Is anyone athletic and active after ankle fusion surgery?

I am considering ankle fusion surgery. I'm 34 and shattered my ankle 13 yrs ago. I've had 5 surgeries and developed nasty arthritis.

I walk with a limp. I take mobic daily. I've developed knee and hip problems- lateral meniscus tears on BOTH knees.

Is anyone out who had their ankle fused very active? Can you still do sports? Also, can any women who had the surgery wear high (ok kitten or small heel) heeled shoes?

I teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I'd love to go hiking and snowboarding again. Asked by djmelissaB 6 months ago Similar questions: athletic active ankle fusion surgery Health > Surgery.

Similar questions: athletic active ankle fusion surgery.

I actually just had the fusion done this past April. I am 24 years old, I broke my right ankle via a compound fracture when I was nine from a sledding accident. I have had multiple surgeries to try to fix it, including growth plate removal from left knee to compensate that leg growing longer than the one I originally broke.

I too, also had an active lifestyle, including dance and sports, thinking that everything would be alright and just deal with the pain. However over the years, the pain got worse and worse to the point where I couldn't even walk anymore. I got referred to an amazing surgeon in Boston, who told me that I had the worst case of traumatic arthritis he has seen in his practice, and he was just so amazed at how young I am.

When he told me my only option was fusion, I literally started to cry right then and there. I was so upset that I didn't really have any other options, so this year I finally decided for the fusion surgery. I stayed overnight at the hospital, and was discharged the next day.

The pain wasn't really too bad, just the typical throbbing here and there, the meds pretty much helped and I was off of them in just about a month. The only thing during recovery that was the worst was the length. I was in bed for pretty much 3 months, In the beginning of June, my cast was removed and I was given a walking boot, that I still used with the crutches for about a week and then slowly started walking without them.As time goes by, you will get to learn from your body when you are ready to walk and how much weight to put on that certain leg.

At the end of July, my doctor told me that I was healing faster that expected and that I was ready to walk without the boot, and let me tell you, at first, it is the most awkward feeling ever! You want move it but can't. Putting weight on it is going to be a little difficult when taking steps at first, its all about learning how to walk with it.

But there shouldn’t be any pain, very little at least. That’s the whole reason to getting the procedure done, right? Over the past few months, I feel I am at 90-95% normal walking ability.

My friends and family say they don't even notice any kind of limp when I walk when I wear sneakers or walking shoes. The drawbacks to it that I found so far is that, I can't really stand on my feet for too long, or walk really long distances, then it started to get bothersome, but not PAINFULL, more of an annoyance. I recently just started to hit the gym since I feel I can really move much better than I was before my surgery.

But like my doctor said, I find myself working out of the bikes and elliptical since they have very to no impact on my ankle. I did see if I can start dancing again since it was my passion as child but unfortunately I still find it very hard to do certain moves since my ankle to move the way I want it to. That was the saddest part for me.

Some restrictions that I find, that I am unable to do are: Tiptoeing, lunging, jumping, walking in a fast pace, or running. Gh heels are out of the question, you won’t be able to move your foot in that angle, I haven't tried any kitten heels but I hope I will soon. Going shoe shopping is going to be a little depressing; you'll be walking by all your favorite shoes knowing you can't buy them :-(Its tough when you start to realize you can't do everything that you used to.

I know it was hard for me, I had those moments where I had to stop and think if it was the right decision, especially since I'm considered so young for it, but then I think if I haven't done it, it would have just gotten worse to the point where I would have had to use a wheelchair. And I am grateful that I am able to move as much as I am now I really do apologize for this being so long! I don't know anyone personally that has had the same thing done, and its nice to talk to someone about it!

I see you posted this about 3 months ago, so if you had the surgery, let me know how you are feeling! Good luck! -Anna .

Thanks Anna! Was your surgeon in Boston Dr George Theodore at Mass General? I had the same reaction 5 years ago when I was told ankle fusion was my only option- tears.Lots... I can't tip toe, wear ANY kind of heel, run or jump now so that won't be anything new...I'm getting the surgery october 20th.So my count down started... djmelissaB 2 months ago .

Haha yes he is! He is amazing, he truly cares for his patients, he even saw me, no charge when my insurance stopped covering the hospital. Is he your surgeon?

That was my exact thinking to help me decide to have the surgery, I couldn't really do anything with severe pain, so I figured might as well still not do with but with no pain. I honestly do not have any regrets, the good does outweigh the bad in regards to the outcome. I wish you luck on your surgery, if you do have Dr. Theodore then you will be in great hands.

I always tried to make him laugh, he tends to have a serious face all the time haha. Plus, you are going to have a pretty nice scar to show off! .

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