Hi,
I asked all those same questions and yes you can still do them! I was also very active before all my ankle issues began in 1997 and couldn't do much of anything until recently (the best thing is I can do them w/out pain!!). I wasn't able to walk for a long period of time right away, but have been able to increase my time little by little. I had my ankle fused June 2006 and just danced for the first time in May (scared out of my mind that I wouldn't be able to do it -- but I did and had a blast)! I've done yoga but can't point my toes & balance on the bad foot -- other than that I did okay. Like everything else it just takes time and listen to your body. You'll know right away if your foot doesn't like it. The only thing I can't do is hike that's one activity that really requires ankle movement. I also have a hard time running so don't do that either. If anyone has any suggestions for either of those, please let me know I'd love to hike again.
My right ankle if fused so driving was a BIG concern for me. Yes, I can drive!! It's not that bad you're reflex has to be quick since you are using more of your foot to drive now (let me know if you want me to go into further detail). And if I drive for a long period of time my toes tend to cramp and get sore (my toes are the only thing I can move after the fusion).
It took me a year to decide if I wanted to fuse my ankle but my chronic pain and quality of life were so bad that I finally did it. I can honestly say it was the right decision for me. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but now I can walk w/out pain and enjoy my life again. I still have some bad days and stiffness but not anything like what I had to deal with in the past.
I really hope this helps you, please let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Does anyone else find they can’t do certain activities because of their fusion? If so, what are they?
Comment Reply
Hi,
I asked all those same questions and yes you can still do them! I was also very active before all my ankle issues began in 1997 and couldn't do much of anything until recently (the best thing is I can do them w/out pain!!). I wasn't able to walk for a long period of time right away, but have been able to increase my time little by little. I had my ankle fused June 2006 and just danced for the first time in May (scared out of my mind that I wouldn't be able to do it -- but I did and had a blast)! I've done yoga but can't point my toes & balance on the bad foot -- other than that I did okay. Like everything else it just takes time and listen to your body. You'll know right away if your foot doesn't like it. The only thing I can't do is hike that's one activity that really requires ankle movement. I also have a hard time running so don't do that either. If anyone has any suggestions for either of those, please let me know I'd love to hike again.
My right ankle if fused so driving was a BIG concern for me. Yes, I can drive!! It's not that bad you're reflex has to be quick since you are using more of your foot to drive now (let me know if you want me to go into further detail). And if I drive for a long period of time my toes tend to cramp and get sore (my toes are the only thing I can move after the fusion).
It took me a year to decide if I wanted to fuse my ankle but my chronic pain and quality of life were so bad that I finally did it. I can honestly say it was the right decision for me. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but now I can walk w/out pain and enjoy my life again. I still have some bad days and stiffness but not anything like what I had to deal with in the past.
I really hope this helps you, please let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Does anyone else find they can’t do certain activities because of their fusion? If so, what are they?
~ Ang
July 7, 2008 - 4:33pmThis Comment
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