It is normal for patients to begin running after surgery after about two to three months. Generally I recommend patients wait 4 to 6 weeks after partial meniscectomy before they try to jog or play a sport that involves repetitive impact on the knee. Ping PLD Custom Anser 4, 34"/355g. It stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. However, every patient is different and some may be able to return to golfing sooner than others. 6. RH player and it was on my right knee. Patients are usually out of the brace and walking without crutches around 2-3 months. After an ACL reconstruction, patients typically have six to nine months to fully recover before returning to sports. There are many websites that will offer various guidelines to playing golf with a meniscus tear. Explosive twisting while you swing your clubs results in massive rotational forces on your lead knee. If you have a partial or total meniscectomy, you can expect your . Unlike a meniscal repair surgery, though, there is no suture repair to heal. If you have a bandage in place, keep it clean and dry until it is ready to come off. | 6 Things To Consider, Baker, Matthew L et al. One should take proper rest after the surgery. I just hope there aren't any surprises when he gets in there. Did you have tears on both sides of the knee or just one side? I flared my left foot out slightly, think open stance to help alleviate pain and discomfort as much as possible. Swings on flat ground were ok fairly early on, its the odd stances and walking on slopes that took longer. I saw my surgeon today for my pre-op appointment (Surgery is Tuesday). While torn cartilage cannot heal itself, it can be made good as new with surgical intervention performed by a skilled orthopedic surgeon. Both. Meniscus tears are common injuries that often occur from sports injuries or aging. What was the surgery? Published by at 14 Marta, 2021. I tore my right lateral meniscus (trailing leg for golf) my freshman year of high school playing backyard football. Recommended Products and Resources In 2016 the arthritis got so bad that nothing really worked. It is critical to monitor the condition of the knee replacement in order to ensure that it functions properly. I jogged on Sunday night but didnt do a lot as it was hurting and returned to work Monday. Damaged meniscus (cartilage) repair patients are unable to perform any twisting, pivoting, squatting, deep knee bends, or impact activities for four months. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. But it seemed to get better fast right after that, and then at regionals the next week, I was medallist and we got to the state meet for the first time in school history. The next day, I started getting very sore on the medial side of the same knee, and if I put my weight on it just wrong, it was sort of painful. For right handers, this will be your left knee. If your knee becomes swollen and tender after surgery, you may have a tender knee. It is not uncommon for patients to take over eight weeks to recover enough from a meniscal injury to walk again. I am glad that I didn't have major damage in my lead leg because I do think that would be harder to cope with. His goal is to teach you how to apply this knowledge into your daily life, so you can keep knee pain away for good. The only time I had/have any real pain was when I would bend it, and then also try to twist it out, I think the bone would then hit bone on the outside. Minor surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day after the procedure. Good luck with the surgery. Even though it cannot be done completely, taking precautions is the best way to avoid a meniscal tear. Controlling inflammation and swelling is still a key in this Phase, as increased motion without proper use of cooling therapy may put your meniscus at risk for re-injury. Other people find that the torn meniscus prevents them from participating comfortably in their usual daily activities. To keep swelling and clotting at bay, you will most likely receive blood thinners and wear support hose or compression boots. Weight transfer is great, pain is non existent although I occasionally get some swelling. I have had p.T. Meniscus root repair surgeon, Doctor Benedict Nwachukwu provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Manhattan, New York City, NY who need meniscus root repair surgery. Anti-inflammatories will help limit the swelling that happens after the injury which, consequently, also dulls down knee pain. The key to ending the pain and regaining function is to follow all the steps your doctor outlines for your recovery. I had better range of motion and the soreness that would come and go was gone. What speed? Again, this post and answer do not provide specific medical advice. This course teaches you what to expect and how to prepare for surgery to have the best outcome. Cobra F9 Driver 10.5 (set to 11.5) UST ProForce V2 HL 46", Tour Edge Exotic EXS 220 16.5* UST ProForce V2 HL 44", Cobra Bio Cell 3-4 (20.5) Stock Bio Cell 41.75", All wedge shafts Apollo Matchflex Wedge 36.50". It'll help increase your range of motion and help your knee get stronger. The surgeon said that he was able to leave a substantial amount of meniscus, so that ia particularly gratifying. I returned to practicing high school football in some capacity within a few weeks of the surgery on the