There is a lot of controversy as to whether you can do sports after ankle replacement. In this article we explore when you can return to sport after an ankle replacement.
Why do some surgeons say I cannot do sports?
The concern over ankle replacement and sport is not too different from how hip replacements were in the 1960’s. In those days at the very beginning of hip replacement technology, hip fusion was considered a good operation to treat a painful hip. Nowadays, no one would consider a fusion of a hip in preference to a hip replacement as the results of hip replacement have been so good. The same philosophy applies to ankle replacement and because the numbers performed are small, some surgeons may tell you that it is only an operation for the old and sedentary. This is not correct there is now much research into ankle replacements, and many patients return to and enjoy sports for many years on an ankle replacement.
What sports are OK after ankle surgery?
Most patients are able to get back to the sports they enjoyed before their ankle replacement. Sports such as walking, hiking, swimming, cycling, golf, tennis, skiing, bowling, and dancing are all fair game. It usually takes 6 months to recover fully from the surgery and get back to sports but you can start training earlier.
The most important exercises you can focus on before and after an ankle replacement are core exercises to your stomach, back and gluteals as these are responsible for balance and gait much more than any leg or foot muscles. These exercises are especially important during the recovery from surgery where you ankle may be immobilised in a boot or plaster cast.
Pilates is excellent to build up core stability after an ankle replacement
I would recommend that you speak to your physical therapist or physiotherapist, personal trainer, or Pilates instructor to show you what exercises you can do and these will also help you mobilise safely using crutches or a knee scooter during your recovery from your ankle replacement.
Can I see a video of a patient with an ankle replacement?
There a lot of excellent videos of patients who have undergone an ankle replacement that you can watch on YouTube or other websites and its always a good idea to speak to other patients if you can and also to speak to your surgeon to ensure that your expectations can be met.
Are there any sports I must not do after an ankle surgery?
Certain contact sports like running and football, although possible, are NOT sensible after an ankle replacement. I always tell my patients to think of Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park. He famously stated, “we spent so long questioning whether we could make dinosaurs, that we never stopped to ask whether we should…” The same applies to sports after an ankle replacement. Anything that is going to increase your chances of injury or rapid wear and tear of the implant is not sensible, even if possible. That said most patients return to being able to do long walks, bowling, dancing, hiking, cycling and many sports such as golf, tennis, and skiing for many years to come.
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