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Questions after ankle fusion

Posted , 4 users are following.

marian01540
marian01540

I had my ankle fusion in January and in late April had the screws removed. I still limp when I get out of bed in the morning. and my ankle still swells up by the afternoon. I have no pain as such have some weird feelings in my foot and my toes don't go all the way down anymore. After reading some you the posts on here it seems like I'm not doing as well as I thought I was. My ortho said it would take 12 months however its 7 months and I still struggle with walking up stairs, and walking distances. I also have an issue with now walking lopsided which causes me lower back pain. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I go back to the ortho in February next year.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • becky7624
    becky7624 marian01540

    Posted

    I just had one joint fused in my ankle, not a complete fusion, and it still took a full 8 months for me to be able to wear regular shoes instead of tennis shoes and for the pain to be gone more than present. I would say that you are on the right course, even though things aren't progressing as rapidly as you would like. My foot still hurts if I'm on it all day or if I have to carry one of my grandchildren more than usual, but the recovery time is just a day or so instead of a week or two.

    As for your walking, be sure that you're walking heel-to-toe as much as you can. You might also see a chiropractor to find out if the problem is with your hip rather than your feet. I mention that because I was also walking "lopsided" (what I call an "old lady walk"wink and it turned out to be my hip. It also could be that the lower back pain is causing your stride to be off rather than the other way around.

    Good luck! Try to be patient with yourself.

  • paul_87869
    paul_87869 marian01540

    Posted

    I am 22 weeks post op and still have swelling, stiffness in the morning, and some pain some times.  I go to physio three imes a week ice 10 min. Exercise 10 min. three times a day. I wear brooks walking shoes with an off the shelf arch support. I calk it’s a cane just for some support and security. I have patience s as told it takes time.  In my travels I met at least 6 individuals who had ankle fusions and they walk play golf and look normal....their suggestions....do not go at it to hard to fast, be patient, find a good physiotherapist nd look for a good supporting shoe that is flexible to allo the front of your foot to flex s your ankle no longer can do that.

    do not get discouraged s it can take up to to yrs to get back to your so called normal which does not include running sprints or marathons.

  • laura20268
    laura20268 marian01540

    Posted

    I to I'm 7 months post-op. I still struggle day today with pain, being able to walk distance, and balance issues. I just recently went to see my doctor and he is telling me that everything is normal. It's a daily struggle and I am told the recovery time is 12 to 18 months I feel like it almost gets extended every time I go. Hang in there somehow we'll get through this stay strong

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