#ankle replacement

Ankle replacement surgery can offer life-changing relief from severe ankle pain and mobility issues. While the procedure itself is crucial, recovery plays a key role in your long-term success. Here's a simplified guide to what you can expect during each stage of recovery.

1. Right After Surgery

You’ll wake up with your ankle in a cast or splint, feeling sore and swollen. Pain medications, elevation, and ice will help manage discomfort. You’ll be monitored closely as you recover from anesthesia.

Book a consultation with our foot specialists to see if ankle replacement is right for you

2. Weeks 1–3: Rest and No Weight Bearing

For the first few weeks, you’ll need crutches, a walker, or a knee scooter to avoid putting weight on your ankle. Gentle movements and elevation are important to reduce swelling and prevent complications.

3. Weeks 4–8: Starting to Move Again

As healing progresses, you may begin partial weight-bearing. Physical therapy will help improve flexibility, motion, and strength in your ankle.

Pro Tip: Stick to your PT routine to recover faster and avoid stiffness.

4. Weeks 9–12: Strength and Activity

You’ll likely start walking unassisted and doing light activities like climbing stairs. Therapy will now focus on balance and rebuilding strength. Avoid high-impact sports during this time.

5. 3–6 Months: Full Recovery

Most patients recover fully within six months, though some continue to improve for up to a year. Pain-free walking and greater mobility are typical. Low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling are encouraged.

Not sure ankle replacement is right for you? Ask about other treatment options.

At-Home Recovery Tips

Follow your surgeon’s instructions and physical therapy plan.

Keep your wound clean to prevent infection.

Eat a nutrient-rich diet to support healing.

Don’t skip follow-up appointments.

Why Choose Platte Foot & Ankle Clinic?

Our experienced foot and ankle surgeons provide expert care and customized recovery plans. With clinics across Nebraska—including Omaha, Lincoln, Gretna, Grand Island, Hastings, Norfolk, and more—you’ll have expert help nearby.

Take the First Step Toward Relief If chronic ankle pain is holding you back, contact Platte Foot & Ankle Clinic. Schedule your consultation today and start your journey to better mobility.

Chronic ankle pain can be debilitating, affecting your mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or wear and tear over time, persistent ankle discomfort shouldn't be ignored. One of the most advanced and effective treatment options available today is ankle replacement surgery. Also known as total ankle arthroplasty, this procedure is designed to relieve pain, restore function, and improve mobility for patients who have not found relief with conservative treatments.

What Is Ankle Replacement?

Ankle replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged ankle joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This implant is designed to mimic the natural movement of the ankle while eliminating the pain caused by damaged cartilage or bone. The goal is to maintain or improve the range of motion and function of the joint while significantly reducing pain.

Unlike ankle fusion—which permanently locks the ankle bones together to stop pain—ankle replacement preserves the natural movement of the joint, making it an increasingly popular option for active individuals.

Who Is a Candidate for Ankle Replacement?

Not everyone with ankle pain is a candidate for ankle replacement. The ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:

Chronic Ankle Arthritis: Especially from osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Severe Pain and Stiffness: That has not responded to physical therapy, medications, or bracing.

Good Overall Health: To withstand surgery and recover successfully.

Moderate Activity Levels: Ideal candidates are often over 50 and lead moderately active lifestyles.

Stable Ligaments: The ankle must have adequate stability for the artificial joint to function correctly.

Your orthopedic surgeon will assess your condition, lifestyle, and overall health to determine if ankle replacement is the right choice for you.

The Ankle Replacement Procedure

An ankle replacement procedure typically involves the following steps:

Incision and Exposure: The surgeon makes an incision to access the ankle joint.

Removal of Damaged Bone: The ends of the tibia (shinbone) and talus (ankle bone) are carefully removed.

Implant Placement: A metal implant is inserted into the bones, with a plastic spacer in between to allow smooth movement.

Closure and Recovery: The incision is closed, and the patient is placed in a splint or boot to protect the new joint during the healing process.

The entire procedure usually takes around two hours, and most patients can go home within a day or two after surgery.

Recovery After Ankle Replacement

Recovery from ankle replacement involves several phases, typically over a span of 3 to 6 months:

First Few Weeks: You’ll wear a splint or boot and may need crutches or a walker. Elevation and ice help reduce swelling.

Physical Therapy: Begins within a few weeks to restore range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles.

Gradual Weight-Bearing: As healing progresses, your doctor will allow you to put more weight on the ankle.

