Has your life become less active due to chronic ankle pain? A total ankle replacement may ease your pain. Dr. David Blumfield, Dr. 
Michael Mineo, Dr. Jorge Matuk, Dr. Maria Buitrago and Dr. Douglas Hansen--your Houston, TX podiatrists--explain when an ankle replacement is a good treatment option.
When is ankle replacement surgery needed?
Ankle replacement surgery is typically performed if you suffer from ankle arthritis. Arthritis can develop gradually over the years due to normal wear and tear on your joints or may occur years after you experienced an ankle injury. The problem occurs when the cartilage at the ends of the bones in your ankle joint wears away. Cartilage helps your bones move together smoothly and painlessly. When it disappears, every step you take can be painful. Surgery is usually needed when other treatment methods, such as medication and physical therapy, no longer help.
What is an ankle replacement?
During surgery, the cartilage at the end of the tibia and talus bones are replaced with metal on polyethylene bearings. In the past, the only option for people who have arthritis was to fuse the ankle bones together. While this procedure did help, it reduced the range of motion in the joint. Ankle replacement surgery offers an innovative way to reduce pain, improve the function of the joint and provide more motion than fusion surgery.
Am I a good candidate for ankle replacement surgery in Houston?
Your doctor will determine if ankle replacement surgery is a good choice for you after evaluating your ankle and reviewing test results. The surgery may be recommended if:
- You are in good health.
- Your ankle isn't misaligned or deformed or is only slightly deformed.
- Your talus bone is healthy.
- You have good blood flow to your leg.
- You don't have neuropathy or an infection in your ankle.
- You are not overweight.
Are you interested in learning if you're a good candidate for ankle replacement surgery? Call Dr. Blumfield, Dr. Mineo, Dr. Matuk, Dr. Buitrago and Dr. Hansen--your Houston, TX podiatrists--today!