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Ankle & hind foot arthritis

What are the causes and symptoms?

Degenerative arthritis of the ankle joint (Fig 1) normally develops as a result of a traumatic injury, but can also present from inflammatory joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and other rare conditions. Common symptoms are pain, swelling and stiffness interfering with walking and other activities.

What is the treatment?

When conservative (non-operative) measures such as activity modification, painkillers and orthotic supports are no longer adequate, surgery may become necessary. Ankle or other hind foot joint stiffening operation (fusion or arthrodesis, Fig 2) has been the surgery of choice and can be performed both as an open and as a keyhole procedure. The trade-off is pain reduction for increased stiffness but other than in the knee or hip joint fusion is relatively well tolerated and the functional results are surprisingly good. More recently results from modern ankle replacing prostheses (Fig 3) have been improving, offering this as a suitable alternative for selected patients.

What is the postoperative recovery and outcome?

Any of these joint-removing operations require a prolonged period of time in cast (6 weeks) usually completely off-loading with crutches. Some further prolonged splintage in a boot is required for usually around a total of 3 months. The exception is ankle replacement patients who can fully bear weight in a cast and removable splint for 6-8 weeks. Overall the recovery takes between 3-6 months until return to most activities. Unless the bone fails to heal (risk of non-union approximately 10%) the functional outcome and pain relief are very satisfactory.

Ankle & hind foot arthritis related imagery

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I did not have any surgery, the consultation was very efficient and so is the treatment.
I actually need to make a follow up appointment, the advice I was given was spot on.
Excellent service, I booked an appointment at short notice and was totally satisfied with the outcome.
Mr Weitzel has operated numerous times on my feet always with excellent results and I have recommended him many times. It is always a pleasure to meet him. My operation was carried out under choose and book (NHS).
Mr Weitzel explained everything well to me and when I was still in pain after surgery six weeks later he recommended physio which has helped a lot. If in the future I need another operation, which is a possibility, I will not hesitate in coming back to Mr Weitzel. I would definitely recommend him.
I am very pleased how Mr Weitzel has treated the condition of my right foot in a very professional manor. He has kept me informed of the treatment process all through and to date. When I had the first consultation with Mr Weitzel I was losing my mobility and was in great pain with my right foot which I am now recovering after surgery. I am now on the mend and very pleased with my progress.
Dr Weitzel listened to my issues, my complex history and took into account my atypical symptoms. He didn’t dismiss them and me as I have experienced countless times from some GP’s and other consultants which I really appreciated.
I was treated with the utmost care and respect and Mr Weitzel was very professional in his approach and explained everything to me so that I fully understood. I am more than happy to recommend him to my friends or family should they need his services. His secretary was very nice on the phone and it was a good experience. I am very grateful for the service provided.
I am a fairly active person and I was impressed with the realistic manner with which Mr Weitzel made me aware of how I could best help my recovery and what exercise I could get back to and when. At every stage of the procedure I was kept fully informed.
I have had excellent care from Dr Weitzel. My injury was a ruptured Achilles tendon which happened during sport. He gave me sensible advice about getting back into sport and I appreciate the information and explanations received throughout the surgery and recovery process. I have a keloid scar from the surgery but this is nothing compared to getting back to full mobility.
The operation was a success and had no complaints about the surgeon or the procedure. This was a redo operation. I had surgery 18 months prior to my visit at the private hospital because the previous operation did not correct my problem. My previous operation was carried out in a NHS hospital.
Mr Weitzel explained everything well to me and when I was still in pain after surgery six weeks later he recommended physio which has helped a lot. If in the future I need another operation, which is a possibility, I will not hesitate in coming back to Mr Weitzel. I would definitely recommend him.
“Have now had two hip replacements carried out by Mr Weitzel. Both operations have been very successful.”

2013 patient satisfaction survey
“Mr Weitzel was very understanding and reassuring before and after the operation the recovery was much quicker than expected and i will be very happy to recommend Mr Weitzel.”

2013 patient satisfaction survey
“First-class in every respect.”

2013 patient satisfaction survey
“Mr Weitzel was easy to talk to explained things simply without sounding to technical which I liked.”

2013 patient satisfaction survey
“He has been fantastic – and provided an overall exceptional experience”

2013 patient satisfaction survey
“I was extremely satisfied with all the treatment I received from the first consultation to my final check-up. I am very grateful to Mr Weitzel for the excellent care he gave me and the very successful outcome of my operation.”

2013 patient satisfaction survey
“From the start to the finish of my experience both Mr Weitzel and the staff at the Blackheath Hospital have been second to none.”

2013 patient satisfaction survey
“First Rate Credit to Medicine and Surgery”

2013 patient satisfaction survey
“I have been extremely pleased with the top quality care and treatment received from Mr Weitzel throughout the last 18 months, and am delighted with the outcome of the surgeries he has performed. Mr Weitzel first saw me when my ankle was in an very bad way and has transformed it into a working pain free ankle, dramatically improving my quality of life as a result.”

2013 patient satisfaction survey
“Mr Weitzel was always happy to explain in detail any concerns I had.”

2013 patient satisfaction survey