Return to Normal Activities: Most patients return to walking, light exercise, and daily routines within a few months.

Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and participating in rehabilitation is crucial for a successful outcome.

Benefits of Ankle Replacement

There are several advantages to ankle replacement over traditional treatments like ankle fusion:

Pain Relief: Most patients experience significant, lasting relief from chronic pain.

Improved Mobility: The artificial joint allows for more natural movement compared to fusion.

Better Function: Helps maintain walking ability and activity levels.

Joint Preservation: Keeps the natural alignment and biomechanics of the foot and ankle.

These benefits make ankle replacement an appealing option for those seeking to maintain an active lifestyle despite ankle joint issues.

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, ankle replacement does come with potential risks:

Infection

Blood clots

Implant loosening or wear over time

Nerve or blood vessel damage

Continued stiffness or pain

However, these risks are relatively low when the surgery is performed by an experienced orthopedic foot and ankle specialist. Advances in technology and implant design have significantly improved success rates, with many replacements lasting 10 to 15 years or longer.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

The success of your ankle replacement largely depends on the experience and skill of your surgeon. When selecting a specialist, look for:

Board-certified orthopedic surgeons

Fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery

Experience performing ankle replacement procedures

Positive patient reviews and outcomes

Scheduling a consultation with an experienced orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon can help you better understand your options and what to expect.

Final Thoughts

Skilled Surgeons: India boasts a large pool of highly skilled orthopedic surgeons with extensive experience in ankle replacement surgery. 

Advanced Facilities: State-of-the-art hospitals equipped with the latest technology ensure precise and minimally invasive procedures. 

Cost-Effective: The cost of ankle replacement surgery in India is significantly lower than in many Western countries, making it an attractive option for medical tourists. 

Excellent Recovery: Post-operative care and rehabilitation programs are designed to facilitate a speedy and successful recovery. 

Types of Ankle Replacement

There are two main types of ankle replacement surgeries:

Total Ankle Replacement (TAR): This involves replacing all three components of the ankle joint: the tibia, talus, and calcaneus.

Partial Ankle Replacement: This procedure replaces only the damaged part of the ankle joint, usually the talar dome.

The Procedure

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

Anesthesia: General or regional anesthesia is administered. 

Incision: An incision is made around the ankle joint. 

Removal of Damaged Bone: The damaged bone and cartilage are removed. 

Implantation of Prosthesis: The artificial joint components are implanted and secured to the remaining bone. 

Closure: The incision is closed, and a bandage is applied. 

Post-Operative Care

After surgery, patients undergo a rehabilitation program to regain strength and mobility in the ankle joint. This may involve physical therapy, exercises, and other therapies. 

Cost of Ankle Replacement Surgery in India

The cost of ankle replacement surgery in India can vary depending on several factors, including:

Hospital: The choice of hospital, whether it’s a private or government facility, can influence the cost. 

Surgeon’s Fees: The experience and reputation of the surgeon can affect the overall cost. 

Type of Anesthesia: General or regional anesthesia can impact the cost.

Post-Operative Care: The duration of hospital stay and rehabilitation costs can vary. 

Candidates for ankle replacement surgery are usually those who have suffered from painful arthritis that has not responded to more conservative treatments.

Guide to Ankle Replacement Surgery

An ankle replacement surgery is also known as total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This is an orthopedic surgical procedure to mainly treat ankle arthritis. An ankle may get damaged due to normal wear and tear with advancing age, a degenerative medical disorder such as arthritis or due to a severe injury as well.

How Ankle Replacement surgery works?

An ankle replacement surgery is required when the joint of the ankle suffers damage due to a medical disorder or a severe injury which affects the normal movement and weakens the ankle joint.

An ankle replacement surgery is considered to be an ideal treatment in such cases. This surgical procedure aims to replace the damaged parts of the ankle with artificial implants that mimic the natural ankle joint and helps restore strength and movement back in the injured/damaged ankle joint.

Ankle Replacement surgery procedures

An ankle replacement surgery is a major type of orthopedic surgical treatment that aims to restore strength and function to a damaged ankle joint.

The orthopedic surgeon/doctor will consider your overall health as well as your medical history to decide if you are fit enough to undergo surgery. The initial step towards an ankle replacement surgery is for the doctor to test your Achilles' tendon and see if it is normal, and not excessively tightened. This is important as a tightened Achilles' tendon restricts free movement of the ankle.

The surgery begins with the administering of general anesthesia to the patient or with a nerve block to avoid discomfort during the surgical procedure.

