| Many people wonder what the purpose of ankle | | | | ankle until it is apparent that fusing is occurring. This |
| fusion is. What it does is remove the surface of the | | | | could easily take eight to twelve weeks. If you have |
| ankle joint by connecting bones with metal rods to | | | | both fuse ankle and knee replacement surgeries, you |
| allow the tibia, which is your larger lower leg bone, | | | | can expect to be off your feet for even longer. To |
| and the talus, which is the highest bone in your foot, | | | | help in the recovery process, basic practices can be |
| to grow together. | | | | performed like elevating the leg while sleeping. |
| This operation can be performed in many joints of | | | | There is more you can do, however, to increase |
| the body where painful join pain is debilitating. Before | | | | your recovery time, decrease and eventually |
| joint replacement options became available, this was | | | | eliminate pain, and restore full use to your legs. The |
| the operation of choice. Still, joint fusion is sometimes | | | | knowledge comes from an expert in the area that |
| the best choice. In some instances, a person will need | | | | has received two knee replacement surgeries and is |
| both fuse ankle and knee replacement surgery. In | | | | well aware of the pain and recovery time that |
| this case, there are a few preparatory steps you | | | | accompanies such an operation. The secrets are |
| should take before going into the operation. | | | | being revealed now, so if you are ready to jump |
| Before the decision to go under the knife is | | | | back into life totally pain free,Then you have so |
| unalterably decided, both the surgeon and the patient | | | | much more to learn! |
| must agree it is the best course of action. If you | | | | While there have been great advances in medical |
| have any questions or concerns, prior to the surgery | | | | technology, a successful outcome is determined by |
| will be the time to ask them. Both fuse ankle and | | | | the patient's attitude and willingness to do the |
| knee replacement surgeries are serious and | | | | necessary therapy. Based on their experience, many |
| permanent decisions. Before the surgery, your | | | | doctors have somewhat low expectations for |
| surgeon may recommend a checkup to be | | | | recovery and may not be very encouraging. It is up |
| performed by your regular doctor. It is important | | | | to the patient to find and follow an exercise program |
| that everything is in order with your overall physical | | | | that has already shown proven results. Equally |
| healthy before going into surgery. The night before | | | | important is finding a trainer or mentor who has a |
| the operation, be sure that you do not eat or drink | | | | positive attitude toward recovery from knee surgery |
| anything past midnight or in the morning prior to the | | | | and who can teach anyone the same mindset. |
| procedure. | | | | Believing it can be done and working with someone |
| After surgery, if only a fusion of the ankle has | | | | who has already achieved the desired results is the |
| occurred, it will be wrapped in a padded plaster cast | | | | key to returning to normal activities and remaining |
| for two weeks and replaced with a short-leg cast | | | | free from pain. |
| after that. You must not put any pressure on your | | | | |