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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Those sound great! For some reason wedge style shoes are the most accommodating. I will try these for sure. They aren't that bad looking! :) Thank you for the tip!
Allison
August 12, 2014 - 10:42amThis Comment
I agree that the surgery was very painful. However, I was only on meds for 3 days after mine. After the 3 days I had absolutely no pain. I guess it's different for each person.
August 12, 2014 - 6:09amThis Comment
Hey, Alexandria. I hope you get this message. My name is Lisa. I am 46. I had ankle fusion last May and it was the best decision I ever made. I have no pain whatsoever and can do anything I want, I have even been doing Zumba and Step Aerobics, things I have not been able to do in over 20 years. It has truly been the best decision of my life. I no longer walk with a limp, either--it is fantastic!!! The only problems I have encountered with shoes is the foot that I had the surgery on seems to always be slightly puffy/swollen, which makes some shoes either fit too tightly or creates the need to go up half a size. The second is that I find wearing mules (slip ons) a bit difficult, so shoes with a strap do better. I am wearing heels, though, well wedges. EBay is undoubtedly the best place to find shoes. Look for Aerosoles. The have a line that has "light" in the name that is a great shoe. Lots of padding, very cute with slight (2in) wedge. Also look at Privo by Clarks which has a "sporty/rubbery" sole. That is what I mainly wore while I was in the walking boot, but still wear today. Easy Spirits also have some great shoes. All of these you should be able to find the "normal" you are looking for. Good luck with your surgery. I know you will do great. Take care.
July 22, 2014 - 6:46amThis Comment
Dear Lisa,
July 22, 2014 - 7:54amThank you for responding so quickly. I will definitely look up those kinds of shoes so I can better prepare myself. I'm also very glad to hear that you can do the things that you used to not be able to. Especially the different classes, because I do enjoy taking those classes. I do have another question though, was it hard to learn how to walk without a limp? Meaning like, a lot of physical therapy needed? My main goal would be walking without a limp or having to need a cane.
I do appreciate you taking the time to talk to me and I look forward from hearing from you soon.
This Comment
Hey, Alexandria. I did go to physical therapy for a month or so after coming out of the cast to the boot. After the boot I wore a brace that fit in my shoe. I never had a need for a cane. When I was on zero weight bearing I used crutches or a knee scooter (definitely, the best thing ever invented). I really do not know when the limping went away as I was so accustomed to it that I never realized I was doing it unless somebody said something. Then, one day a coworker was walking behind me and said, "oh my God, you are not limping--at all!". Good luck with your surgery. I hope it is as much a success as mine.
August 12, 2014 - 7:13amThis Comment
That sure helps a lot, and Im excited to hear that you are not limping what so ever. That was something I was a little scared about . As far as physical therapy, good to know I wont need it for too long and its mainly just to help me walk normal. Hope you are still doing great and best of luck with everything else :)
August 12, 2014 - 9:36amThis Comment
Hello, I had my left ankle and heel fused 6 years ago when I was 39 due to Osteoarthritis. My joint was bone on bone grinding and it was a hard decision due to doctor kept telling me I was to young to have these issue. I to where MBT's and also Allegria are pretty comfortable also. I have no issues in my ankle any longer. They say down the road the foot will develop the arthritis in the foot. Just had my right ankle fused along with the heel a few years ago also. It is better and helps you stay somewhat active as opposed to all the pain before.
July 10, 2014 - 12:12pmThis Comment
I cannot believe the number of comments stating no range of motion, still in pain, etc. I guess I am one of the lucky ones. I am exercising for the first time in over 20 years (Zumba, Step Aerobics), virtually anything I want to do. While there are some moves I can't do, for the most part I can keep up. My doctor told me that my only limitation is me. I am no longer limping either. I feel like a new woman!
June 26, 2014 - 9:22amThis Comment
Did you have a TT OR TTC fusion? TT fusions are known to allow ROM enough to go and even run a 10k. TT is tibiotalar . TTC is tibiotalarcalaneal. That means all joints are fused- tibia to talus to heel and foot acts like a brick except for phalanges.
So curious to know what you had? I HOPE it is a TTC and then so tell me your surgeon because I broke mine in a mud run and 4 surgeons say fusion and I'm still hoping and willing to try anything.
January 26, 2015 - 5:45amThis Comment
I found that i had a tumor on the talus bone, which was removed Feb of 2013. in the process the Dr also removed part or the Fibula and my ankle was Fused together. I still walk with a fairly big limp and am in a fair amount of pain by the end of the day. hopefully this week i will be getting a steriod injection into the joint which may ease some of the pain. I find it very hard to find shoes that can help. and any advise would be greatly appreciated.
May 30, 2014 - 11:41pmThanks Darren
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