Total Ankle Replacement

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After you recover from surgery, your new ankle might work almost as  well as your old one did before you had problems. You'll have a better  range of motion and little or no pain.

Most people who have total ankle replacement surgery are  happy with the results, says Jonathan Deland, MD. He's a foot and ankle  surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Here's what you can expect.

Most people see a dramatic improvement and no longer need painkillers at all, says Shannon Rush, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon.

You might still feel a slight achiness or soreness  in your ankle, but it probably won't be severe. If you had an injury  before surgery, though, you might have some lingering pain in your foot.

This will likely improve. Exactly how much varies. Some people feel like  they have their old ankle back. Others see an improvement, but not as  much as before they developed problems. Physical therapy can help strengthen your ankle and gradually improve your range of motion. 

You'll likely see an improvement, but it might take time and effort.  These are skills you can work on, and rehabilitation can make a  difference.

Your balance and coordination might be limited from an  earlier ankle injury. They also depend on your level of fitness before  the replacement. If you were physically active before your surgery,  you'll probably see better results

You can expect to walk normally again, with a natural gait. You'll find  it easier to move across uneven surfaces. Recent research suggests  you'll be able to walk up stairs, down stairs, and uphill better than  you would if you had ankle fusion, a type of surgery that joins bones in  your ankle together. 

After you recover, you can expect to be active again. Exercise is good for you and helps strengthen your legs.

Most types of activities are fine, with a few exceptions.  Jumping and running are off-limits. So are high-impact sports. Avoid  anything that involves stopping and turning, which makes twisting your  ankle a risk. That includes racquetball, tennis, and basketball.

You'll be able to play golf and go fishing. Walking and  casual hiking are safe and healthy choices. You'll be able to use gym  equipment like an elliptical trainer or stationary bike. You might even  be able to ski again, but ask your doctor first.