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1271743 tn?1320892461

Ankle Fusion & Muscle Spasms

I had ankle fusion approx 1yr & 4mnths ago.  My ankle has shown healing after the fusion.  I have noticed sometimes at night or in the afternoon when I am trying to relax, or watch tv, that my ankle will jerk.  It's like the muscle spasms but since the ankle is fused it cannot move.  It hurts terribly and I don't know what I can do to reduce the spasms or help so it does not jerk so hard.  Anyone else experience this or have any ideas to help with frequency and severity of each episode?
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello!

In cases of complete ankle fusion you would need to check the functioning of your nerves on the present date.

Physical therapy (also physiotherapy) is a health care profession that provides treatment to individuals to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement. With complete ankle arthrodesis and continuing pain the post operative complications have to be ruled out first and then you should learn in modifying your movements and functions and learn how to balance and control your pain. Take intermittent NSAIDs. Talk with your surgeon and ask him to refer you to a physiotherapist.

Take care!
Helpful - 0
1271743 tn?1320892461
Thanks for advice.  I do not have any range of motion in the ankle joint.  The hardware they put into the ankle is permanent.  I am Fentanyl 100mcg patches to manage the constant pain and Oxycodone 15mg tablets (x2 tablets three times a day) for breakthrough pain. Is physiotherapy the same as physical therapy? I was not sent to PT after my surgery...

I was given a letter of permanent disability which says:

"Because of the necessity for an ankle arthrodesis, which basically does not ever allow motion of the ankle joint again, she would have a permanent impairment rating.  She does have some limitation of subtalar motion and midfoot motion at this point."

"...it is estimated that by the AMA Fourth Edition criteria she will have approximately 35% impairment raating to the foot."

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello!

All of the nerves and blood vessels that go to the foot travel across the ankle joint. Since the operation is performed so close to these important structures, it is possible to injure either the nerves or the blood vessels during surgery so check on the present day that you do not have any complications or infections.

Take intermittent pain killers and apply ice packs to relieve the pain.  Go for physiotherapy for couple of weeks. Your therapist's goal is to help you control your pain, improve your strength and range of motion and to see if you have gained enough strength.


Take care!
Helpful - 0
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