If you experience a traumatic injury or develop a degenerative condition like arthritis, ankle replacement can minimize pain, improve your quality of life, and restore your mobility. At Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC, Nicolas Manriquez, DPM, FACFAS, boasts years of experience performing ankle replacement surgery. To schedule an appointment at the practice in Katy, Texas, call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book online.

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What is ankle replacement?

Ankle replacement is an orthopedic procedure that restores a damaged or diseased ankle joint. By replacing your bone and cartilage with a prosthetic, it’s possible to eliminate pain and swelling and restore your mobility.

Who can benefit from an ankle replacement?

The team at Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC typically recommends ankle replacement to people with severe arthritis — a group of conditions characterized by joint pain and inflammation.

Mild and moderate cases of arthritis often respond to conservative treatments like corticosteroid injections, custom orthotics, and physical therapy. If your symptoms continue or interfere with your ability to perform routine tasks, surgery may be necessary.

How do I prepare for ankle replacement surgery?

Before recommending ankle replacement surgery, the team at Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC examines your foot and ankle and asks about your symptoms. Afterward, they order a series of X-rays or an MRI to determine the extent of the damage and to develop a treatment plan.

During the appointment, let your provider know about any prescription medications or supplements you regularly take. Alert them to any underlying health problems you’re living with like kidney disease or a congenital heart defect.

These and other issues may increase the risk of surgical complications, so it’s important that they’re stable.

What does ankle replacement involve?

Ankle replacement is performed at a local hospital under general anesthesia. After you fall asleep, your surgeon makes a small incision above the ankle joint. They insert special tools through the incision and carefully remove the damaged pieces of bone and cartilage.

Next, they replace your joint with a prosthesis made of metal or plastic. The artificial joint stays in place with the help of plates and screws and your surgeon stitches the incision back up.

What is recovery like following ankle replacement?

Following ankle replacement, you stay in the hospital for several days. To speed up the healing process, your ankle is put in a cast and elevated.

It’s normal to experience pain and swelling in the days after. Take your medication as prescribed and follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions carefully.

After you leave the hospital, physical therapy begins. Be patient and attend each therapy session. The more committed you are to treatment, the lower the risk of complications or mobility issues.

Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC, only recommends ankle replacement as a last resort. Often, more conservative treatments provide adequate relief.

To see if you’re a candidate for ankle replacement, make an appointment at Katy Foot & Ankle, PLLC. Click the online booking tool or call to speak with the administrative team today.