Hi,
Sorry to hear you have this problem. Im the same way and im only 20 i have went to specialists and was told the same thing. This is a really upsetting to be told that nothing else can be done. I have went through depression myself over it as I was quite active and enjoyed sport. I dont want to get fused either it means u cant run and eventully u will get arthris in u knees and hips i was told i was too young for and ankel replacement as they only last bout 5yrs and can only be done twice in ones lifetime. I have asked about everything else even was up for getting a dead persons ankle in replace of mine but was told that this operation was done previously and the people ended up worse off then when they started. I dont plan on gettin mine fused unless it gets to the point where i cant walk a famous sprinter actually had the same probelm and decided to get his leg off before he got it fused and currently runs in the oplimpics!! I am currently trying everything else i found that reiki is actually helping me so far and my recovery time from when im on my feet is not as long!! I would advise you to do the same and try everything eventhough it mite seem wacky you have to try everything else first and try to stay positive eventhough it will make you depressed and pissed off if ur not staying positive u will crack up!
good luck to you anyway hope u get fixed and surgery improves so people with our problem no longer have to suffer