second knee (they were both done back to back during a summer). Your doctor will give you very specific instructions for what medication you can and cannot take during the meniscus repair recovery process. Following a repair, you will typically use crutches for at least three weeks to allow the repaired tissue . Surgery cures the worst of the problem and pain but it leaves some unfortunate side effects. You can add that to a long list mental problems with my golf game. Titleist TS2 25*, GD Tour AD HY 95S Thankfully, the surgery required to fix torn knee cartilage (also known as meniscus) can be done through a very small incision that leaves minimal scarring that will fade over time. How long recovery takes can depend on a variety of factors, which we will delve into below. If you want to reduce torsion, stop wearing spikes, or only wear soft ones. 5. My PT didn't want me playing until 6 weeks or so after the surgery. Right after undergoing your procedure, you'll likely experience localized swelling around the patella and lower quadriceps anywhere from 1 to 9 weeks post-op. More severe tears may require surgery to heal properly. Ping G410 5W Stock Alta S Paste as plain text instead, Right now I'm actually looking forward to getting this over with. It should be noted that I had more than a meniscus tear (medial tear of left knee). Yes, I've been able to play the same way after surgery as before. Heavy work and sports may need to be restricted for the first 4-6 weeks. My issue was pain, which was relieved by surgery. | They Can & Heres Why. scar tissue is removed from the knee joint, resulting in a joint that is smooth and stable. Thought it was a slight tear and they were just going to clean it up. 2. The ACL is a soft tissue structure in the knee that connects the femur to the anterior shinbone. Because the typical method of ACL reconstruction used by adults can cause damage to growth plates, this procedure is not suitable for growing children. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career. 1. | Our Expert Explains, Written By See additional information. Total Knee Replacement: With a knee replacement, or arthroplasty, the surfaces of the femur and tibia are replaced. Your incision will be very small but it is still advisable to follow proper wound care. Each knee has two menisci. Damaged knee cartilage, left untreated, can progress into severe arthritis and become increasingly debilitating. After about a week, I decided to go see a knee specialist. Recovery time depends on the severity of the meniscus injury and type of repair that was done-whether it was full or partial. Just depends on how long. Much of the recovery and return to activity depends on the individual patient. Mitch is a physical therapist, personal trainer, and nutrition coach. OUR BRANDS Knee Force Ankle Action Shoulder Savy. Joint pain and stiffness are usually reduced with a arthrospine procedure over an open surgery procedure. For partial removal, return to full activities typically occurs about 6-10 weeks after surgery. I did all the PT recommended. Use of a knee brace and crutches is advisable for at least two weeks to make sure that the knee is stabilized and there is no unnecessary pressure placed on the joint. An MRI or arthroscopy is often used to identify a torn meniscus. Both were done by two different Kaiser Surgeons. . He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. During the course of a golf match, an athletes knee may experience twisting motion as a result of a torn meniscus. It usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks for patients to increase weight bearing and range of motion. Is walking good after meniscus surgery? Many patients are able to return to limited or light duty work 1-2 weeks after surgery. Treatments for a meniscus tear. Despite this, patients must pay a fair amount for ACL reconstruction, which can be quite expensive. Many patients report that their knee mobility following the procedure is at least as good as it was prior to the initial injury. Sports medicine stats: Sudden cardiac death among young athletes, Tips For Choosing the Perfect Orthopedic Surgeon For You. Recover From Knee Surgery Like a Champion! That is a terrific question. Bridgestone J 40DPC w/Aerotech Steelfibers 95 r For left-handed golfers, this will be your right knee. 3. The severity of the ACL tear and the patients lifestyle determine the extent of the operation. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. It's been 9 years since the surgery and no arthritis yet. I decided to get the knee replacement last Xmas. How Should You Prepare for Orthopedic Surgery? I do want to return to tennis soon..maybe. You must follow a strict workout plan and do no excessive exercises before you return to the tee-ball court. A more complicated procedure may necessitate a higher price. However, it is important to note that a complete return of knee strength and full-range mobility may take several months. Progression Over 4-6 weeks, the pain and swelling may decrease and activities of daily living may become tolerable. I had it done in the fall, I had the lateral section removed. Quick tips for a variety of sports- and exercise-related bone and joint injuries - Learn when those injuries could be serious and what you should do about them. First time I was back hitting balls in 4-6 weeks. I also think it is a common concern for many active patients who undergo partial meniscectomy trimming out a meniscus tear surgery. Your doctor or physiotherapist will advise you on how soon you can resume these activities. Arnold Palmer Invitational 2023 (*** NO LIV DISCUSSIONS/REFERENCES ***), Custom Ping i230 5-UW KBS Tour R+ Power Spec, G425 3 wood with GD TP, Ping Kaili Shaft,King Tec Hybrid, Jaws Raw & Zipcore Wedge, Airmax 97, Apex UW. You will be advised to rest as soon as you get home following your procedure. Return to Work: People with light work (like desk or computer work with no squatting, lifting or kneeling) can return to work within a week to ten day with the brace on. