I am two weeks post ankle fusion surgery and I have found your videos superb and very reassuring. I am a 56 year old man who is very active (fitness wise) and your experiences have really left me feeling positive towards the recovery process
Yes mate! No excuses and that. Ankle fusion is a bit shit and annoying but you can work around it. Also people have worst shit and I always try to stay positive.
I had a fusion in 2009. What I have learnt: 1. Keep your weight low but healthy obviously. 2. Keep an eye on your medial longitudinal arch. The inside arch of your foot. It tends to drop and become flat. 3. You can still run!!!! Start slow. Let your foot tell you how far and fast you can go. 4. New Balance 1080. Amazing trainers! I had my fusion after a motorcycle accident. As a result of massive soft tissue damage I don't have feeling in my heel and about 2/3 of my foot and the blood circulation is severely compromised. That is why the New Balance 1080's are amazing. It's like a sock with a slightly scalloped running sole. I cannot feel if a shoe is chafing my foot. These trainers are amazing and no more blister surprises!
Hey. Same happened with me . My medial mallelous got crushed in accident. I got my ankle fusion done 2 months back. I just started walking with crutches. Which shoes i should wear and which all exercise help in recovery?
@@hemamunjal105New Balance 1080's have been the best option for me without a doubt. I have however not tried the Hoka's yet. I had my fusion in 2008. Try to keep bottom of your foot as stong as possible. Try putting as much weight as you can on the front of your foot especially when standing to avoid locking your knees. Otherwise your knees are going to get sore. I was in a motorcycle accident and my right leg was non weight bearing for 2 years. So my situation was a little extreme. Luckily I was 26 at the time so that helped. But the biggest thing is weight. Secondly I found cutting carbohydrates out of my life reduced the inflation and joint pain dramatically.
I had a traumatic ankle break in 2013, I managed over these years with some pain and ibuprofen🙂, June of 2021 I had another surgery they hoped to bring pain level down….unfortunately it made it 24/7 high pain. I could walk before June surgery, now six month later I am pretty much non weight bearing and using crutches to navigate. I ran up to 3 years ago and I am a gym rat still going every day….there is a lot more to me than this dang ankle…anyway, I am facing fusion, my only choice, hopefully in February or sooner. Thank you for sharing your story. I will not give up on living my best life possible. I still hope to hunt, climb mountains, hike, ride my horses….not giving up but your content is helping a lot. Thank you so much!!!
Hey. My ankle is good enough for me to be able walk but I’m not sure how I would do hiking. I know some people can continue to hike and crimp mountains. For further inspiration please look up a bloke called Steve Backshall. He is a British nature presenter who had his ankle fused several years ago. He is still able to hike up mountains and he even won the celebrity dancing show in the Uk! I randomly bumped into him in London once and told him he was an inspiration!!
@@anklefusionguy Steve had a subtalar fusion though, which is very very different and not to be confused. I think surgeons in the UK are very dishonest about this blurring the two operations. The TT fusion that you've had is a far more disabling surgery than the ST fusion that Steve had. I was shown videos of Steve by several UK surgeons, who were encouraging me to have a TT (ankle) fusion. They were being wholly dishonest.
I have done allready 2 surgeries but last option is fusion m very confused 😢 my age is 29 either i will commit suicide else i go with fusion.. i dont want to run skip hike .. onlythink i want is pain less life… nothing else .. any suggestions pls let me know
Ankle fusion in 2009 at aged 30 after a car accident in 2005. Dont regret getting it done. My ankle was fused at 95% which was the closest my surgeon could get to 90%. This unfortunately has meant I do walk with a slight limp and I am limited with the shoes I can wear. I live in new balance and can only go barefoot for short periods. Over the years I have noticed that the long bones in my foot hurt if I am walking alot. Even with some of the challenges I would do it all again as its better than the pain I had previously. Its great to read that people are walking 10 weeks post op. I was non weight bearing for 6 months before I was even allowed to attempt to walk.
I wear fitflops (they’re orthopaedic) for around the house. Very comfortable. Same I can’t go long bare feet. The MBT Zee range trainers are the Goat in my opinion for ankle fusion. I can walk in anything else for long periods of time
Thank you so much for your videos and information about life with fusion. I am from Belarus and here in the russian and belarusian-speaking environment we have very little information from orthopedists or people who are well versed in the topic of fusion.
Got my surgery on April 22nd. Now using crutches and a plástico boot. According to doctor, on 19th this month, will be walking only with boot. Your vid gave me a hope on sports again.
