Ankle injuries may require surgical intervention for long-term joint health and stability. If you've undergone an arthrodesis procedure for your ankle, or are considering one, know and understand your options in regard to physical fitness and exercise following the procedure. You may need to adapt the way you exercise due to ankle mobility issues.
Definition
Arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that fuses the bones of a joint together to increase strength and stability of a joint. Arthrodesis of the ankle joint is performed through a variety of surgical approaches, depending on the severity of your ankle joint condition and prognosis as well as patient goals. Arthrodesis is often performed as a treatment to limited range of motion, pain and weakness of an ankle joint due to bone conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. The severity of bone damage and the specific procedure the surgeon chooses determine your range of motion and joint flexibility following the arthrodesis procedure.
Physical Therapy
Following an arthrodesis procedure, you'll wear a cast for a determined period, usually six to eight weeks. Once the cast is removed, you may undergo supervised physical therapy, which begins with gentle range of motion exercises. You'll learn how to walk on your fused ankle joint. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments of your foot, ankle, and lower leg, as well as all-around exercises that increase your overall strength and endurance.
Range of Motion
Your physical therapist will instruct you on correct performance of range of motion exercises that increase joint function above and below the fused ankle joint. Range-of-motion exercise also helps maintain healthy muscle mass in your ankle. Such range-of-motion exercises include extension and flexion of your feet, rotation of the top of your foot, or simply extending and flexing your toes. Such movements work the muscles in your lower legs, ankles and foot. Your therapist will guide you in both passive and active range-of-motion exercises.
Strengthening
Your ankle may be stiff following surgery, but with the help of your physical therapist, you will learn how to exercise and adapt exercises to get around the lack of motion in your ankle joint. Exercises such as quarter squats while keeping your heels on the floor strengthen your ankle, knee and hip joints. Lunges help strengthen knees, thighs, hips and buttocks for lower torso support and increase balance and muscle endurance. Follow your therapist's instructions regarding repetitions.
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