How your podiatrists in Houston can help your ankle
Your ankles are an important part of your body. When your ankle isn’t functioning properly, your ability to walk is impaired, and your quality of life can suffer dramatically. If you have ankle pain or injury due to a medical condition or accident, there is no need to suffer. 
Your podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Houston want to share with you some of the benefits of ankle replacement surgery.
There are many reasons why you may need an ankle replacement. Your Houston podiatrists want you to consider ankle replacement if you are suffering from:
- Severe ankle fracture from an injury or trauma
- Severe ankle infection from an injury or medical condition
- Bone deformation and degeneration from osteoarthritis
- Bone deformation and loss of movement from rheumatoid arthritis
- Poor healing or arthritis from past ankle surgery
During your ankle replacement surgery, your podiatrists will remove damaged bone and cartilage in your ankle joint and replace it with a prosthetic ankle joint. The goals of surgery are to reduce pain and to provide better range-of-motion and increased stability when you move.
Ankle replacement surgery is completed under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything. Another option is to have spinal anesthesia, where you won’t feel anything below your waist. Your Houston podiatrists will provide a sedative to help you relax.
After the diseased tissue is removed and your prosthetic joint is in place, you may need to spend a night in the hospital. Your ankle will be placed in cast or a splint, and you should keep your ankle elevated to reduce swelling.
As you heal, you will visit a physical therapist to guide you with exercises to help you gain strength and flexibility in your ankle. You may not be able to place weight on the ankle for a few months, and may need crutches to help you get around.
There are many benefits to having ankle replacement surgery, but it’s a decision you shouldn’t make alone. To help you decide on whether ankle replacement surgery is right for you and your ankle, call your podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Houston with offices in Chimney Rock, Memorial City, Katy, and Willowbrook, Texas. Call today and get back on your feet!