The surgeon will use a tourniquet to prevent excessive bleeding as well as allowing the surgeon to access the ankle joint easily. The surgeon will make small incisions in the side or the front of the ankle, depending on the kind of artificial implant being used for replacing the ankle.

The surgeon will then make the necessary alterations to the component bones of the ankle joint so that the artificial joint prosthetics can be fitted properly. The surgeon will also check the Achilles' tendon to check it for normalcy because a tight Achilles' tendon restricts the range of motion of the ankle. In case this tendon is tight the surgeon will lengthen the tendon to restore normal range of motion to the ankle.

The surgeon will then use sutures or staples to close the incision and apply a splint around the ankle for the artificial prosthetic to take hold firmly.

Who is a candidate for an Ankle Replacement surgery?

An ideal candidate for an ankle replacement surgery is the one who:

Suffers from ankle problems caused by arthritis

Suffers from ankle fracture

Suffers from infection

Suffers from osteoarthritis

Suffers from rheumatoid arthritis

Suffers from pain and loss of movement in the ankle

Benefits of Ankle Replacement surgery in India

India is home to the a large network of orthopedic specialty hospitals and clinics that are spread over all its major cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, etc. These hospitals and clinics provide global-standard quality treatment and excellent healthcare to all their patients. The orthopedic specialists and surgeons in India are also extensively-trained and well-experienced in managing all kinds of orthopedic treatments including ankle replacement surgery.

Complications associated with an Ankle Replacement surgery

There are certain complications associated with the surgery procedure as is seen in most surgeries. The patient could be at a risk of infection, anesthetic reaction, nerve damage, blood vessel damage as well as blood clots.

The ankle bone, after fixing the artificial prosthesis, may also suffer a fracture in rare cases. The nerves or blood vessels may get injured during the replacement procedure. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may also face problem with healing of the incision wound.

Connect with Surgery Tours India Consultants for an Ankle Replacement surgery in India

Surgery Tours India Consultants are well known for providing the best and most efficient treatments and surgeries in India at the most affordable cost. Surgerytoursindia is well connected to the large network of orthopedic specialty hospitals and clinics that are spread across all major Indian cities. Surgerytoursindia is also associated with a team of well-experienced and extensively-trained orthopedic specialists and surgeons that are renowned for managing all kinds of complicated orthopedic cases including ankle replacements surgery. Surgerytoursindia aims to offer all its patients a bespoke package that is most efficient and effective as well as being budget-friendly too.

For more information please contact us at

Email: [email protected]

The European total gliding joint replacement (TAR) market, that covers twenty one countries, is about to rise from $57.3 million in 2016 to $84.6 million by 2023, representing a compound annual rate of growth (CAGR) of 5.7%, during the forecast period. Latest reports states that key drivers of the market embody a rise in TAR patients because of wear and tear of joints within the growing older population, the requirement for a treatment that helps late-stage gliding joint in flammatory disease patients keep vary of motion, and swollen medical education and MD adoption of TAR. In recent years, there has been a renaissance of interest in TAR. The success of third-generation implants in relieving creaky pain and restoring vary of motion has positioned TAR as an efficient substitute to joint fusion. Whereas intensive bone surgical operation has infested previous generations of devices, current products aim to reduce surgical operation of the leg bone and talar bone to pushimplant stability. Additionally, maker’s ar advancing operative analysis techniques to realize higher alignment. “Although gliding joint trauma is not as common as in different joints just like the knee and hip, there's associate degree augmented utilization of TAR supported advanced implant styles and positive study results from long-runviability trials. This has resulted in major insurer’s redaction coverage policies to support patient access to TAR.” In terms of market share, FRG described the biggest portion of the European market in 2016, holding 38% of the regional revenue, and is predicted to keep up this dominance through the forecast amount. The European nation, Hungary, and therefore the Netherlands are expected to be the fastest-growing markets through 2023, every at a CAGR of 7.6%, whereas Balkan country and Turkey can stagnate over identical amount. Most of the TAR market is occupied by a couple of players, as well as Stryker, Integra LifeSciences, Wright Medical, DePuy Synthes, and frame Biomet. These corporations boast respected brands with vital clinical research data driving production adoption. Currently, TAR remains not profitable enough to draw in competitors, and therefore the price of obtaining a tool to promote is prohibitory to new entrants, therefore the area is about to staywithin the hands of the aforesaid players as they still enhance their product combine and optimize operational potency.