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USERS PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. 7. if the surgery was perforned years ago, did arthritis develop in the knee that had the surgery? Did you have physical therapy? Our physiotherapy team will develop a personalized program that will address flexibility, endurance, and strength. So, while a professional fitting might require a bit more money, think of it as a long-term investment on the health of your joints. Yes, 6. Timeline: 1 week to 5 weeks after Surgery. Whether or not a meniscus tear can heal on its own depends on its severity. Will Walking On A Torn Meniscus Make It Worse? Despite the fact that golf is difficult to play due to ACL tears, most golfers will be able to play at some point. Proper self-care is essential to shortening the recovery process and avoiding a recurrence of the injury. Was only the damaged portion removed or the entire meniscus? First surgery late in 2008 had meniscus trim, second in mid 2011 had meniscus repair in two places. You may have to take it easy at first, but you should be able to return to your regular game within a few months. 2. Berkshire Commons, Suite 250 2201 Ridgewood Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 Phone: 610-375-4949 Fax: 610-375-6233 Schedule An Appointment Disclaimer: Some recommended products may use affiliate links. The meniscus can become damaged as a result of a sudden injury, such as a sports injury, or gradual wear and tear (osteoarthritis). Doing so will help prevent making things worse as well as minimize your risk for osteoarthritis in the future. Your orthopedic surgeon will most likely perform an arthroscopy. You dont want to be hurt all over again, and you dont want to sit on the sidelines indefinitely. I've had it done twice on my right knee which is my trail leg. 3. This program offers a comprehensive Q&A collection on diagnosis, repair, trimming out the tear, arthritis after surgery, reinjury, recovery and return to exercise. The doctor might also recommend ice and elevation during this period. No, arthritis did not develop as as result of surgery. Staying off your feet during the first few days following the procedure is very important. Woke up from the surgery and the doctor informed me it was in worse shape than they originally thought and they ended up removing the whole damn thing. If you have just torn your meniscus and it has been repaired your recovery will be faster than this as it is a much less significant injury. Many of them say that doing too much activity in the early weeks after surgery actually caused them to have a longer overall recovery. Knee osteoarthritis is caused, mainly, by wear and tear. I am a 29 year old male who went in for partial medial meniscectomy. I play golf every week and walk all the time without any difficulty but feel it in my knees later. 4.Did the surgery fix a bucking problem (my issue). Im home from the surgery and right now I feel fine. Started ok summer of 2009, but felt some instability on a hilly course and finished round and much of that summer on the other side of ball as it felt ok as the trail leg. The surgeon said that he was able to leave a substantial amount of meniscus, so that ia particularly gratifying. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 . An older teenagers ACL reconstruction can be performed successfully using the standard method. I had meniscus surgery on both knees. Anytime surgery is performed whether via scope or they open you up I was told to expect arthritis to develop. Episode 155: What can golfers do to treat and prevent low back pain? I continue to exercise muscles in my legs generally but cut out tennis..completely. Full, complete recovery from acl repair is usually quoted at 10-12 months. This timeline can vary depending on the patient's age, fitness level, and . how long after meniscus repair can i golf . The exception is for people who may have long commutes. That was not the case 30 years ago. Had acl surgery twice on lead leg. I also had a good deal of arthritis scraped away, but some still remains. Answer (1 of 4): Depends on the timing and the surgeon. My question is, is it more likely to tear a meniscus after partial meniscectomy or could this just be soreness from trying to do too much too early? The same could be said for a patient with a meniscus tear that needs to be repaired (not just just removed). Fortunately, there are a few adjustments you can make to lower your chances of another meniscus injury. Rough ride, eh? Recovering from knee surgery requires the patient to take care of themself and be very self-aware of how they feel. Each meniscus tear is very