Thanks for this video mate. One thing I was really not sure about deciding in favour of fusion was whether I'd still be able to shift gear on my motorbike as it is my left ankle. Your video indicates that will still be possible. I was almost accepting having to live with pain because I would be devastated if I couldn't ride!
I need to have 2 ankle fusions and surgery to lower my arches. I already don't have movement in feet and ankle so I'm hoping I might actually be able to do more after it without pain. I'm terrified, I've been putting it off for years. My backstory - I was born with severe clubfoot in both feet and I have my first surgery at 9 months old a tendon transfer and I had ilizarov frames on both legs from toes to knees at around ages 3-5 followed by splints/orthotics. My feet relapsed as an adult and from age 18 (I'm 30 now) my feet and ankles have been deteriorating. I have an antalgic gait, curved feet, misaligned bones, high arches, stiff ankle joint with little movement, long term chronic pain, arthritis, osteopenic bones in the feet, stress fractures and the list goes on... I can't walk much at all 😥
Hopefully the fusion surgeries will help your pain. It sounds like you have been through a lot. Good luck and remember there is life after fusion. You can remain active and stay fit
Thank for the video wish I had this information before I had my ankle Fused . I have had a Fused ankle since 1999. Somethings are hard to do like Hiking over roughy ground , walking down hill, swimming and cross country sking. My foot will get sore if I spend to much I on my feet . But I’m 76 years old
I’ve had both ankles fused due to arthritis. Unfortunately my right ankle is now experiencing chronic pain deep in the fusion. The surgeon is puzzled but I’m grumpy with the ongoing limitations. Both calf muscles have wasted considerably.
Thanks for doing this series! I am 9 weeks post surgery, in a boot and walking w/ crutches. Did walking help the most as you recovered? What were the best "at home" exercises you did? Thanks again.
Yeah to be honest just gradual walking was the best. I just continued to practice walking then once I could walk I started to slowly do leg exercises to build my atrophied leg eg seated leg curls, leg press, squats. If you are just at home and don’t have access to a gym I would do body weight squats with raised heels and body weight Bulgarian split squats. Also I remember an exercise just after the surgery where you sit down have your foot flat and then just raise your heel for many reps. Will start to build a little bit of muscle back in your calf. Hope this helps and good luck
Thanks for the videos, it reassuring to hear from someone who is positive and not trying to sell something. I'm 13 weeks post fusion surgery, and a week into the boot but my surgeon hasn't mentioned any physio yet. Is that something I should be looking for, and any do you have any guidance on what to expect?
Tbh I can’t remember too much about the physio, I know I had some exercises to do to start to strength the leg. The main focus was strengthening the leg as a whole and work on balance. There are no exercises to improve mobility because once it’s fused that’s it but I guess you already know that. My advice is build the strength up in your quads, hamstrings and glutes of your fused ankle leg. Body weight stuff first then start to add weights. Check out my squats video. Good luck 👍🏼
I'm so nervous about the fusion I'm having. I'm having it done at St.Georges hospital. Really glad I found this and I will be documenting mine also. Thank you
@@anklefusionguy Thanks! Ps. If you don't mind me asking, how old were you when you had it done? I'm 36. Do you recon not being a spring chicken will limit my recovery? Ha Ps. Did you use a knee scooter or iwalk?
I had my bad injury when I was 27. Then followed 6 years of unsuccessful operations finally ending in fusion when I was 33. You’ll be fine. Im 36 now. Your age shouldn’t affect your recovery. I used a knee scooter yes and crutches of course. I would recommend a knee scooter for sure.
@@anklefusionguy I appreciate the advice. Apologies for the '20 questions' 😆 Just looked up some knee scooters. Will be rocking one of those after surgery. They even have a little basket at the front! 😂
Chelsea and Westminster hospital. You should be fine, whenever you go they should provide an ankle specialist. You should be able to find info online of your surgeons experience/ CV
I'll eventually need an ankle fusion or total ankle replacement. I really enjoy hiking and mountain climbing. Have you tried these at all with your fused ankle?
I haven’t no. I don’t think I would be able to with my ankle fusion although I know some people can. For example Steve Backshall (a British nature tv presenter) still hikes up mountains.
Sorry I’m not a doctor or physio and tbh I didn’t do many exercises for this. You may need to consult your doctor or find some other informative videos on UA-cam
Hello, yes you should be able to dance. You might have to buy some comfortable shoes. Check out Steve Backshall. He’s a UK tv presenter who has had an ankle fusion and he won a celebrity dance show.
