Your feet and ankles are the foundation of your body, supporting you through all your daily activities, and maintaining their health is important for mobility and overall wellbeing. The ankle is a complex joint that’s located at the junction of three bones: the talus (connects the leg to the foot), fibula (on the outside of the calf), and tibia (the larger shinbone). It acts as a hinge between the leg and the foot, enabling the foot to rotate or pivot.
The following tips can help keep your feet and ankles in good health:
- Wear Proper Footwear
Choosing the right shoes can make a significant difference in the long-term health of your feet and ankles. Shoes, sneakers, or sandals should provide adequate support, cushioning, and a good fit to prevent issues like blisters, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with poor arch support for long periods of time.
- Exercise Regularly and Avoid Smoking
Strengthening the muscles in your feet and ankles can improve stability and prevent injuries. Exercises like heel raises, toe curls, and ankle circles help with both strength and mobility. Smoking is known to increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to rheumatoid arthritis, a common cause of joint damage. Smokers who undergo joint replacement are also at greater risk of surgical complications and increased healing time.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess pounds put additional stress on your feet and ankles, increasing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis and tendonitis. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise will reduce excess pressure on your lower extremities and promote overall joint health.
- Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to signs of pain or discomfort in your feet and ankles. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious problems. Don’t wait to consult a foot & ankle specialist if you’re experiencing persistent pain or swelling.
Atlantic Orthopaedics’ own Dr. Cameron Eilts is a board-certified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and specialist in total ankle replacement surgery. Dr. Eilts was inspired to pursue podiatry due to his own history of sports-related injuries of the foot and ankle. He brings years of experience and expertise in the field and believes in approaching every patient with empathy and compassion. Dr. Eilts has been with Atlantic Orthopaedics since 2011, treating patients with a wide range of conditions, from sprained ankles to arthritis to diabetic limb care.
A recent patient of Dr. Eilts had this to say:
“Dr. Eilts is a great surgeon! Very intelligent, a good listener, and thoroughly explains everything. He provided a high level of attention and good advice during every follow-up appointment after my ankle surgery and thinks outside of the box for the best solution for each challenge I’ve had.”
Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or posttraumatic arthritis from past injury to the joint can compromise foot and ankle function, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. For patients who have not found relief through conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, orthotics, or physical therapy, total ankle replacement may be the best option.
When should you consider ankle replacement surgery?
Patients with advanced arthritis, who have significant pain and limited mobility, are good candidates for the procedure. Ankle replacement surgery is not recommended for people with severe deformities, poor bone quality, active ankle infection, or neuromuscular disorders affecting the ankle joint. Most patients who undergo total ankle replacement experience relief from pain and improved mobility and can return to an active lifestyle.
What is involved in the procedure?
Before surgery, a thorough evaluation with imaging is done to assess the extent of the damage and tailor the procedure to the specific patient. Total ankle replacement surgery involves removing the damaged portions of the ankle joint and replacing them with prosthetic components that are inserted to recreate the joint, eliminating pain and restoring normal ankle function. The implant has two metal parts, with a plastic piece between them that allows them to glide smoothly.
What can I expect in recovery?
Immediately after surgery, the joint will be elevated to reduce swelling and encourage wound healing. Patients will then use crutches or a knee walker and wear a splint or boot for several weeks to immobilize the joint, until the foot and ankle can bear weight. Physical therapy is recommended to increase strength and restore range of motion during rehabilitation. Follow-up visits with your orthopedic surgeon will ensure that there are no post-op complications, and the ankle is healing properly.
If you’re suffering from severe ankle pain and reduced mobility, total ankle replacement surgery offers the potential for significant pain relief and a return to an active lifestyle. Schedule a consultation to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs, whether surgical or non-surgical. Dr. Eilts and the team at Atlantic Orthopaedics are committed to providing comprehensive care to help every patient achieve optimal health and get back to doing what they love.