different. It is critical that we return to golf as soon as possible after the rehabilitation following. Some patients prefer to avoid prescription pain medication in favor of an over-the-counter pain reliever, but if you do feel you need something stronger, make sure to follow the doctors exact directions. Conclusion After the surgery, one needs to be in touch with the doctor and the physiotherapist for proper and safe recovery. Yes, it will. Success rates after meniscal repair range from 60% to 95%, but many reports are based on a small number of patients. For meniscus root repairs, more time is necessary to allow the repair to fully heal. I managed it with pain killers, then steroid shots then shots of Hyalgan. So far. 4. Was the surgery on your lead or trail leg.? Changes After Meniscus Surgery. How long does it take to recover from meniscus tear surgery? Tiger Woods tore his ACL while jogging, a rare occurrence in sports. Can you squat with proper form and control? All it takes is playing, jumping, or even twisting the wrong way at the wrong time. so good for golf though. How Should You Choose a Sports Medicine Doctor? A patient undergoing a repair as opposed to a complete replacement of the meniscus can expect to resume light activities within a few weeks. Many people can be discharged that same day, but how long you stay in the hospital is determined by your needs. But, I take leg strength very serious in my fitness habits. I WISH I WOULD HAVE DONE IT 8 YEARS AGO! But over the next several years things slowly got a bit better, then in 2003 while coaching my son's soccer team, I went to kick a ball with that leg and somebody else kicked it at the same time, I felt something in my knee, not pain, but something happened. Everyone heals differently, but generally, the recovery time for a meniscus repair is two to three months. Occasionally I have pain ,but only when I bend down and place one knee on the ground.Otherwise asymptomatic.No pain skiing ,golf or working out. While a sharp pain in the knee can sometimes indicate a meniscus tear has already occurred, ignoring this pain can turn a minor injury into a much worse one. How long does a meniscus tear take to recover? For how long? for 3 months and am somewhat disappointed that my knee will apparently never be quite right again. Your stitches will dissolve on their own and any scarring will fade in time. Outside of those, though, the best non-surgical treatment for meniscus tears is physical therapy. People who travel appear to have better health, 393. I had tears on the inside of both knees. Resting when you feel tired, getting plenty of sleep, and eating a healthy diet can all be helpful in ensuring a quicker recovery. Before you can get started, you must follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon or physical therapist. And if we know anything about cartilage, if you want to look this up, it takes about six up to 12 months to fully heal depending on the severity of that injury on the meniscus on that cartilage. It may be possible that having knee surgery reduces the likelihood of pain in your back or upper-pelvic region. I had some arthritis in the knee that the doctor cleaned up during the procedure. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. I have done these partial meniscectomy surgeries on professional athletes, many of whom returned to sports within 3 to 4 weeks. I have much less pain than I had prior to surgery and had no buckling while playing or practicing. Plus any other damage the patient has in the knee could affect return to activity somewhat. I've had both knees scoped with the damaged parts removed. You cannot paste images directly. It's a certainty you'll have to deal with it at some point. 1. Just as adjustments to how you plant your lead foot reduce rotational forces on your knee joint, so do the shoes you wear. I have a torn lateral collateral in my trail leg, which could be a problem for most in the swing. Put a pillow under your foot. Physical exertion will need to be avoided for two to three months, although your doctor or physiotherapist will recommend some appropriate activities that will gradually strengthen the knee and surrounding area. A meniscus tear can get better on its own without treatment, but it can take a while to heal. Recovery time varies depending on the individual, but most people can return to playing golf within a few weeks of surgery. Work Hard After Your Meniscus Injury To Rebuild Strength After any of these treatments, you must work hard to rebuild your strength and be patient to let the injury heal. What Is The Va Rating For Spinal Stenosis, Herniated Disc Treatment: Pain Relief Physical Therapy And Exercises, Apple Cider Vinegar For Spinal Stenosis: A Natural Remedy. His response was, "Oh you should still be able to play golf." Was the surgery on your lead or trail leg.? So now his plan is put up with the pain till you cant take it anymore and eventually have knee replacement. This ensures minimal tension on the cartilage as it heals. The recovery time after a damaged tissue repair will be longer. How long recovery takes depends on the type of meniscus surgery and the severity of the injury, but expect two weeks down time, at minimum. While we lean towards al. If you have a knee surgery, do not squat for at least four months after the procedure. | Tips & Techniques, Are