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I had ankle fusion surgery on my left ankle in Dec of 2007 after suffering from arthritis in my ankles. I just thought I'd see if there are others on here who have been through the same thing.
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I had ankle fusion surgery done on Oct. 12, 2010. I had been suffering with ankle pain for 23 years after having 2 surgeries after being in an auto accident in 1987. After having many injections for years and the Doctors telling me I needed an ankle fusion (only thing that would stop the pain) I finally was financially able to take the time to have this procedure done. It has been over 2 months and I am still in pain. When the nerve block was put in my leg something went wrong and because of that the whole bottom of my foot / toes are still numb. I also had two huge blood blisters form on my ankle and heel. At the sight of the incision and the bottom of my heel. My heel is raw and they just put me in a walking boot yesterday. I cannot walk with out crutches at all. I have no pain in my ankle but my heel is very painful. Has anyone else had either one of these problems the nerve damage or blood blisters? Please let me know. Thank you.
December 17, 2010 - 11:52amThis Comment
Hello everyone. I found this site through a search tonight and came across so many posts about ankle fusion I had to reply.
I am now 22 years post fusion...actually I guess you would call it a fusion lol. I had my foot and ankle crushed in a car accident in 1988. In order to avoid amputation they attempted putting it all back together with 2 plates and 16 screws. I have to share that for the most part over the last 22 years I have been pain free and able to walk...well with a limp :) Over the last 12 yrs there has been seasonal pain which is osteoarthritis. Not unexpected. I have to also mention I have not used any special shoes over the last 22 years.
That being said...the last 6 months the pain in my ankle and foot have shot up to a 10 at times. I have had to resort to crutches and being non weight baring for a few days at a time. I had xrays a couple of months ago that confirmed severe arthritis in the foot and ankle. They are also suggesting special bone density to rule out avascular necrosis.
Just wanted to share my long term results and keep in mind my fusion was 22 years ago. I'm certain the procedure is much better now!
June 9, 2010 - 8:03pmThis Comment
Lynxgal,
Thank you so much for writing and telling us about your experience. I'm so sorry to hear about the pain you're enduring now. I'm wondering, though, what set it off in just the last six months. It wasn't gradual, but sudden, that it sharted hurting this badly?
I'm glad that you're having tests and that your doctors are working on this. I hope you'll come back and update us when you have all the information you need and are hopefully getting some help controlling your pain and mobility issues. Will you do that?
June 10, 2010 - 9:18amThis Comment
Sure will if I get some answers I will pass them on! The increase of discomfort was gradual to a point but went over the top several times in the last 6 months. I have reduced my walking ALOT. I can get about 1/2 way around the block and then the pain starts with every step it gets worse.
June 10, 2010 - 2:39pmSomeone or a few people mentioned that the ankle stiffens while sitting even for a short time. A few steps will loosen things up and the pain goes away. I have always been that way too but I went 22 years without major problems. Good luck to all the new fusions out there I am very sure the procedure is much better today then it was years ago when I had it done. I have 2 big scars up both sides of my ankle from where they opened me up to do the surgery.
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Hello, I also am waiting for ankle fusion. i have to wait till my little boy can walk because of being on crutches for so long. I am currently wearing MBT rocker sole shoes and they are brilliant. I can walk so much better than any other shoe as the ankle does not bend as much. I recommend them to anyone with ankle problems.
May 26, 2010 - 3:40amThis Comment
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HI ALL...
Well, I haven't been here in a while, but thought I would check in with my fellow-ankle-fusies. I had the ankle fusion in September 2009, after a severe injury to my right ankle in an automobile accident in May 09. Much of the ankle bone was lost, so the surgeon took bone and I guess cartiledge from my hip to perform the fusion. Anyway, here I am wearing two different size shoes, walking with a cane, and still on occasion taking Percocet. When I read some of your stories of success, I wonder if I will ever get to the point of "normal" again. The swelling is unreal. My orthopedic surgeon said that the fusion was "beautiful" as per his xrays...and there was no problem with non-union or any surgical ramifications...It is just that I still walk like quasi modo, (no disrespect intended but I honestly do!) The discomfort is constant, not excruciating pain so to speak, but constant discomfort. So, I am asking PLEASE for some words of encouragement about how a light at the end of the tunnel. My email is X or you can answer on this forum if preferred. I know that I needed the fusion because much of the ankle bone was obliterated in the accident, but honestly I never ever thought that the ankle fusion would leave me like this 7 months later. Help? Please? Someone....
April 19, 2010 - 4:34am(Personal email address removed by EmpowHER moderator)
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Thank you!
October 6, 2009 - 9:11amThis Comment
I have a difficult time finding shoes that are comfortable, and don't hurt my arthritic ankle. Also, when the weather gets cooler, they need to keep me warm. I have no medical insurance, so there is no option for medical help with this issue. Does anyone have a brand or style that they like? Help!
October 5, 2009 - 11:18amThis Comment
Hi Saucy Sharon,
December 3, 2009 - 4:35pmI wear MBT shoes they are a little more expensive but so worth the price. They provide the support I need and help relieve some of the pressure when I walk or stand.
Hope this helps.
Ang
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Saucy Sharon,
I hope we also get some recommendations from others who have shopped for shoes. Personal recommendations are always the best, aren't they? But in doing some research for you I did find several mentions that the rocker-bottom shoes (shoes where the sole is actually curved, like a rocker) help many with ankle fusion because it limits the motion the ankle must accomplish. MBT is one of the more popular brands of these. Here is one page (from a shoe store that sells the shoes, so do take it with a grain of salt) that discusses these shoes and ankle fusion:
http://blog.footwearetc.com/2008/06/mbt-shoes-and-ankle-fusion/
This article also mentions them (about halfway down):
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=211572&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies
And consumers in this forum mention them also:
http://www.running-shoe-rx.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2693
And this Kaiser Permanente site has a few suggestions:
http://www.kaisersantarosa.org/podiatry/resources/anklearthritis
What about it, kind readers? Have you had experience with these shoes, or any others that you have found helpful after an ankle fusion?
October 6, 2009 - 8:57amThis Comment