I had fusion 2015 and now looking towards below the knee amputation after 2 failed ankle reconstructions also. The reconstructions went fine for awhile try that 1st, I hate the fusion,always in pain & can only move toes which are numb,always swollen & in pain won't wish on my worse enemy it sucks😡👎
Sorry to hear that Rican. I have been quite fortunate with my fusion and it seems to have worked quite well. Before fusion I had to use crutches to walk around
Dmitriy - I once spoke to an ex army vet who had one below knee amputation leg and his other ankle was fused. He recommended that do fusion if possible first for sure. Having the amputation comes with lots of other complications. Also if the fusion is successful like mine no one can even tell that you have it. Good luck
I had ankle fusion 8 years ago , wish I hadn’t. The lack of mobility it tough to take . Ive tried everything to get it to loosen up but it becomes stiff snd almost locked overnight..its a big decision. One i wish I didn’t make .
Sorry to hear this. I just be fortunate because mine doesn’t feel so stiff even though there is lack of mobility. If I didn’t have the fusion then I would still be walking with crutches so I am lucky that it worked for me. I wish you all the best for the future
Did it take a long time for you to regain this flexibility after surgery? I had an infection after my 2 surgeries and therefore my foot was in a neutral position for a very long time before I could work on the movement. And now it is really stiff, especially my big toe. Do you have any tips?
It took about 16 weeks post surgery to get this flexibility. Sorry I’m not a professional I’m this area. Please take advice from your surgeon. You will probably need to see a physio to help with exercises to improve movement
hello, I want to ask you if you have problems with the total ankle fusion when you walk on uneven, bumpy terrain, I have not yet the ankle fusion, I had a sprain with Fra ture and calcaneus, I am recovering, I was operated on and my foot was debrided sinus tarsi and fixed with a talus and calcaneus screw in the tarsi sinus area and that screw limits my movement on rough terrain, seeing that you can move the ankle well from the navicular, I can at the moment just need a little more training to be able to move the ankle like you, how did you manage to be able to move the ankle through the other joints?
@@anklefusionguy that's good for you for me, even though I don't have ankle fusion, the fact that the screw blocks my talocalcaneal joint is a nightmare for me to go, for example, to the square of the town hall in Frankfurt, where the cubic stone is, or on the seafront by hand, because I feel every bump in my ankle and I painful, I feel every day the movement that you can do to compensate for the lack of movement in the talocalcaneal joint, it is possible that that screw will remain there for the rest of my life and this will affect my tibiotalar joint, I do not want to end up with ankle fusion, I have seen that no more you have pain after the fusion, who knows, maybe in time I will also get there for a fusion
hi i had a fusion a year a go struggling a lot ... after a long day on my feet inflamation and pain.. my question is??? what can i do to build up my calve again for the mucles has collapsed totaly... cramps a lot when trying to do raises. thanks for you videos they are helping a lot
Hello. I don’t train my calves directly because I can’t. I don’t have much movement in the fused ankle and my other ankle is sore also. My calves have built slightly from squatting regularly with the raised heels. They won’t grow massive but I have noticed them becoming a bit bigger and stronger. Please check out me video for footwear. If I didn’t wear the MBT Zee rocker bottom trainers I would also have pain everyday. They are my lifesaver
@@anklefusionguy I've been researching about flexor table, would it work to train the calf? I don't have ankle fusion, but I have surgery on the navicular bone and the foot has up and down movement
Check out my latest video about my story. No acute pain like before and I can walk normally in my MBT trainers (also explained in one of my videos). There is some pain in the muscles around the joint after doing 12k steps or more so then I have to rest it
It just took time. My ankle even now looks a little swollen but I think that is scar tissue. Walking took about 12 weeks after the operation I think. Gradually coming away from crutches. I took my time
Hi mate, sorry but i've hoy my anule fue es, and would like to know ir hoy can go downstairs with both legs. I can go upstairs, but downstairs only with one foot.
I can walk up to 12k steps a day. After that it starts to hurt a bit. I have walked up to 18k in a day. After a good night sleep the next day my ankle is recovered and ready to go again
Sorry not doing videos atm, too busy with work. I can tell you that uneven surfaces are fine as long as I am in my MBT trainers. Barefoot would be an issue and probably cause pain
A range of resistance/ weight training is what I do. I adapt some of the exercises because of my ankle e.g. raised heels. Other exercise which is fine: cycling, swimming, cross trainer, stair climber,
Loved this - thank you! I feel like my physical health is slowly getting better but mental health is taking a toll. Would love a vid/ comment on your opinion!!
