Untreated Ankle Pain Can Diminish Your Life, Have Lasting Consequences
The ankle is a linchpin of health and wellbeing. There are few physical activities—low-impact, high-impact, or otherwise—that are possible without the ankle. When a sports or fitness injury, degenerative condition, or other ailment destabilizes your ankle or causes ankle pain, every facet of your life may suffer.
Premier Orthopaedics offers a variety of treatments for ankle problems, including, but not limited to, ankle replacement surgery. Their foot and ankle specialists will work with you to get your ankles back to full function, restore mobility, and alleviate pain.
Total Ankle Replacement Is On the Rise, and Could Help You
Total ankle replacement (TAR), also known as ankle arthroplasty, is increasingly common. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) observed a 31% increase in total ankle replacement surgery between 2007 and 2013. The journal attributes this increase to better implants and safer, more replicable surgical procedures.
Medical professionals have a firsthand view of the journey that patients with ankle pain take. In many cases, the journey concludes with successful ankle replacement surgery.
Main Line Today Top Doc Spencer J. Monaco DPM, FACFAS, a total ankle replacement surgeon, recognizes when patients may benefit from the surgery.
“Patients who present to the office with extreme ankle pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty walking long distances…they are suffering physically, and socially, and emotionally, because they have lost their previous mobility.”
Monaco explains that the decision to have ankle replacement surgery involves an overarching consideration: quality of life.
“Ankle pain that is interfering with your quality of life can be an indicator that it’s time to consider ankle replacement surgery.”
Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts Are at High Risk of Ankle Problems
Todd Michener, M.D., is a sports medicine surgeon and a Main Line Today “Top Doc.” He’s seen firsthand the correlation between both athletic and non-athletic exercise, and ankle injuries.
Michener estimates that 85% of activity-related ankle injuries are low ankle sprains. Low ankle sprains generally resolve with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. High ankle sprains are more serious, typically requiring a longer period of immobilization, the use of an ankle brace, and physical therapy.
For more serious ankle-related problems like an Achilles tendon rupture, fracture, or chronic pain, surgery may be the best option. The first step on the road to recovery is to correctly assess the cause and extent of the pain, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
“If someone has chronic ankle pain or an injury and just decides to bear with it, they’re missing the opportunity to get treatment that can often make them pain-free and help them have a better quality of life,” Michener explains. “Appropriate treatment can decrease the risk of further injuring your ankle.”
Michener explains that foregoing treatment isn’t just about improving your quality of life—it’s about avoiding serious adverse health consequences.
“Not treating undiagnosed injuries appropriately can lead to long-term problems with the foot and ankle. Appropriate treatment may even prevent permanent disability.”
If you’ve suffered an injury or experience chronic ankle pain, get help today.
Call Premier Orthopaedic Today to Find Relief from Ankle Problems
Ankle injuries and pain are treatable, no matter your age or personal circumstances. The team at Premier Orthopaedics will evaluate your ankle issues and explain the best course of treatment. For more information about our expertise and treatment options, visit PremierOrtho.com.
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