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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I wear Chung Shi shoes - saved my sanity - they have rocker technology - I am 56 and had an ankle fusion 6 years ago - couldn't live without them - and I am very active
January 8, 2014 - 5:02pmThis Comment
Hi everyone, i'm 31years old and I just had an ankle fusion done September this year I just recently started doing physical therapy the only problem I'm finding is finding shoes to help me with my road to recovery! Im still in this bulky boot and its interfering with physical therapy! If anyone knows where I could find some shoes please let me know!
November 30, 2013 - 10:56amThis Comment
I thought the point of the ankle fusion is to get rid of the pain.all I read is people still in pain.i had my surgery April 15this year.still in a cast for 3 more weeks
August 10, 2013 - 12:10pmThis Comment
After dealing with pain from a "botched" ankle surgery for 21 years, I had my ankle fused in May at Andrews Sports Medicine in Birmingham by Dr. Norman Waldrop. It was the best decision that I have ever made. I can definitely say that I am pain free and loving it. It has not affected the shoes that I can wear. Before the surgery, the only thing comfortable was something with a heel. I can wear flats again, now, as well as my heels. My issue is that all these other aches and pains that I had attributed to the ankle, are still here and rearing their ugly heads. I am looking for suggestions for tennis shoes, though, as before the surgery I couldn't find any that I could comfortably wear, at least not for any length of time.
November 6, 2013 - 10:43amThis Comment
My right ankle was crushed in a motorcycle accident on 25 March 2008. I had 1 orthopedic opperation and 18 opperations to repair soft tissue damage. By pure luck I found the best Ankle Surgeon in the the world. I had my "fusion" in September 2009. I stumbled accross this article looking for running shoes. I walk completely normal even when barefoot. Should anyone read this before having an ankle athrodesis or "fusion" : GET a second and even a third oppinion. All fusions are not equal!!!! I live in South Africa. Dr Fief Ferreira did the opperation. This opperation can also be "undone" and converted into an ankle replacement when i a am older and less active. I am 30 now and very active. I want to start training to run a marathon! Good luck to those in pain!
July 5, 2013 - 11:27amThis Comment
July 10 2010, I fell off a regular sized horse when it reared. I hit the ground foot first and it BROKE OFF at the ankle and was hanging by a small piece of meat. I had to army crawl about 50 feet to a phone. It was reattached but was infected. Did IV antibiotics for 6 months to get rid of the infection in the bone. One yr. after that accident it was still super painful though healed well. Arthritis. The infection ate my cartilage. Dr. said I could have my ankle fused if it became too painful. I had one cortisone shot that lasted about 2 weeks then I knew it was time. It was clearly time, the pain was bad. So I had it done about 1.5 yrs ago and it went well. The Dr. said I didnt need physical therapy because since the ankle doesn't move there was no point. He was right. I eventually just started limping less and less. Today I have a slight limp if I am wearing flat shoes. I bought a pair of Dansko sandals and they were awesome. The right shoe can completely hide the limp. That shoe line has cute shoes. Now I HAVE TO wear a shoe that has a rounded sole. It doesnt have to be an ugly grandma nurse shoe, but it does need a rounded sole. So I can wear BORN shoes and any other like it. Just no heel. Since the ankle cant roll the bottom of the shoe needs to do that for you. It mimiks the movement of an ankle. Message to others with ankle fusion: Being fat exacerbates your pain and problems. I lost 35 lbs and it is way, way better. I ate unlimited fat and less than 50 carbs a day. I shop on Zappos and 6pm and just look for shoes that have the bottom I'm looking for and I'm good. I see now I am very lucky. You all got it bad.
June 8, 2013 - 8:02amThis Comment
I would say that i'm in complete wrote about the Alegria's. I found another place that you can get them from that has decent prices and some good inventory, the site is http://wellnessshoestore.com/alegria. Personally I prefer the Paloma's because I've always loved Mary Jane's, but if you dont like the Mary Jane's then you could try the Seville as well because it has a strap in the back that latches on to your heel. Very comfortable, and the rocker bottom helps keep my feet from hurting.
June 26, 2014 - 9:13amThis Comment
On Oct 5th, 2004, I fell off a roof and shattered my left ankle, I was very close to amputation but after 6 surgeries one being an ankle fusion I still have quite a bit of pain and take narcotic pain medication daily. I had to have at least two Achilles lengthenings, which has resulted in three hammer toes. Like most, I can't walk barefooted nor can I wear flip flops because of my toes. That foot is a size and a half smaller than my right foot. If I walk on any surface that is not flat or paved I lose my balance and I'm sure people who see me but not the scars think I'm intoxicated. When I had the fusion done the surgeon had to use bone from my hip as I not only had no cartilage, but had worn bone away. I have no hardware left but the pain is almost unbearable at times. My surgeon did not want me to do pt stating the purpose was to minimize movement. I have a terrible time trying to find shoes that I can walk in with as minimal amount of pain as possible. I would like suggestions on good supportive shoes that are somewhat athletic looking. The Dr recommended 900 New Balance, but I didn't really care for them and for the price they didn't make much difference. I have been wearing Nike but with one foot being smaller they don't help much either. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!
August 27, 2012 - 11:06pmCorinne
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I had ankle surgery in the Spring 2012 in Canada. Because of polio, my right foot is smaller than my left. I take a ladies size 7 and a child's size 2. At this point, I buy my shoes in the children's department as I can get 2 pairs and the cost is manageable. After surgery the surgeon indicated I should get rocker bottom shoes as they will help me manage walking. I took my shoes to a place recommended and they added the rocker bottom soles to the bottom of my shoes. This was easier than some of the shoes that you can purchase for $200 to $300 dollars. Alegria also sells rocker bottom shoes and they are located in the States. They sell children's shoes and I purchased the 2 pair I need for my feet. Works great. Unfortunately I do have a problem with my knee and, the moment I go barefoot or do not wear rocker bottom shoes, I feel pain and a popping feeling. I've been told to exercise my knee to support the muscles or possibly to wear a brace. I still have pain when I walk and hope that time will take care of this. Hope this helps.
November 22, 2012 - 8:41amThis Comment
Shoes. Try Alegria Shoes. I use the Paloma, Mary Janes. They have lots of padding and rocker bottoms and removable orthotics so can use custom ones. But most fun, is the awesome colors and prints.
June 3, 2012 - 10:30amhttp://www.alegriashoeshop.com/
The MBTs are too hard on the knees and unstable. Easy Spirits are helpful. I loved their Anti-Gravity line, but w/law suits for the Tone Ups and stuff they have changed the design and are phasing them out.
I am 63 and had both of my knees replaced, (left knee 2 times due to infection) and my right knee operation developed a blood clot, compartment syndrome, infection....Used Taylor Spatial Frame to fuse my ankle because my wound wouldn't heal to enable regular casting method. (2003 -2007) No movement in ankle or foot now. I drive w/my left foot. Went thru drivers ed all over again; had to be tested for new license and had my car adapted. Not cheap being disabled is it? So w/uneven gait and everything being connected-foot-kness hips and back, I am looking for some relief. PT helps back pain and strenthening legs. Pool helps w/circulation and aerobic exercise. With no akle or foot movement, exercise options are limited and gaining weight is so easy.
So five years post surgieries, I am currently being evaluated, after a Gait Lab visit by my new podiatrist and pedorthist, to see what can be done w/orthotics and shoe adaption to improve my gait and lesson the pain and stress on my joints and back.
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