@@AnkleFusion-h5o im not really an expert in mental health but I know for me going to the gym helped. I even went to the gym on crutches and would sit on some machines and do what I could. Always made me feel better. Also without sounding patronising I would put things into perspective and realise that a lot of people have it much worse and just try to stay positive. There’s so much you can still do with a fused ankle
Standing all day without rest would be painful for me. I need rests every now and again. Some people with fusion are able to hike up mountains without pain so it depends on the individual circumstance.
I think it will definitely atrophy. My calves were already skinny so it’s hard to say how much size you will lose. I’m the grand scheme of things I don’t think it’s a bit deal if you’re able to be pain free in the ankle. I get some calf stimulation when doing squats with raised heels. Good luck
A little bit through heel elevated squats but not as much as directed work. I’ve accepted that my fused ankle calf will be smaller, it’s not the worst thing in the world. I can build all other muscles.
Is Subtalar arthrodesis a good idea? I have an orthopedist that strongly against it and a podiatrist supporting it. I am big grappling athlete and worried
If you can avoid fusion then you probably should because it limits movement. I had to get fusion due to the pain. Sorry I am not an expert and everyone has a slightly different problem. I would listen to the doctors advice
@@anklefusionguy sorry I was wrong it is actually a calcaneal osteotomy (not fusion) not subtalar arthrodesis I got confused because there is also a midfoot osteotomy with some rod hardware which is supposed to not limit mobility
Hello, I think your doctor/ physio should have given you some exercises. I only remember the one where you sit with feet flat on the floor and just raise your heel off the floor (heel raises). Then as that gets easier you start to do it with some weight through the ankle until you can eventually do it whilst standing
Thank you for answering my query. Yes they make me do exercise to strengthen abductors and hamstrings. I have started walking with rocker bottom shoe and crutches. Does walking help in to get back to normal like walking without crutches?
@@hemamunjal105 yeah for sure, walk with crutches and gradually you can start putting more weight through the ankle and less weight on the crutches. Don’t rush it and listen to your body, if it hurts ease off. Eventually you will be able to walk small distances without crutches and then completely lose the crutches. Good luck!
@@anklefusionguy yeah i am so hoping so by god’s grace. Now i try to walk at least 2k to 3k steps in a day with the help of crutches. Heel do pains sometimes. My rocker bottom has good sole but what do you think about cushioning sole for heel pain?
I am two weeks post ankle fusion surgery and I have found your videos superb and very reassuring. I am a 56 year old man who is very active (fitness wise) and your experiences have really left me feeling positive towards the recovery process
Yes mate! No excuses and that. Ankle fusion is a bit shit and annoying but you can work around it. Also people have worst shit and I always try to stay positive.
How you getting on Steve?
I had a fusion in 2009.
What I have learnt:
1. Keep your weight low but healthy obviously.
2. Keep an eye on your medial longitudinal arch. The inside arch of your foot. It tends to drop and become flat.
3. You can still run!!!! Start slow. Let your foot tell you how far and fast you can go.
4. New Balance 1080. Amazing trainers!
I had my fusion after a motorcycle accident. As a result of massive soft tissue damage I don't have feeling in my heel and about 2/3 of my foot and the blood circulation is severely compromised. That is why the New Balance 1080's are amazing. It's like a sock with a slightly scalloped running sole. I cannot feel if a shoe is chafing my foot. These trainers are amazing and no more blister surprises!
Hey. Same happened with me . My medial mallelous got crushed in accident. I got my ankle fusion done 2 months back. I just started walking with crutches. Which shoes i should wear and which all exercise help in recovery?
@@hemamunjal105New Balance 1080's have been the best option for me without a doubt. I have however not tried the Hoka's yet.
I had my fusion in 2008.
Try to keep bottom of your foot as stong as possible. Try putting as much weight as you can on the front of your foot especially when standing to avoid locking your knees. Otherwise your knees are going to get sore.
I was in a motorcycle accident and my right leg was non weight bearing for 2 years. So my situation was a little extreme. Luckily I was 26 at the time so that helped.
But the biggest thing is weight. Secondly I found cutting carbohydrates out of my life reduced the inflation and joint pain dramatically.
I had a traumatic ankle break in 2013, I managed over these years with some pain and ibuprofen🙂, June of 2021 I had another surgery they hoped to bring pain level down….unfortunately it made it 24/7 high pain. I could walk before June surgery, now six month later I am pretty much non weight bearing and using crutches to navigate. I ran up to 3 years ago and I am a gym rat still going every day….there is a lot more to me than this dang ankle…anyway, I am facing fusion, my only choice, hopefully in February or sooner. Thank you for sharing your story. I will not give up on living my best life possible. I still hope to hunt, climb mountains, hike, ride my horses….not giving up but your content is helping a lot. Thank you so much!!!
