Thousands of people undergo total ankle replacement operations every year. After the procedure is over, what comes next for the patient? The rehabilitation process does not happen overnight, nor will it happen without effort, and patients must put forth an honest effort to recover from a total ankle replacement.
Recovery for total ankle replacement surgery is completed through several physical therapy practices, most notably exercise. To avoid any damage to the recently replaced ankle, it is good practice to consult an experienced physical therapist to help you along.
The physical therapists at Mid-County Physical Therapy are willing and able to help patients manage their ankle replacement recovery. The point of physical therapy is not to merely manage pain and lighten the patient’s suffering but to make a full recovery to as good as new. Learn more about what the physical therapy process and total ankle replacement entail.
What Happens During Total Ankle Replacement?
When the effects of certain conditions, especially arthritis, begin to attack a person’s foot and ankle, a total ankle replacement may be in the cards. The damaged areas of the ankle can be replaced with artificial materials that can provide stability to the area and relieve the pain that may come about.
Total ankle replacements are similar to other types of replacement surgeries, such as those of the hip and knee, in that they require some physical therapy in the aftermath. While artificial parts can relieve pain, getting comfortable with a total knee replacement can take some time.
What is the Point of Ankle Exercises?
During your physical therapy sessions following a total ankle replacement, you will need to perform a set of exercises that are deemed appropriate for your specific case. During the process, you may wonder what the point of such exercises is. Some common exercise goals following a total knee replacement include:
- Balance
- Endurance
- Flexibility
- Strength
These exercise goals should get their own focus throughout the physical therapy process. Physical therapists can detect distinct weaknesses following your surgery and can determine which goals should be emphasized to start. For example, some patients may be able to balance themselves but lack the endurance to hold the balanced position for long periods. In this way, the goals overlap with each other.
Mid-County Physical Therapy Can Help
If you or a loved one has recently undergone or will be undergoing a total ankle replacement surgery, physical therapy should be on your radar. To make sure the rehabilitation process goes off without a hitch, find the best care. Mid-County Physical Therapy would be happy to help you recover and rehabilitate.
For more information about what we do and can offer, give Mid-County Physical Therapy a call. We would be happy to provide you with as much information as possible regarding what the rehabilitation process may be like for you. Contact us today to understand the full extent of the solutions we offer.