How total ankle replacement got me back to the life I love
Not many people can say that they broke their ankle three times before the age of 18, but unfortunately I can. When I was 10 years old, I was playing with friends in a pile of dirt and hit a rock, fracturing my right ankle. Years later, while playing intramural basketball in college, I fractured my ankle a second time. My doctor was not happy with the way my ankle was setting and broke it for a third time to set it properly.
For nearly 50 years, my ankle never bothered me again, until the spring of 2014. At first, over-the-counter pain relievers helped to dull the pain, but after several months, it became unbearable. Even cortisone injections provided zero relief. Forced to walk with the use of a cane, I had had enough and searched for an end to my pain to help get me back to my regular, active self.
Finding a diagnosis
I was told I had neuropathy in my feet and that my only option was to undergo an ankle fusion procedure. After researching the procedure, I knew I didn’t want the back problems or shortened leg—a common side effect. After talking to my primary care physician, I learned of Dr. Matthew Hopson, an orthopedic specialist who offered total ankle replacement procedures. Tired of limping around and being held back from doing the things I’ve always loved—being outside with family, playing golf, walking my dog and fly fishing—I scheduled a consultation later that fall.
After reviewing my medical history, I was diagnosed with end-stage ankle arthritis. This was the first time I had received this diagnosis, but knew I was in capable hands. He suggested that we replace my ankle with the INFINITY Total Ankle System.
Getting the surgery
Last winter, I underwent the total ankle replacement surgery and received my new ankle in my right foot. Six weeks of physical therapy and modified weight-bearing followed, but a short 10 weeks after my procedure, I was able to start playing golf again with zero pain.
I don’t like sitting around and it drove me nuts not being able to do some of the things I love—like my work at Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (a charitable group that teaches and uses fly fishing for therapeutic value in physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military and disabled veterans). It was an excellent experience from start to finish and I recommend anyone else suffering from extreme ankle pain to consider the total ankle replacement surgery. I would do this again in a heartbeat.