Hey. My ankle is good enough for me to be able walk but I’m not sure how I would do hiking. I know some people can continue to hike and crimp mountains. For further inspiration please look up a bloke called Steve Backshall. He is a British nature presenter who had his ankle fused several years ago. He is still able to hike up mountains and he even won the celebrity dancing show in the Uk! I randomly bumped into him in London once and told him he was an inspiration!!
Same... Still struggling and I have so much more pain since ankle fusion surgery 😭
@@anklefusionguy Steve had a subtalar fusion though, which is very very different and not to be confused. I think surgeons in the UK are very dishonest about this blurring the two operations. The TT fusion that you've had is a far more disabling surgery than the ST fusion that Steve had.
I was shown videos of Steve by several UK surgeons, who were encouraging me to have a TT (ankle) fusion. They were being wholly dishonest.
Any update on ur ankle?
I have done allready 2 surgeries but last option is fusion m very confused 😢 my age is 29 either i will commit suicide else i go with fusion.. i dont want to run skip hike .. onlythink i want is pain less life… nothing else .. any suggestions pls let me know
Ankle fusion in 2009 at aged 30 after a car accident in 2005. Dont regret getting it done. My ankle was fused at 95% which was the closest my surgeon could get to 90%. This unfortunately has meant I do walk with a slight limp and I am limited with the shoes I can wear. I live in new balance and can only go barefoot for short periods. Over the years I have noticed that the long bones in my foot hurt if I am walking alot. Even with some of the challenges I would do it all again as its better than the pain I had previously. Its great to read that people are walking 10 weeks post op. I was non weight bearing for 6 months before I was even allowed to attempt to walk.
I wear fitflops (they’re orthopaedic) for around the house. Very comfortable. Same I can’t go long bare feet. The MBT Zee range trainers are the Goat in my opinion for ankle fusion. I can walk in anything else for long periods of time
Thank you so much for your videos and information about life with fusion.
I am from Belarus and here in the russian and belarusian-speaking environment we have very little information from orthopedists or people who are well versed in the topic of fusion.
Got my surgery on April 22nd. Now using crutches and a plástico boot. According to doctor, on 19th this month, will be walking only with boot. Your vid gave me a hope on sports again.
Thanks so much for your video
Thank you for the videos, keep them coming
Thanks for this video mate. One thing I was really not sure about deciding in favour of fusion was whether I'd still be able to shift gear on my motorbike as it is my left ankle. Your video indicates that will still be possible. I was almost accepting having to live with pain because I would be devastated if I couldn't ride!
Great video. I had my ankle fusion over a week ago
Thank you so much for your videos they help so much.
Thank you I was so worried about future election on my up coming fusion
Thank you
Love you bro I m from India I m suffering from ankle pain after sprain my ankle and I m not tolerate but you did great job
Hm. This might not be the same for me. I have cerebral palsy. I don't have that movement but I got my surgery this past October.
I need to have 2 ankle fusions and surgery to lower my arches. I already don't have movement in feet and ankle so I'm hoping I might actually be able to do more after it without pain. I'm terrified, I've been putting it off for years.
My backstory - I was born with severe clubfoot in both feet and I have my first surgery at 9 months old a tendon transfer and I had ilizarov frames on both legs from toes to knees at around ages 3-5 followed by splints/orthotics. My feet relapsed as an adult and from age 18 (I'm 30 now) my feet and ankles have been deteriorating. I have an antalgic gait, curved feet, misaligned bones, high arches, stiff ankle joint with little movement, long term chronic pain, arthritis, osteopenic bones in the feet, stress fractures and the list goes on... I can't walk much at all 😥
Hopefully the fusion surgeries will help your pain. It sounds like you have been through a lot. Good luck and remember there is life after fusion. You can remain active and stay fit
Thank for the video wish I had this information before I had my ankle Fused . I have had a Fused ankle since 1999. Somethings are hard to do like Hiking over roughy ground , walking down hill, swimming and cross country sking. My foot will get sore if I spend to much I on my feet . But I’m 76 years old
I’ve had both ankles fused due to arthritis. Unfortunately my right ankle is now experiencing chronic pain deep in the fusion. The surgeon is puzzled but I’m grumpy with the ongoing limitations. Both calf muscles have wasted considerably.
