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Talus fusions from climbing... 25-May-2018 At 8:33:49 AM trogster

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Although I can't comment on flexibility post fusion and the effect on crack climbing, as the original poster I thought I would update on my recovery. I ended up getting my ankle treated after my last post, by a well trained chiropractor in NZ for about 8 months continuously (read multiple times per week and very $$$). Although each time I left his treatment room without noticing any difference in flexibility or pain (and swore I was getting ripped off), over the 8 months he worked wonders. I went from having regular, non -weight bearing pain etc to being able to train and climb harder than before, and even compete in adventure racing. I never regained full mobility of the ankle, but it is has been pain free since. I can run long distances, carry heavy loads and have have had to adapt my climbing style as I struggle time to time on slabs (lack of dorsiflexion), but so far so good. Yes, the lack of mobility affects other joints on this side (knee, hip etc), but you need to keep stretching to control this. A few years ago I decided to see if there was any possibility of getting further movement back into the joint. I was referred to a supposed 'ankle specialist' here in Melbourne, but it was possible that further surgery would upset the joint and make things worse - it wasn't worth the risk in my case. It was quite a scary consult, as even after the advice I had been given, when I left his room I was hurried into a second room and had the surgery papers shoved under my nose by his assistant who demanded I signed the papers on the spot 'just in case' I chose to go ahead... I guess business was tough for him that year and he was desperate for money ?

I am sorry there is not much to help you here Scott, but for anyone who has had similar injuries I would suggest finding a good chiro who knows what they are doing, before committing to a fusion... I am lucky I persisted and went down this avenue, but if you read online you hear loads of horror stories of people being 'sold' fusions, only for them to be worse off (more pain etc than prior to) in the long run.