Ankle Pain Perth
Ankle surgery: Treatment options for pain, instability, and injury
“When ankle pain or instability gets in the way of daily life, the right treatment can help you move with confidence again.”
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Health Campus
Suite 17, Specialist Medical Centre (East), 60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
- Contact us
- 08 6166 3778
Ankle Pain Perth
What causes ankle problems?
Ankles are complex, weight-bearing joints, and when something goes wrong—whether it’s a sprain, tendon tear, or arthritis—it can affect your balance, movement, and overall comfort.
Ongoing ankle pain and instability are often caused by things like:
- Ankle arthritis – Over time, cartilage wears down, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain.
- Repeated ankle sprains – Ligaments stretch or tear, making the ankle unstable and prone to further injury.
- Tendon problems – Damage to tendons, like the Achilles or peroneal tendons, can cause weakness, swelling, and difficulty walking.
- Fractures and injuries – Broken bones or ligament damage from an accident or fall can lead to long-term problems if not treated properly.
If you’re struggling with ankle pain or instability that isn’t improving with rest or physiotherapy, it may be time to look at other options.
Ankle Surgery Perth
When should you consider ankle surgery?
Not every ankle issue needs orthopaedic surgery, but if you’ve tried non-surgical treatments—like physiotherapy, bracing, or injections—and your ankle is still causing problems, orthopaedic surgery might be the best way forward.
You should see a specialist like Dr Gerard Hardisty if:
- Pain is stopping you from walking comfortably or doing daily activities
- Your ankle feels unstable or keeps giving way
- You’ve had repeated ankle sprains or tendon issues that won’t heal
- You’ve been diagnosed with ankle arthritis, and pain is worsening
For more information, visit Dr Hardisty’s The Foot & Ankle Centre website.
What are the surgical options for ankle pain?
The right treatment really depends on what’s going on, like whether there’s a torn ligament, a damaged tendon, or worn-out cartilage. If you need surgery, it’s planned around your specific issue to help you move better, feel less pain, and keep your joint stable.
Ankle ligament reconstruction (for repeated sprains and instability)
If you’ve rolled your ankle multiple times, the ligaments may have stretched too much to support the joint properly. This can make the ankle feel weak or unstable, increasing the risk of future injuries.
What happens during surgery?
We tighten or repair the damaged ligaments, sometimes reinforcing them with a tendon graft. This restores stability, making it easier to walk, run, and stay active without worrying about your ankle giving way.
Recovery: Most people return to normal activities within a few months, with physiotherapy playing a key role in regaining strength and balance.
Ankle replacement (for severe arthritis)
When arthritis wears away the cartilage in your ankle, every step can feel stiff and painful. If painkillers, bracing, and injections haven’t helped, ankle replacement surgery may be an option.
What happens during surgery?
We replace the damaged joint surfaces with an artificial implant, helping to restore smoother movement while maintaining flexibility. This is a great option for active people who want to keep movement in their ankle.
Recovery: Expect several months of rehab, but most people regain good mobility and see a big improvement in pain.
Ankle fusion (for arthritis or severe instability)
For severe arthritis—especially if movement itself is painful—ankle fusion might be the best solution. Instead of replacing the joint, we join the bones together, eliminating pain by stopping movement at the damaged joint.
What happens during surgery?
The damaged joint surfaces are removed, and the bones are fused together with screws or plates. This removes pain, but it also limits movement in the ankle—which some people adapt to well, while others prefer a replacement instead.
Recovery: It takes several months for the bones to fully fuse, but once healed, the ankle is strong and pain-free.
Tendon surgery (for Achilles or peroneal tendon problems)
Tendons around the ankle—like the Achilles or peroneal tendons—can become damaged due to overuse, injuries, or degeneration over time. If physiotherapy and bracing haven’t helped, surgery might be needed to repair or reinforce the tendon.
What happens during surgery?
Depending on the severity, surgery might involve removing damaged tissue, repairing the tendon, or transferring another tendon to help with movement.
Recovery: Tendon surgery recovery varies, but most people need several months of rehab before they can return to full activity.
What’s recovery like after ankle surgery?
Healing takes time, but with the right rehab and support, most people get back to doing what they love.
- Ankle reconstruction and tendon surgery: Walking normally within a few months, but full recovery takes up to six months.
- Ankle replacement: Most people regain good mobility within three to six months.
- Ankle fusion: Once fully healed, the ankle is strong and pain-free, though movement is more limited.
Physiotherapy is essential after any ankle surgery—it helps rebuild strength, improve balance, and prevent future problems.
Dr Gerard Hardisty | Foot & Ankle Surgeon Perth
Final thoughts
If ankle pain, arthritis, or instability is getting in the way of daily life, you don’t have to just put up with it. There are treatment options that can help, whether that’s physiotherapy, bracing, or surgery.
At Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, Dr Gerard Hardisty specialises in ankle surgery and will guide you through your options, helping you make the best choice for your lifestyle and long-term mobility.
If your ankle isn’t holding up the way it should, book a consultation to discuss what’s next.
For more information, visit Dr Hardisty’s The Foot & Ankle Centre website.