How long did it take from the time therapy started to now for you to get that range of motion?
Thanks for doing this series! I am 9 weeks post surgery, in a boot and walking w/ crutches. Did walking help the most as you recovered? What were the best "at home" exercises you did? Thanks again.
Yeah to be honest just gradual walking was the best. I just continued to practice walking then once I could walk I started to slowly do leg exercises to build my atrophied leg eg seated leg curls, leg press, squats. If you are just at home and don’t have access to a gym I would do body weight squats with raised heels and body weight Bulgarian split squats. Also I remember an exercise just after the surgery where you sit down have your foot flat and then just raise your heel for many reps. Will start to build a little bit of muscle back in your calf. Hope this helps and good luck
I need it bad but have a job with no physical limitations but I am so limited now I rather retire than risk more injury.
Hello 👋 please recommend some excercise for ankle mobility..
I've went through 9 leg and ankle surgeries since 2019.. my pain is crazy. My dr said an ankle fusion is my only option now but I'm terrified...
Hello, what happened to you to have so many operations? I have had an ankle fracture and I am going for the second operation, greetings

Thanks for the videos, it reassuring to hear from someone who is positive and not trying to sell something. I'm 13 weeks post fusion surgery, and a week into the boot but my surgeon hasn't mentioned any physio yet. Is that something I should be looking for, and any do you have any guidance on what to expect?
Tbh I can’t remember too much about the physio, I know I had some exercises to do to start to strength the leg. The main focus was strengthening the leg as a whole and work on balance. There are no exercises to improve mobility because once it’s fused that’s it but I guess you already know that. My advice is build the strength up in your quads, hamstrings and glutes of your fused ankle leg. Body weight stuff first then start to add weights. Check out my squats video. Good luck 👍🏼
R u walking now....and how
@@SanjayChaudhari-om2zv yes. Check out my other videos. I show which footwear to buy and also show myself walking in 1 of the videos. Thanks
I'm so nervous about the fusion I'm having. I'm having it done at St.Georges hospital. Really glad I found this and I will be documenting mine also. Thank you
You’re welcome. Good luck 👍🏼
@@anklefusionguy Thanks! Ps. If you don't mind me asking, how old were you when you had it done? I'm 36. Do you recon not being a spring chicken will limit my recovery? Ha
Ps. Did you use a knee scooter or iwalk?
I had my bad injury when I was 27. Then followed 6 years of unsuccessful operations finally ending in fusion when I was 33. You’ll be fine. Im 36 now. Your age shouldn’t affect your recovery. I used a knee scooter yes and crutches of course. I would recommend a knee scooter for sure.
@@anklefusionguy I appreciate the advice. Apologies for the '20 questions' 😆
Just looked up some knee scooters. Will be rocking one of those after surgery. They even have a little basket at the front! 😂
where was your ankle operated on in the UK? it looks like this is waiting for me next year. I'm a little scared.
Chelsea and Westminster hospital. You should be fine, whenever you go they should provide an ankle specialist. You should be able to find info online of your surgeons experience/ CV
maybe it's a silly question. but I want to know if you can dance with ankle fusión?
I had a ankle fusion surgery on the 30th of may and I have been in a boot for a week on the 22nd of July I had my cast off
I walk with a limp after fusion, can flex only my toes, now amputation fusion sucks (arthritis )
I'll eventually need an ankle fusion or total ankle replacement. I really enjoy hiking and mountain climbing. Have you tried these at all with your fused ankle?
I haven’t no. I don’t think I would be able to with my ankle fusion although I know some people can. For example Steve Backshall (a British nature tv presenter) still hikes up mountains.
I think it would cause me pain, maybe small hikes would be ok with regular stops
Hello from india 🇮🇳.. please recommend some excercise for ankle mobility..
Sorry I’m not a doctor or physio and tbh I didn’t do many exercises for this. You may need to consult your doctor or find some other informative videos on UA-cam
Great videos mate. I had an ankle fusion 10 days ago. Is it possible for you to dance quite a bit? Greetings from germany.
Hello, yes you should be able to dance. You might have to buy some comfortable shoes. Check out Steve Backshall. He’s a UK tv presenter who has had an ankle fusion and he won a celebrity dance show.
