ankle. It runs up to the outside of that knee and makes the piriformis muscle in my hip. Meanwhile the other side has a spondylithesis which gets out of place from my unusual gate. If you are a newbie with this fusion limit how much you walk. Maybe it does not hurt at first but it is causing other parts of your body to adjust to accommodate your lack of motion in the ankle. I know how hard that can be but walking aclimited May be better than working yourself into a knee or hip replacement and maybe a wheelchair. I’ve lived with a lot of pain in my foot and back. I see a chiropractor to keep bones in line and a massage therapist to relax the muscles.
June 12, 2018 - 6:15pmThis Comment
Hello irelandlover,
Welcome to the EmpowHER community, where I am sure you will hear from other members with a similar experience to share.
I did find some information for you:
Ankle Joint Replacement And Ankle Fusion, What Are The Long-Term Complications? - Dr. Horton (VIDEO)
https://www.empowher.com/bones-amp-joints/content/ankle-joint-replacemen...
What Is Ankle Fusion? - Dr. Horton (VIDEO)
https://www.empowher.com/bones-amp-joints/content/what-ankle-fusion-dr-h...
What Are The Different Types Of Ankle Fusion Procedures? - Dr. Horton (VIDEO)
https://www.empowher.com/bones-amp-joints/content/what-are-different-typ...
Regards,
February 16, 2015 - 9:24amMaryann
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