Ankle Replacement

Surgery may be considered when nonsurgical care isn’t enough to relieve symptoms or restore stability. Your foot and ankle specialist may recommend ankle repair for: 

• Significant ligament injuries or chronic ankle instability that cause the ankle to “give way”
• Ankle fractures that require precise realignment and fixation
• Ankle arthritis or cartilage damage causing ongoing pain and stiffness despite bracing, therapy, injections or activity changes
• Pain, weakness or deformity that limits walking, work, sports or daily activities

Your care team will review your overall health, bone strength, lifestyle and personal goals to determine the approach that best supports your healing. Together, you’ll choose the plan that helps reduce pain, restore stability and get you back to the activities that matter most.

Whenever possible, care begins with nonsurgical options to reduce pain and support ankle function. Your plan may include:

• Bracing or protective boots to support the ankle and reduce risk of re-injury
• Physical therapy to build strength, flexibility, balance and stability
• Custom or off-the-shelf orthotics to improve alignment and reduce pressure on the ankle
• Medications or injections to ease pain and inflammation
• Activity and footwear guidance to protect the ankle while keeping you active

Your care team monitors your progress and discusses surgery only if symptoms or instability persist.

If surgery is needed, our orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons use advanced techniques to repair damage and restore stability while preserving motion whenever possible. Procedures may include:

• Ligament repair or reconstruction: tightening or rebuilding stretched or torn ligaments
• Fracture fixation: using plates, screws or other implants to realign and stabilize fractures
• Cartilage and soft tissue procedures: treating cartilage injuries, tendon tears or other soft tissue damage
• Arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery): using small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat joint problems
• Total ankle arthroplasty or fusion: in select arthritis cases, replacing the joint or fusing worn joints to relieve pain and improve function

Your surgeon will guide you to the approach that best fits your needs, goals and activity level.

Most people notice gradual improvement in pain and stability over the first few months after ankle repair, with continued gains in strength, balance and confidence through therapy. Outcomes are best when the joint is well aligned, the repair is protected during early healing, and you complete a guided rehabilitation program.

Many patients return to light daily activities and desk work within several weeks, and to more demanding work or sports in the following months, depending on the type of repair and your activity needs. Your care team will set realistic expectations for pain relief, motion and activity level.

We follow Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles to help reduce pain, support healing and encourage a safe return to activity. Typical care plans include:

• First weeks: protective boot or brace, elevation, pain control and limited weightbearing as directed
• Weeks 6–12: gradual increase in walking and weightbearing with physical therapy focused on motion, strength and balance
• Following months: continued strengthening, gait training and guided return to work, sports and higher-impact activities

Your care team will track your progress and adjust your plan to help you reach your goals. After recovery, they can recommend supportive footwear, orthotics and exercises to maintain comfort and protect your ankle.