Total Ankle Replacement Specialist
Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado
Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Colorado Springs, CO
If you suffer from chronic pain in one or both of your ankles and it’s unresponsive to treatments, then total ankle replacement surgery may be the right choice for you. Board-certified podiatrists Matthew Hinderland, DPM, Jordan Cameron, DPM, Trevor Whiting, DPM, and Joseph Fleck, DPM are experienced in performing the procedure at Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado, located in Colorado Springs and Monument, Colorado. Book an appointment online or call your nearest office today.
Total Ankle Replacement Q & A
What is a total ankle replacement?
The ankle joint is composed of the lower leg bones and the first bone in the foot. Over time, your ankle joint has the potential to lose protective cartilage due to factors such as injury, infection, and wear-and-tear.
Total ankle replacement, also known as ankle arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure for individuals who have exhausted all other treatment options.
During the procedure, your surgeon removes the damaged parts of your ankle and replaces them with a metallic prosthesis. The surgery has been proven to relieve pain and restore motion within the affected ankle joint.
How do I prepare myself before a total ankle replacement?
Before performing a total ankle replacement, the team ensures that you fully understand the procedure, as well as its benefits and risks. They then check that your primary care physician has evaluated and deemed you fit for surgery.
Prior to surgery, it is important to notify your surgeon if you:
- Have any current infections
- Are a smoker
- Have allergies to medications
- Are currently taking any medications
- Have pre-existing conditions
Additionally, you should plan to be at home for an extended period after surgery. During this time, you won’t be able to participate in normal activities.
How do I recover from a total ankle replacement?
After a total ankle replacement, you typically remain in the hospital for two to three days, or until the pain is controlled and you can walk safely with crutches or a walker.
After six weeks, your podiatrist orders X-rays to determine whether to advance weight-bearing or to continue using the assistive devices. Overall, the length of the recovery period varies from patient to patient.
Although rare, it is important to call the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado if you experience any of the following symptoms during your recovery:
- New swelling
- Tingling or numbness in your toes
- Discolored drainage
- Bad smelling drainage
- Fever or chills
Although total ankle replacements are a relatively new procedure, they have been proven to be successful and last an average of 10-15 years.
To learn more about total ankle replacements and if the procedure is the right choice for you, call the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado or use the convenient online booking tool today.
Services
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Bunionmore info
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Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spursmore info
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Ingrown Toenailsmore info
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Total Ankle Replacementmore info
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Ankle Sprainmore info
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Ankle Surgerymore info
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Foot and Ankle Traumamore info
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Plantar Wartsmore info
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Arthritic Footcaremore info
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Hammer Toemore info
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Sports Medicinemore info
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Foot Painmore info
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Fracturesmore info
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Regenerative Medicinemore info
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Flat Feetmore info
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Tendonitismore info
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Foot Surgerymore info
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Custom Made Orthoticsmore info
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Minimally Invasive Foot Surgerymore info
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Achilles Tendonmore info
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Ankle Arthroscopymore info
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Neuromamore info