Rehabilitation and Recovery After Ankle Replacement

Your ankle is an essential part of your mobility. However, injury or wear and tear may cause so much damage that replacement is needed to improve your quality of life. Dr. Mark Moss is your local specialist at Coastal Foot & Ankle Associates. When you need an ankle replacement in Houston or Pearland, TX, this team has the expertise to ensure a successful surgery and recovery.

When Is Ankle Replacement in Houston or Pearland, TX Necessary?

When the ankle joint becomes so damaged that it's hard for you to bear weight, it may be time for surgical intervention. A healthy ankle joint can support your body while standing, walking, or running. Therefore, if you've noticed a noticeable change in your gait or inability to bear weight on it, your joints may need replacement. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or have had an extensive injury in the lower extremities, it can create excruciating pain or dislocation that only a replacement can help.

What Is Rehabilitation and Recovery Like?

Getting an ankle replacement in Houston, TX, under the guidance of Dr. Moss, means you will be in expert hands. The extent of your rehabilitation and recovery depends on your overall health and the damage to the ankle. Your body must adjust to your new joint and form healing tissues around it. Luckily, your podiatrist will have a personalized treatment plan for you to follow. 

You should expect to keep weight off your new ankle for as long as 4 to 6 weeks. Expect to go through weeks of physical therapy.  If you normally do intensive exercises, you'll have to focus on more gentle, low-impact ones for the first few weeks. By week six, you may be able to resume normal activities along with your regular physical therapy schedule.

Recovery should focus on rebuilding strength, mobility, and healing to avoid having a surgical setback. Start with walking on a treadmill or around your neighborhood. The ankle joint can also benefit from low-impact cycling, which you can do on a stationary bike until you're comfortable using a regular bike again. Swimming is great, as the buoyancy of water helps put gentle pressure on joints without hurting them.

Dr. Moss is your professional at Coastal Foot & Ankle Associates. You can trust him with your ankle replacement in Houston or Pearland, TX. Start improving ankle motion and healing pain in that area by calling the Pearland Office at (281) 485-2988 and the Memorial Hermann Southeast at (281) 484-2400.