Ankle Problem

Poacher

Hi, I’m new on the site. I’ve recently had a partial left knee replacement ( 4 weeks ago ) and on the waiting list to have my right ankle joint fused. My left knee is progressing nicely but I am struggling to walk, mainly because my right ankle joint is completely knackered. I’ve had numerous cortisone injections both on the NHS and more recently privately, but the ankle joint is so far gone the injections are no longer working.

Im now 66 but my initial injury to the ankle happened when I was 23 where even then they told me I would eventually need my ankle fusing, so in essence I have had 43 years of putting it off.

Does anyone have any suggestions how I can manage my ankle joint and get some relief whilst I’m waiting on surgery. It doesn’t look like I will get that until circa April / May next year, unless I went Privately but having just paid £15,000 out of my savings to get my knee done, I would if possible like to hang on to the £7,500 it would cost to do my ankle Privately and use it towards travelling and enjoying my retirement.

Kind Regards,

Poacher

Louisa77

Hi @Poacher

Welcome to the Online Community, really pleased you've posted today.

Good to hear you are getting on well with your knee replacement recovery, but it sounds like your ankle isn't helping you progress to the next level. You've got a fait few months yet until your next surgery so maybe some of the information we have on ankle pain and exercises might help, there is some suggestions for pain relief such as capsaicin cream

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-foot-and-ankle/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/capsaicin/

Hope you find some relief, keep us posted

Louisa

Poacher

Thanks Louisa, I’m already a user of capsicum cream, most nights on my recovering replacement left knee. However, I’ve tried it on my ankle without anything other than the extreme skin burning the chilli peppers offer. I think when it’s a deep seated issue with the joint and years of bone on bone wear, I don’t think any creams applied to the skin are likely to help. Even the cortisone jabs in the joint have no effect.

Louisa77

Might be worth speaking to a physio to see if they can suggest anything maybe a splints that kind of thing.

If you go to the Search button at the top of the page and plug in ankle fusion you will find some positive postings from peeps who have been through the op. @bobbyger maybe you could offer some suggestions?

daveh1980

Hi Poacher,

I use a tens machine for my ankle which seems to be the only thing I have found to have any effect, doesn't last long once I've taken it off but eases pain whilst on. Some days I literally have it on all day.

Hope the knee recovers for you,

David