I had fusion 2015 and now looking towards below the knee amputation after 2 failed ankle reconstructions also. The reconstructions went fine for awhile try that 1st, I hate the fusion,always in pain & can only move toes which are numb,always swollen & in pain won't wish on my worse enemy it sucks😡👎
Sorry to hear that Rican. I have been quite fortunate with my fusion and it seems to have worked quite well. Before fusion I had to use crutches to walk around
Dmitriy - I once spoke to an ex army vet who had one below knee amputation leg and his other ankle was fused. He recommended that do fusion if possible first for sure. Having the amputation comes with lots of other complications. Also if the fusion is successful like mine no one can even tell that you have it. Good luck
Did you have a lot of movement in your ankle prior to the fusion?
No not so much due to the number of times I had sprained it. Scar tissue etc…
Also the cartilage damage meant I didn’t have much mobility in it anyway
I had ankle fusion 8 years ago , wish I hadn’t. The lack of mobility it tough to take . Ive tried everything to get it to loosen up but it becomes stiff snd almost locked overnight..its a big decision. One i wish I didn’t make .
Sorry to hear this. I just be fortunate because mine doesn’t feel so stiff even though there is lack of mobility. If I didn’t have the fusion then I would still be walking with crutches so I am lucky that it worked for me. I wish you all the best for the future
Did it take a long time for you to regain this flexibility after surgery? I had an infection after my 2 surgeries and therefore my foot was in a neutral position for a very long time before I could work on the movement. And now it is really stiff, especially my big toe. Do you have any tips?
It took about 16 weeks post surgery to get this flexibility.
Sorry I’m not a professional I’m this area. Please take advice from your surgeon. You will probably need to see a physio to help with exercises to improve movement
hello, I want to ask you if you have problems with the total ankle fusion when you walk on uneven, bumpy terrain, I have not yet the ankle fusion, I had a sprain with Fra ture and calcaneus, I am recovering, I was operated on and my foot was debrided sinus tarsi and fixed with a talus and calcaneus screw in the tarsi sinus area and that screw limits my movement on rough terrain, seeing that you can move the ankle well from the navicular, I can at the moment just need a little more training to be able to move the ankle like you, how did you manage to be able to move the ankle through the other joints?
@@florind9554 I don’t have problems with pain waking over uneven bumpy terrain but my balance is not as good as before the fusion.
@@florind9554 I didn’t do anything to be able to move the other joints. I think I have a very flexible and moveable foot
@@anklefusionguy that's good for you for me, even though I don't have ankle fusion, the fact that the screw blocks my talocalcaneal joint is a nightmare for me to go, for example, to the square of the town hall in Frankfurt, where the cubic stone is, or on the seafront by hand, because I feel every bump in my ankle and I painful, I feel every day the movement that you can do to compensate for the lack of movement in the talocalcaneal joint, it is possible that that screw will remain there for the rest of my life and this will affect my tibiotalar joint, I do not want to end up with ankle fusion, I have seen that no more you have pain after the fusion, who knows, maybe in time I will also get there for a fusion
hi i had a fusion a year a go struggling a lot ... after a long day on my feet inflamation and pain.. my question is??? what can i do to build up my calve again for the mucles has collapsed totaly... cramps a lot when trying to do raises. thanks for you videos they are helping a lot
Hello. I don’t train my calves directly because I can’t. I don’t have much movement in the fused ankle and my other ankle is sore also. My calves have built slightly from squatting regularly with the raised heels. They won’t grow massive but I have noticed them becoming a bit bigger and stronger. Please check out me video for footwear. If I didn’t wear the MBT Zee rocker bottom trainers I would also have pain everyday. They are my lifesaver
@@anklefusionguy I've been researching about flexor table, would it work to train the calf? I don't have ankle fusion, but I have surgery on the navicular bone and the foot has up and down movement
How about sport, volleyball / football / running. Possible?
Not recommended
Do you still have any pain ?
Check out my latest video about my story. No acute pain like before and I can walk normally in my MBT trainers (also explained in one of my videos). There is some pain in the muscles around the joint after doing 12k steps or more so then I have to rest it
HOW DID U STOP THE PAIN SWELLING...AND WHEN WAS U ABLE TO WALK ON UR FUSION WITHOUT MEDS..I'M READY TO GET BACK TO MY DAILY MORNING EXCERISES
It just took time. My ankle even now looks a little swollen but I think that is scar tissue. Walking took about 12 weeks after the operation I think. Gradually coming away from crutches. I took my time
Be patient
Hi mate, sorry but i've hoy my anule fue es, and would like to know ir hoy can go downstairs with both legs. I can go upstairs, but downstairs only with one foot.
Sorry I’m not sure if you’ve had the same as me. I can go up and down stairs ok yea
Wow! I barely have any movement and With a dropped foot it makes things worse
Sorry I’m not sure what a dropped foot is?
