Foot & Ankle<\/p>[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#ff339b” text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Ankle arthritis<\/a> | Ankle Arthroscopy<\/span><\/span><\/a> | Ankle Reconstruction<\/span><\/span><\/a> | Joint Fusion Procedure<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”Ankle arthritis” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Ankle Arthritis<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] What is ankle arthritis?<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Ankle arthritis is a painful condition that affects the ankle joint. In a healthy ankle, rubbery material called cartilage covers the bones and helps them to slide smoothly against each other. Ankle arthritis occurs when this layer of cartilage is damaged or breaks down and the bones in the ankle grind together.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] What Causes Ankle Arthritis?<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] The most common cause of ankle arthritis is \u2018wear and tear\u2019 damage to the joint cartilage. This often occurs with age. A sudden or traumatic injury such as a broken bone or torn ligament can also cause the ankle joint to become arthritic. In some instances, an inflammatory, auto-immune disease (rheumatoid arthritis) can attack the lining of the body\u2019s joints and cause ankle arthritis as a result.\u202f<\/span> Ankle Arthritis Symptoms<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Symptoms of ankle arthritis include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Diagnosing Ankle Arthritis<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Your GP or Dr de Villiers can diagnose ankle arthritis. This is usually done through a blood test, x-ray, and sometimes an MRI scan.<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Ankle Arthritis treatment<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Non-surgical treatments are usually recommended for early stage ankle arthritis. These include; weight loss, activity modification, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections and joint supplements.<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Surgery for Ankle Arthritis<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] If conservative treatments do not relieve your pain, Dr de Villiers may recommend surgery. Most surgeries for ankle arthritis aim to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The most common types of surgery for ankle arthritis include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Ankle Arthroscopy<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#32cb97″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] What is Ankle Arthroscopy?<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive form of surgery that is used to diagnose and treat problems in the ankle joint. During ankle arthroscopy, <\/span>Dr de Villiers<\/span> will make two or three small incisions into your ankle and insert a thin, metal tube. The tube holds a light source and a camera, as well as any small surgical instruments that may be required.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span>During surgery, <\/span><\/span>Dr Shaun de Villiers <\/span><\/span>will remove your damaged joint surface and replace it with an artificial implant. This procedure requires admission to hospital, anaesthesia, major surgery, and rehabilitation.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#32cb97″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Why Do I Need an Ankle Arthroscopy?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Dr de Villiers<\/span> may recommend ankle arthroscopy if your ankle pain isn\u2019t responding to non-surgical treatments. Ankle arthroscopy procedures can also help our surgeon to further investigate the exact source of your pain.<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#32cb97″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] How Do I Prepare for an Ankle Arthroscopy?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive (keyhole) procedure. At your consultation in our rooms,<\/span> Dr de Villiers<\/span> will talk to you about your specific situation and you will be given written information on how to best prepare for surgery.<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> Recovery from Ankle Arthroscopy<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] Ankle Arthroscopy is usually performed as a day procedure, and most patients go home after a two- or three-hour recovery period.<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> Ankle Reconstruction<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] What is Ankle reconstruction?<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Ankle reconstruction surgery involves reconstructing the ankle ligament<\/span><\/span>s<\/span><\/span>. This is usually achieved through retightening the lax ligaments and occasionally do<\/span><\/span>es<\/span><\/span> need a tissue graft obtained from other ligaments and\/or tendons from the foot or ankle or artificial ligaments.<\/span><\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Why do I need an ankle reconstruction?<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Dr de Villiers will usually recommend an ankle reconstruction if all other non-surgical approaches have failed. Specifically, surgery may be required if your ankle has not responded to the following treatments tried for a prolonged period of time:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n What happens during an ankle reconstruction?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”] What happens during an ankle reconstruction?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During an ankle arthroscopy procedure, Dr de Villiers will use a small camera called an arthroscope to look inside your ankle joint. He will then use thin instruments to remove any loose pieces of bone or cartilage, and free any ligaments that are caught in the joint.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The ankle reconstruction, is usually done via open surgery. Reconstruction involves retightening the torn ligament with stitches, or in some cases, actually rebuilding the damaged ligament by replacing it with a graft from other ligaments within the foot or ankle.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”] What happens after surgery?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]
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<\/span>A number of factors are known to contribute to ankle arthritis. These include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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<\/span>During your consultation, he will ask you about any prescriptions, medications, or supplements that you\u2019re currently taking. You may be asked to stop taking certain medicines, such as blood thinners or ibuprofen, before the procedure. You will probably also be told to stop eating a number of hours before surgery.<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#32cb97″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
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<\/span>Before your surgery, you will be given information about your recovery process. It\u2019s a good idea to have someone at home to look after you on the first day as you may still feel the effects of your anaesthetic. You may also be asked to keep your ankle elevated and to use an ice pack for the first few days.<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
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<\/span>After an ankle arthroscopy, you will need to change your dressing. Either <\/span>Dr de Villiers<\/span>, or a member of our <\/span>o<\/span>rthopaedic medical team will tell you when and how to do this, and how regularly. You will also be asked to attend a follow-up appointment two weeks after the procedure.<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
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<\/span>You will also be given an exercise routine to follow when you go home. This will help your ankle to recover. You might also need to see a physiotherapist until your ankle has regained a good range of motion.<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”Ankle Reconstruction” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Karla|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#223d59″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” header_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
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