When do you know when you should get an ankle replacement?

Severe pain: Replacement of any joint should be considered only for painful joint that as not responded to non operative management such as therapy and medications.

Ankle arthritis: It depends on your level of pain, disability, and changes in quality of life. This is a personal decision. In general, you want to wait as long as possible.

Ankle Replacement: The bottom line should be....when it interferes with your normal and daily life activity. If painful when walking or standing for any period of time. If you are a candidate, total ankle replacement is an excellent choice (TAR). There are other option, Fusion and and non-surgical bracing. Bracing should be your first choice well constructed brace (Arizona or Ritchie) before surgery.

Pain all the time: The main reason for an ankle replacement is chronic pain and a posttraumatic situation. Other alternatives include fusion, ankle arthroscopy and ankle arthrodiastasis.