Is it possible to transplant the ankle from one person to another? Is there a study for this matter?
I don’t think so, I have never heard of this. They do an ankle replacement but I don’t think it lasts for very long
Thanks for your videos. Are you able to drive without problems?
You’re welcome. No problem with driving. Check out my common questions video 👍🏼
How much distance is walking per day without pain? Thank you, dear brother
I can walk up to 12k steps a day. After that it starts to hurt a bit. I have walked up to 18k in a day. After a good night sleep the next day my ankle is recovered and ready to go again
Can you show a clip of you walking on uneven surfaces?
Sorry not doing videos atm, too busy with work. I can tell you that uneven surfaces are fine as long as I am in my MBT trainers. Barefoot would be an issue and probably cause pain
Best Workout?
A range of resistance/ weight training is what I do. I adapt some of the exercises because of my ankle e.g. raised heels.
Other exercise which is fine: cycling, swimming, cross trainer, stair climber,
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Loved this - thank you! I feel like my physical health is slowly getting better but mental health is taking a toll. Would love a vid/ comment on your opinion!!
@@AnkleFusion-h5o im not really an expert in mental health but I know for me going to the gym helped. I even went to the gym on crutches and would sit on some machines and do what I could. Always made me feel better. Also without sounding patronising I would put things into perspective and realise that a lot of people have it much worse and just try to stay positive. There’s so much you can still do with a fused ankle
Is it possible to stand all day without ankle pain?
Standing all day without rest would be painful for me. I need rests every now and again. Some people with fusion are able to hike up mountains without pain so it depends on the individual circumstance.
Is my calf muscle going to literally disintegrate after my fusion surgery.?
I think it will definitely atrophy. My calves were already skinny so it’s hard to say how much size you will lose. I’m the grand scheme of things I don’t think it’s a bit deal if you’re able to be pain free in the ankle. I get some calf stimulation when doing squats with raised heels. Good luck
Is it possible to build calf muscle after a fusion?
A little bit through heel elevated squats but not as much as directed work. I’ve accepted that my fused ankle calf will be smaller, it’s not the worst thing in the world. I can build all other muscles.
Is Subtalar arthrodesis a good idea? I have an orthopedist that strongly against it and a podiatrist supporting it. I am big grappling athlete and worried
If you can avoid fusion then you probably should because it limits movement. I had to get fusion due to the pain. Sorry I am not an expert and everyone has a slightly different problem. I would listen to the doctors advice
Maybe get a 2nd opinion
@@anklefusionguy sorry I was wrong it is actually a calcaneal osteotomy (not fusion) not subtalar arthrodesis I got confused because there is also a midfoot osteotomy with some rod hardware which is supposed to not limit mobility
@@lt4376 sorry I don’t know what that means.
@@anklefusionguy sorry just not going to get the subtalar arthrodesis, but instead two other procedures
Hm may it cost
I live in England so we have a National Health Service. Everyone pays into it so you don’t have to pay for big operations
Hi did you have ST fusion or TT fusion??
Hello, sorry I don’t know the difference between the two. I have two large screws from my tibia into my talus.
You can see the X-ray I’m some of my videos
Hey, i am 2 months post op of ankle fusion. Would you please tell me which exercise should i do to strengthen my muscles and walk without limp?
Hello, I think your doctor/ physio should have given you some exercises. I only remember the one where you sit with feet flat on the floor and just raise your heel off the floor (heel raises). Then as that gets easier you start to do it with some weight through the ankle until you can eventually do it whilst standing
You shouldn’t limp. Especially with good footwear. I recommend MBT trainers. If not then any rocker bottom sole trainer a
Thank you for answering my query. Yes they make me do exercise to strengthen abductors and hamstrings. I have started walking with rocker bottom shoe and crutches. Does walking help in to get back to normal like walking without crutches?
@@hemamunjal105 yeah for sure, walk with crutches and gradually you can start putting more weight through the ankle and less weight on the crutches. Don’t rush it and listen to your body, if it hurts ease off. Eventually you will be able to walk small distances without crutches and then completely lose the crutches. Good luck!
@@anklefusionguy yeah i am so hoping so by god’s grace. Now i try to walk at least 2k to 3k steps in a day with the help of crutches. Heel do pains sometimes. My rocker bottom has good sole but what do you think about cushioning sole for heel pain?
Your handsome
Are you on twitter? I'm 7weeks post operative and would love to pick your brains, as I'm very worried.
Hey sorry I missed this. Not on twitter but you can add me on insta and DM me questions: jamblack_85
Done ✅ cheers