Knee Sleeves Good For Running? However, only use ice for 15 minutes at a time and only use knee sleeves or bandages that feel snug to avoid complications. Of course, It still remains to be seen whether or not the surgery will greatly reduce the buckling that I was experiecing and the pain, but right now Im feeling optimistic. Can You Play Golf With A Torn Meniscus? Q: HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER MENISCUS SURGERY? Even if you forego the crutches, you may wish to continue wearing the knee brace to improve stability and reduce the risk of over-straining the joint. I felt good when I left his office because I told him that I want to be left with some cushioning and he said that that is exactly his mind set. I've had both knees done twice, once about 20 years ago and the once about 2 years ago. Your recovery from the injury is expected to be nearly complete in time for you to participate in competitive golf. If you have a physical disability, you could be in a physical rehabilitation program. Took me like 4-5 months to be back to normal. I knew then I had to get it scoped. Can a meniscus tear heal by itself? The same thing happens to your knees when you have a torn meniscus. It is possible that golf causes the implanted joint to wear out quickly. . Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! The meniscus functions as a shock absorber. As the above comments say, i flare my left foot out a bit to counter rotating too much, and let my left foot lift up slightly on the backswing, both of these seem to reduce the stresses going into my left knee. The incisions leave scars that usually fade in time. This Ask Dr. Geier question addresses these concerns after one of the most common operations in orthopedic surgery meniscus surgery, or specifically, partial meniscectomy. Did you have tears on both sides of the knee or just one side? Many patients find that they can put their full weight on their knee after a couple of weeks, but know your limits and be sure to not overdo the amount of time you spend on your feet. Most patients do find that with some patience and self-care, they are able to return to complete knee health and full-range mobility in a matter of months. Just try to be patient with yourself. So, with an already compromised meniscus, your knees wont be able to absorb and disperse those massive forces from your golf swing. One hundred fifty five of these patients have pain relief from the surgery, and 85 can wear their knee without limitations. The RICE methodhelps manage your pain and inflammation without the need for medication. Less time is required for recovery. Usually patient's are non- weight bearing for 4-6 weeks after meniscus repair surgery. It is important to note that a torn meniscus will not heal itself. but he did ask me about the lateral side and if I had pain on it where I had the surgery. If you had a partial meniscectomy, it is possible to play sports within four to six weeks. Meniscus repair is one of the most effective methods. With any weight? Upload or insert images from URL. A meniscus transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or missing meniscus. As stated, your meniscus absorbs and diffuses forces that act on your knee. So, if you had already injured your lead knee playing golf and youre still playing under the same conditions, the same technique, with the same equipment, then theres a good chance youll make your torn meniscus worse. A tear in the meniscusthe cartilage in your kneecan be painful. The graft integrity and proper knee stability will be ensured during this procedure. One can resume . We can set up a consultation and determine the best course of treatment for you to return to a full range of physical activity and a better quality of life. Srixon ZX5 4-7, ZX7 8-AW Recoil 95 S Recovery time for meniscus surgery can vary from person to person. I remember Tiger's bone fracture in his left kneebad. This might make all the difference in the degree of treatment and recovery time that will be required. . However, most people can expect to return to golfing activities within 3-6 months after surgery. What Causes Meniscus Tears? Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you all for the replies so far. It usually takes seven to ten weeks after surgery for the meniscus to be shaved or cut back. Robert Brophy, MD, on partial menisectomy surgery Watch on Call (314) 514-3500 Make an Appointment Online Request an Appointment If surgery is not performed at the earliest possible time, the patient may develop a scarring response known as arthrofibrosis. Also read: If you have torn knee cartilage, a meniscus repair is the go-to treatment to ensure a marked improvement in mobility and to help prevent potential complications down the road. It is possible to estimate how long it will take you to recover from a follow-up care sheet. The recovery time for meniscus surgery depends on the type of surgery you had. Learn how we can help. Above all, fewer squats should be performed. Repair of my ACL at 38 and a total knee replacement last September. My understanding is that the medial meniscus has poor blood supply and will not heal on its own. Last summer I was out walking 9 after work, and I slipped just a bit on a muddy patch on the side of a hill on the 5th hole, and I had all my weight at the time on my right leg.