Why Wait? When to Consider a Total Ankle Replacement
Chronic ankle pain impacts every part of your life. It makes daily routines harder, limits activities you enjoy, and slowly chips away at your mobility and independence. For many, the pain comes from advanced arthritis, joint degeneration, sports injuries, or prior fractures and sprains. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering when it’s time to consider a definitive solution like Total Ankle Replacement (TAR).
Foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Cameron Eilts specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions and has years of experience and expertise in Total Ankle Replacement. Dr. Eilts has seen firsthand how the surgery can be life-changing for people who have been dealing with pain for years and can no longer maintain an active lifestyle. His message to patients is simple: Why wait? You don’t have to let chronic ankle pain keep you from living the life you love.
What is Total Ankle Replacement?
TAR is a procedure where the damaged ankle joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. The artificial joint is made up of three parts: two metal pieces that are inserted into the tibia (lower leg bone) and the talus (bone that connects the leg to the foot), separated by a plastic spacer. The spacer prevents the bones from rubbing together and allows the joint to move smoothly.
How is the Procedure Done?
Using real-time imaging to ensure precision, Dr. Eilts makes an incision in the ankle, removes the worn-out cartilage and bone while reshaping the surfaces. Before placing the actual implant, he uses trial components to check for alignment, fit, and range of motion. He then attaches the two metal pieces to the tibia and talus bones and inserts the spacer in between. The surgery is performed under anesthesia and usually takes one hour.
When to Consider Total Ankle Replacement
Many people “tough it out” with ankle pain for years, assuming it’s just part of getting older or being active. Many people are not aware that replacing the ankle joint is even possible. But if chronic pain is affecting your schedule, hobbies or mood; that’s a sign that it’s worth talking to a specialist like Dr. Eilts. The earlier you get an evaluation, the more options you have, and the better the long-term outcome. Waiting until the joint is severely damaged can potentially make future surgery more complex.
Total Ankle Replacement is recommended for patients who have not found lasting relief from conservative treatments like ankle braces, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections. If you have the following, you may be a good candidate for TAR:
- Chronic ankle pain that significantly limits daily activities
- Advanced arthritis caused by injury, wear-and-tear, or inflammatory conditions
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
- Swelling or stiffness in the joint
Not everyone with chronic pain needs surgery, and Dr. Eilts takes the time to understand your individual health, lifestyle, and goals to ensure you’re informed and empowered to make the best decision. He performs TAR in New Hampshire at New England Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and in Maine at York Hospital, giving you multiple convenient locations for consultation, surgery, and follow-up care.
Why Wait?
You don’t have to wait until you can barely get around. If chronic ankle pain has you cutting back on activities you enjoy and rearranging your life around what your ankle will “allow,” it may be time to ask whether Total Ankle Replacement is right for you. Scheduling a visit with Dr. Eilts doesn’t commit you to surgery–it gives you clarity, a customized treatment plan, and the chance to move forward to a life with less pain and more time doing what you love.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eilts so you can get back to your active lifestyle sooner rather than later.
