How to Recover From Ankle Joint Fusion

Ankle joint fusion or arthrodesis is a surgery that fuses bones of the ankle together to ease pain and increase range of motion. It is performed when extreme wear, caused by arthritis, previous fractures or age weakens the ankle. Exercise is key to recovery, but you must be careful. Rushing into exercise and strenuous activity can re-injure the ankle and cause extended time on crutches.

Instructions

Five Ways to Regain Movement

• 1

  When recovering from ankle joint fusion, it is best to keep your ankle elevated and parallel to the heart. This will relieve joint tension and increase blood flow to the ankle. When sitting, prop it up with towels, and when you prepare to go to bed, use pillows to maintain elevation. If you are prone to tossing and turning, surround your ankle with pillows to wake yourself up when you start to roll over.

• 2

  After surgery, work to gradually increase the strength of your ankle. Begin simple exercises immediately. This will prevent the ankle from stiffening and increase its range of motion. Start with ankle pumps. Flex your foot and slowly lower it towards the ground; if possible, touch the floor. Bend your foot slowly back and forth, holding it in place if you feel increased tension. Don't rush. Quickly pumping the foot up and down can re-injure the ankle due to unnecessary stress.

• 3

  Exercise with a washcloth.

  Add resistance to your exercises as your strength increases. Place a small towel or washcloth on the floor and sit on the ground with both legs stretched out in front of you. Try to grab the towel with the toes of your injured ankle. Once you grab it, slowly raise it up until it is pointing at the ceiling. This will test not only the flexibility of the ankle but place weight on it as it lifts the cloth. If the exercise begins to get too easy, find something heavier to lift.

• 4

  Use marbles to add resistance.

  Find something small, like a cork or rubber ball, to put additional pressure on your ankle. Place the chosen item in between your first two toes and squeeze inward. Hold for five seconds and release. Put items between every toe for additional resistance. Another exercise calls for marbles. Spread them out across the floor and pick them up with your toes. This works the ankle from various angles while focusing on flexibility and weight.