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
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment311 Comments
Hello my name is Delilah and I too have had a complete ankle fusion...This was my sixth surgery on my right ankle:( I had my surgery in early May 2015 and now I am in a walking boot and I still have a lot pain of walking with my boot and my ankle gets so swollen . My orthopedic physician states I don't need any physical therapy! I don't know what to do because I am a preschool teacher and I don't think I would be able to do my job any longer? I am hoping someone can give me some advice? Realistically I don't see myself walking without pain and not walking without a limp.
July 30, 2015 - 1:27pmThank you
This Comment
Delilah,
October 18, 2015 - 8:24pmI also had a total ankle fusion, along with my subtalar joint in my ankle fused in 2/15. My surgeon insisted on no physical therapy until 9 months after fusion to allow the bones to fuse properly. Once I hit the 9 month mark, I will get physical therapy for "gait training" 1-2 days per week for 3 weeks. I was told it will take another year for the swelling to subside. I was also told that Hoka One is an excellent rocker shoe. My orthopedic surgeon told me that so many of her patients swear by them, that she decided to try them and now also wears them when her feet are hurting.
I plan to purchase them too. I had a couple of pair of Sketcher Rocker shoes, but I think I need a better quality shoe.
Good luck.
This Comment
I have 3 different pairs of Hoka one one shoes. Order them online from hokaoneone.com. I think the sneakers are much more comfortable than Abeo's.
March 17, 2016 - 10:25amThis Comment
I had an accident in 2008. 2009 I had total fusion of ankle and wrist
September 24, 2015 - 10:10pmI still have swelling in my ankle. I spent 157 days in therapy for just the ankle. So I cannot see where they don't want you to do therapy.
This Comment
I've just had ankle fusion and am already starting physical therapy. I don't know why you're doctor told you PT wasn't needed. It helps with the ankle healing, and also helps you work on your gait, which will be different now, with less range of motion in your ankle. You should ask again about physical therapy.
September 7, 2015 - 10:03amThis Comment
I had my last surgery 11 months ago and I have been in physical therapy ever since. I do agree with one of the people that sometimes therapy pushes you way to much. My doctor had to help me to help the physical therapists with the correct exercises. My doctors are perplexed by me they say that the fusion looks good on the Xray. They do know that I developed RSD. Which I happen to be one of the lucky 1% that develops that after surgery. It is a sympathic nerve disorder. So I don't think that I would even consider another surgery, because they say that the RSD can move to your other foot as well. Scary stuff. I would just be very careful to all of you contemplating another surgery. I didn't think this could happen to me. I also think that I lean over to the left too much and that causes pain and the doctors can't seem to figure that one out.
September 3, 2015 - 4:16pmThis Comment
Hello. I am a nurse and I was able to go back to work with a scooter. My job is mostly in an office but I do spend some time on the units. That may be an option. Unfortunately the pain and swelling may be forever. It has been over 2 years since I had my last surgery and I have swelling and pain right now. We have a front coming in with a storm and I knew it before anyone. I know 2 days ahead of time. Once it hits I will be fine but until then I just suck it up. I am use to it now. I can walk well now and do a lot more of it. I think I would actually go back to working the floor someday if I just build up to the hours on my feet. Using rocker bottom shoes helps with the limp. You do not need Physical therapy they will push you too hard and could undo what surgery you have had. Not meaning to they just usually work with people who will have movement in their joints which you will never have again. They may be able to give you tips on walking in the future but don't let them push you. I have several friends that do PT and they comment daily on how much better I am getting. It takes time and patience. You can find rocker bottom shoes on Amazon, sketchers website, and Ryka. an prosthesis company can also put a rocker bottom on some shoes if your Dr. orders it. Some are very expensive but sometimes you can find good deals. I found some flip flops on Amazon the other day. I thought I would never be able to wear another pair of sandals again. I love them. I bought 5 pair. They were only 10$. Prayers for healing and mobility and that you can return to work. Don't give up. Its a change in lifestyle but its not worth giving up everything you love when you can modify how you do it.
July 30, 2015 - 2:03pmThis Comment
Jane here! I had an ankle fusion in June 2014 on my left ankle and again in May 2015. The first fusion did not keep me from walking over on the left side and I still had pain. Doc went back in May 13, 2015 and "un-fused" it and "re-fused" it and lowered my arch and that seems to have done the trick. Last year I was in pain from surgery for 8 weeks (non-weight bearing). This year the surgery pain was gone by the 2nd week and I'm now in a boot with full weight bearing with NO pain. I think I can walk without the boot but have to wait for the doctor's okay. Start PT next week. Anyway, my doctor's office introduced me to ALTRA shoes. They have a rocker affect and they have zero drop heel which is awesome. They are comfortable and come is funky colors and styles and I love them. They help with the inability to bend the ankle with the rocker style and the zero drop heel helps with balance and getting used to walking without the ability to bend at the ankle. I was also introduced to HOKA shoes but they are too "spongey" for my ankle but they do give the rocker affect as well. I have 6 pair of ALTRA in all colors and love them. They are fun and benefit my walking.
July 10, 2015 - 12:47pmThis Comment
I was told that they could not do an ankle replacement on me because it would be like building a house on a raft. It would not be stable and it would crumble. I was told this by 2 reputable surgeons. So I don't think it is possible in everyone but it would not hurt to get a consultation and see if it would work for you. I had the fusion a couple of years ago and I have had success with rocker bottoms shoes. I am more mobile now than I have been since my accident.
July 6, 2015 - 8:55amThis Comment
I would like to hear about anyone's experience having an ankle replacement on a fused ankle. I know it's possible but how difficult is it? I've had my ankle fused for 13 years and have developed severe (and very painful) arthritis in my entire foot as a result of the fusion. My doctor suggested the ankle replacement. Thanks for any feedback about the process. Anxious to hear your stories. Thanks
June 22, 2015 - 8:24pmThis Comment