In the last ten years I’ve had surgery eight times on my right ankle. Most of them were ligament reconstructions and finally a complete ankle fusion. Making the decision to fuse my ankle was one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make but with the chronic pain, instability, degenerative arthritis and inflammation I agreed. It’s going to be two years this June and although it’s been a very long recovery and endless hours of physical therapy I can say I’m feeling good about it. One of the biggest challenges is finding shoes that help me walk. With an ankle fusion you have no range of motion so I need orthopedic shoes to help me out. I wear a pair of MBTs but would like to find something different that still provides the support I need, any suggestions? I’d love to hear your story and how you are dealing with the ankle fusion -- was it the right decision for you?
~Gimpy
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Hi there,
I had my surgery 9/29/14. I just got my walking boot last week. I'm sort of one crutch walking in it but cannot walk barefoot at all. How long did it take for the pain to lessen? This is my 5th ankle surgery and 7th surgery in my life so when it comes to pain I'm pretty tough. I can do a few things then have to sit down. This has been a rough journey and I want it to be over.
40 yo female
December 12, 2014 - 4:59pmThis Comment
Hi Anonymous, I have a very difficult time walking barefoot. My fused ankle needs decent support all the time. If nothing else, I wear slippers and a thick pair of socks. I'll be very honest with you, the pain never entirely goes away. My level of activity has definitely been curbed since all this started in the late 90's. The journey is never over, I still have a wonderful life. I just have to rethink how I do things.
January 26, 2015 - 7:09amThis Comment
Hi Anonymous, I have a very difficult time walking barefoot. My fused ankle needs decent support all the time. If nothing else, I wear slippers and a thick pair of socks. I'll be very honest with you, the pain never entirely goes away. My level of activity has definitely been curbed since all this started in the late 90's. The journey is never over, I still have a wonderful life. I just have to rethink how I do things.
January 26, 2015 - 7:09amThis Comment
Where can you buy shoes in the UK to help with walking after an ankle fused ?
September 27, 2014 - 11:00pmThis Comment
17 years ago I crushed both of my ankles in a car accident. Within 3 years both ankles were fused. It was the right decision to make the pain in the ankles was eliminated. But other issues were created because of the fusions. I have back and hip issues that require chiropractor and physical therapy on a regular basis. And the bones in the top of both of my feet will eventually need fusing because they are now arthritic because I don't have a natural rock.
September 7, 2014 - 9:58amMost of my shoes unless they have heels have to be taken to a company that puts rockers and lifts on them. I've tried shoes like the MBT but because of the way my right foot is fused I break down all of my shoes within a few months. I don't think there is one ideal shoe for anyone with a fusion, but your orthopedic should be able to recommend a company that could put rockers on them for you. Its important to have the rocker otherwise you will start to have other issues. One shoe i have found to work well for me are the danskos, they are a great quality shoe Good luck with your a search for a comfortable shoe.
This Comment
Hi I had my ankle fused on the 18th of august 2014 so only just over 2 weeks in to the recovery.I had foot drop so have been told this would make me walk better.So far so good I haven't had any pain yet and the last 2 days no pain killers I'm still in pot and ia am having this off on Thursday so I will keep you updated. I am 38 and I also worry about foot ware as I so love heels and was able to wear them before surgery .
September 2, 2014 - 1:53pmThis Comment
Hi Keith here.. I had to have my right ankle fused back in 2009 I had broken my Tiber in so many pieces that the only thing that could be done was to push a titanium rod up from my heel through the Tiber and screw the bone to it.. The trouble is that left my leg about 3 cm's shorter.. I found walking with MBT rocker shoes helped with an insert in the shoe which at least meant I did not have to have my shoes altered.. However last December had another accident and smashed the top end of the Tiber just below the knee. This has now been pinned and healed well, however it seems my leg is shorter than before but I don't see how it could be...My original rockers and the heal insert feel awkward. The leg feels shorter.. It would seem we all need help in finding the right type of shoe and it looks like there isn't too much in the way of research out there.. I love walking and this is really annoying me.. My current thoughts are a rocker shoe on my right foot and a conventional shoe on my left that will take care of the balancing problem I think.. Any thoughts out there wold be much appreciated..
September 2, 2014 - 3:10amThis Comment
Hi my name is Ben and i broke both of my ankles on the early age of 15 yld. I am 35 years old now and already had my left ankle fused and it feels ok but now i got to have the other one fused in 3 months so believe me with one ankle fused you be fine but like me with both of them i dont know what am i going to do
August 27, 2014 - 10:43amThis Comment
Ben, I have had both ankles fused and if I were to have to do it again, I WOULD NOT do it! I have serious balance problems and have now developed severe arthritis in my feet. If I were you I'd look into an ankle replacement for the other ankle.
August 30, 2014 - 2:27pmThis Comment
thank you for sharing but i dont know what to do because my doctor said that i have to have it fused since i am only 35 and he said that to have ankle replacement you have to be over 50 years old and thats only for 10 years and you got to do it over and over again so at this moment i really hate my life and dont know what to do next !!!
September 6, 2014 - 6:12pmThis Comment