Why a good joint goes bad Like most moving parts, joints sometimes wear out. And when that happens, the resulting pain and stiffness can get between you and the activities you enjoy. One of the most common reasons for joint replacement is osteoarthritis, when the cushioning cartilage in the joints wears down over time. In its severe stages, osteoarthritis can cause bones to rub against one another. Other types of arthritis, as well as injuries and other diseases, can also damage joints and cause pain. If you have a painful joint, your doctor may first recommend nonsurgical options, such as physical therapy, joint injections or other medications. But if options like these aren’t enough to ease your pain, your doctor may suggest joint replacement surgery. Living with ankle pain can make simple movements like walking, standing or climbing stairs feel like a challenge. If you’re dealing with stiffness, swelling or arthritis in your ankle that hasn’t improved with other treatments, total ankle replacement could be just what you need. What is total ankle replacement? The ankle joint sits where your shinbone (tibia) meets the top of your foot (talus). Total ankle replacement, also called ankle arthroplasty, removes damaged cartilage and bone in the joint and replaces them with an implant made of metal and plastic components. The goal of total ankle replacement is to relieve pain and improve mobility. It can help you: • Find lasting relief from chronic ankle pain caused by arthritis or injury. • Regain mobility and walk with a more natural stride. • Improve your balance and overall stability. • Follow a personalized recovery plan that fits your lifestyle and activity goals. What does recovery look like? Most patients stay just one night in the hospital and begin walking with assistance—using crutches, a walker or a boot—within a few days after surgery. Full recovery can take several months, but dedicated physical therapy helps many people steadily improve from week to week. By the end of the recovery, most patients can return to normal, low-impact activities with significantly less pain, improved mobility and greater confidence in every step. Take the next step If chronic ankle pain is holding you back, it may be time to explore your options. Total ankle replacement could be the step that helps you move forward—pain-free. At Faith Regional Health Services, your care includes personalized support every step of the way, from presurgical education to postoperative rehabilitation. A new step forward IS TOTAL ANKLE REPLACEMENT RIGHT FOR YOU? Ready to move without pain? Lasting relief is within reach at Faith Regional Health Services Foot & Ankle. Visit frhs.org to learn more or schedule a consultation with Jason Bailey, DPM; Zackary Gangwer, DPM; Connor Reed, DPM; or Staci Brummels, APRN, at one of our four convenient locations: Atkinson: 402-925-2811 Neligh: 402-887-6210 Norfolk: 402-844-8366 Wayne: 402-375-7953 Faith Regional Health Services is proud to welcome Dr. Connor Reed, our third Foot & Ankle specialist to provide advanced, compassionate care for our community. Connor Reed, DPM, Podiatrist 4 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services
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