question about knee replacement affecting ankle pain?

swedeflower

Hi! I'm new here and had a question. I'm 57 and about to have a total knee replacement for severe osteoarthritis in my left knee that causes my knee to bend outward slightly instead of being straight. A year ago I had my left ankle fused (in 2 places), also for severe osteoarthritis that was so painful I could barely walk. My fused ankle bones healed just fine but I continue to have pain in my ankle in the soft tissues and have not gotten much pain relief from the surgery. I wonder if my continued post-op ankle pain is due to my leg being not straight because of my knee arthritis. I have read that ankle pain can either improve or get worse after knee replacement - I WANT to hope that my ankle pain will get better after this knee surgery but I don't know if that is realistic. Does anyone have any experience with their ankle being affected (either positively or negatively) after knee replacement? What is your advice for me? Thank you!😀

stickywicket

I don't have any advice but, for what it's worth, my experience(s)

I had my first TKR years ago. at the time both ankles were badly affected by RA 9and probably OA by then). Back then, after the TKR, I'd to stay in bed for 10 days. When they first allowed me up to walk - round the bed - I thought I'd never make it. The ankle pain was excruciating. But, of course, with more use, it got better.

By the time I had that TKR revised, 27 years later, my ankles had fused. Also they got you out of bed asap. I'd no bother at all with them. Still don't.

i think you could do with a chat to your surgeon, though. Especially useful if it was he who fused your ankle.