Facing ankle fusion as an active sporty person?

emily82

hi all, I’m new here! 42yr old mum of young children (5&7) and have inherited osteoarthritis from my creaky mum! Unfortunately post traumatic injury, the arthritis in my ankle has reached ‘end stage’ and the surgeon has recommended a fusion. As an active person who has lived with and sucked up chronic pain for years and years, this terrifies me. I rock climb and rely on being on my toes. I used to run before the pain got too much. I had an arthroscopy 8 months ago but it’s made the joint pain worse. I guess my plea is two fold as I’m tempted by better the devil I know. What long term pain management could I try and who has had a fusion but still can do sport?! Is it possible? What’s not possible? Thanks so much

Naomi33

Good morning @emily82 and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear your concerns about OA in your ankle.

The following links maybe of interest to you …..

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/foot-and-ankle-pain/

I am sure others will connect with you soon.

Best wishes @Naomi33

gregconcerned

Hi Emily, I have osteoarthritis in my left ankle, caused by several injuries to it whilst playing football. I have suffered for 12 years with this and still work in football as a coach as I can’t play and stopped at 22. I am now nearly 35 years of age and my pain is horrendous, I never have a day without pain but manage and push through. When I last saw a consultant about my ankle he said it was too early for any operation as the only thing they would do is fuse it and I am too young and can cope.

For you, I would seek advice medically on it, but I guess what I am wondering is that if you can cope with the pain and still do the things you love, don’t give up! I never asked what a fuse means but after talking to a few people it sounds like they lock the joint in place and I have no idea how much mobility anyone would be left with.

I hope this helps and keep fighting 💪

PeterJ

Hello @gregconcerned and welcome to the Online Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and you are very welcome.

I am glad that you have a positive approach and are sharing this - we all need positivity. If you need any help please ask or take a look at our website which has a lot of useful info. I've copied one of our booklets here which might be of interest to you.

osteoarthritis-of-the-foot-and-ankle-information-booklet.pdf

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Peter

remmingtonwildhunter

Good morning emily82 i was very sporty in my youth where has the time gone 60 this year...

I was a marathon runner for years gym warrior rock climber taught scuba diving and did aikido for 30 years..

Ive had a few opps since the late 90s since i got smashed of my racing bike both wrists fused did a dan grading with plaster on my arm both knees replaced an a double left ankle fusion talus fusion 2018 an sub tallus 2020 my avatar is the metal work in there...

Im afraid you may have to knock the running on the head an squating may be a problem in the gym i still ride walk and use the gym i go to yoga as i had a spinal decompression a year ago an ive been a gardener for 42 years so lots of walking in my job i was bone on bone...

So the opp they make a cut on top of foot rough up the bone ends then screw 2 or 3 screws in too join bones together you will be in plaster for 3 months then an air boot for 8 weeks then you have to learn to walk again..

After the opp you can get a knee cushion looks like a big blue cheese with a grove in it an look for a knee walker like a 4 wheel bike you put your knee on better than crutches....

You can still move some of your foot as 20 odd more bones but not bend the ankle hope this helps...