Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery

At Care Podiatry, we provide ankle joint replacement surgery, known as total ankle arthroplasty. It is for patients suffering from severe ankle arthritis and chronic joint damage. The modern surgical procedure replaces the damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.

If continuous ankle pain limits your ability to walk, stand, or perform everyday functions, ankle replacement surgery can provide lasting relief while preserving joint movement.

What Conditions Are Treated with Ankle Replacement Surgery

When is Ankle Replacement Recommended

Your podiatric surgeon can recommend ankle joint replacement if:

Non-surgical treatments fail
You have severe ankle pain that limits your daily activities
Joint mobility is reduced
Walking or standing becomes difficult
There is significant joint damage or deformity

Before surgery, patients usually try conservative treatments such as:

What Are the Benefits of Ankle Joint Replacement

The damaged joint surfaces are replaced that reduce chronic pain.
Replacement allows the joints to move naturally.
Patients can walk more comfortably and return to daily activities.
Improved mobility allows patients to resume work, hobbies, and low-impact sports.
Preserving ankle movement helps prevent excess strain on surrounding joints.

How Ankle Joint Replacement Surgery is Performed

It is typically performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia that usually takes about 1-2 hours.

What is The Procedure?

Once the toe becomes stiff and fixed in position, treatment options become more limited. Early checkups can provide more solutions.

A surgical incision is made at the front or side of the ankle.
Damaged cartilage and bone from the tibia and talus are removed.
The bone surfaces are carefully shaped to fit the artificial components.
Metal components are attached to the tibia and talus.
A polyethylene insert is placed between the metal components to allow smooth movement.
The incision is closed with stitches, and the ankle is stabilized with a splint or cast.

Recovery After Ankle Replacement Surgery

Recovery varies from patient to patient, but most people experience improvement within several months.

Immediate After Post-Surgery

You need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days so that doctors can check the condition, manage pain, and ensure there are no early complications. During this time, the ankle is kept immobilized in a splint to protect the surgical site and keep the joints stable while tissues start to heal.

1-4 Weeks

Patients are typically advised not to put weight on the operated ankle. A walker, crutches, or other mobility device can help move around safely without stressing the healing joint. Around two weeks after the procedure, the stitches are removed once the surgical incision has healed.

4-6 Weeks After Surgery

The healing process progresses enough for patients to gradually put some weight on the ankle. The transition is done carefully and under the guidance of the surgeon or physiotherapist.

3-4 Months

Most patients experience noticeable improvement in walking ability and overall mobility. Physical therapy helps to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve joint flexibility, and restore a natural walking pattern.

6-12 Months

The ankle continues to adapt to the artificial joint, and most patients reach their full recovery during that period. By this time, most individuals return to their normal daily activities with reduced pain and improved joint function.

What Our Patients Say

    
 
 
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   Michael Perez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Maijala and his staff are unparalleled in customer service and carry themselves in a very professional manner.. these 2 traits are the foundation of a 5 ⭐️ healthcare provider…  I feel fortunate too be a patient…
  
 
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   Mari Mar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best podiatrist ever! Brought my 14 year old because she had an ingrown toe nail. He explained everything so well and the procedure was smooth.  She recovered very well. Dr Maijala is awesome and staff is wonderful!!
  
 
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   francisco cervantes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. God Jop I’m. Happy
  
 
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   Irma Cervantes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Me gusta mucho
  
 
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   Dave LittleBear 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The doctor was very nice I really enjoyed him working on my feet these are very nice person very professional very friendly thank you
  
 
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   Ivan Ojeda 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best doctor ever. Honest and makes sure you get the best treatment. Staff is super friendly and makes you feel comfortable.
  
 
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   chinh nguyen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I think it is great shoe
  
 
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   paols eol 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took my daughter here for a sports related injury. The guys at the urgent care did not do a thorough exam they just listened to the symptoms and said she had shin splints.
DR Maijala on the other hand really took his time to figure out what was wrong. He has a great foot-side manner. I would highly recommend him.
  
 
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   Alvaro Contreras 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 10 out of 10 podiatry
  
 
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   Manny Diaz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been under the care of Dr. Maijala since January 2025, and I cannot express how grateful I am for his exceptional care. When I developed cellulitis, it escalated to the point where I needed to be hospitalized and operated on. Dr. Maijala acted quickly and decisively, skillfully cleaning out the infection and ensuring my recovery.

What truly sets Dr. Maijala apart is his remarkable combination of expertise and compassion. He is not only incredibly knowledgeable and skilled but also genuinely caring and attentive. He takes the time to listen to his patients, addressing all concerns with patience and understanding. His approach makes patients feel valued and respected, which is a rare quality in healthcare today.

I wish all doctors were as dedicated and compassionate as Dr. Maijala. His commitment to his patients is truly inspiring, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone in need of exceptional medical care.

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Why Choose Us

At Care Podiatry, you get advanced foot and ankle treatments using modern surgical techniques and personalized care. With advanced surgical expertise, we do comprehensive diagnosis and imaging, provide individualized treatment planning, post-surgery rehabilitation support, and long-term follow-up care.