Some people have a minor tear that can heal without surgery. Whether or not a meniscus tear can heal on its own depends on its severity. It is possible to estimate how long it will take you to recover from a follow-up care sheet. Second scope at 31, worse arthritis developed. I do walk a lot, I walk my dogs usually 2 times a day, walk playing golf as much as I can as long as the temperatures are not too high, so I do think I have kept the strength in my legs over the years which probably helps. Sports medicine stats: Sudden cardiac death among young athletes, Tips For Choosing the Perfect Orthopedic Surgeon For You. When was the surgery? It's not that I'm worried that the patient would do further damage to the meniscus, although I suppose it's possible. However, most people can expect to return to golfing activities within 3-6 months after surgery. With any weight? but he did ask me about the lateral side and if I had pain on it where I had the surgery. Thought it was a slight tear and they were just going to clean it up. Knee Force. 2019-2022 Knee Force is a King Wave Company. The most direct answer, really, is that you shouldnt be playing golf while your meniscus is still torn. But I will add this. Some people may be able to walk and participate in sports after overcoming the previous symptoms. I'm really pissed at myself for jumping the gun and having the surgery. Surgery may frequently be necessary if the tear is significant enough, and the recovery time is between 4 and 6 weeks. If the damage is severe, you may need arthroscopy surgery to repair or remove the damaged cartilage. Anti-inflammatories will help limit the swelling that happens after the injury which, consequently, also dulls down knee pain. Its not that Im worried that the patient would do further damage to the meniscus, although I suppose its possible. For a low-impact sport such as cycling, the patient can return usually at around six months. Any updates? you may be able to expect to play within 1-2 months depending on the speed of your recovery Reply More posts you may like r/golf How to Improve at Golf for all you Shitters r/golf Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. An ACL tear can be extremely painful and leave you unable to play golf for an extended period of time. Patients are usually out of the brace and walking without crutches around 2-3 months. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. I've had both knees done twice, once about 20 years ago and the once about 2 years ago. Don't worry u will be fine just do what Dr says to do. Surgery cures the worst of the problem and pain but it leaves some unfortunate side effects. An MRI or arthroscopy is often used to identify a torn meniscus. If you want to reduce torsion, stop wearing spikes, or only wear soft ones. Meniscus repair is one of the most effective methods. The next day at work I sat down, and couldn't get up and straighten my leg, had to shake it, it would pop, a bit of pain, then it seemed normal until I sat down again. If you strengthen the quad and hamstring to take some stress off the knee, you might be able to go without. Ping G410 5W Stock Alta S You will need to use crutches for the first four to eight weeks. Less time is required for recovery. I came home and showed my Dad and said I hurt my knee, he was a Dr., he looked at it and said "you sure did", and went back to reading the newspaper, no crutches, no PT, nothing. I saw my surgeon today for my pre-op appointment (Surgery is Tuesday). As soon as your initial recovery period is over, you will need to start a therapy program that will allow for a steady, gradual return to the activities you enjoyed prior to your meniscus injury. For being able to perform all kinds of action, one needs to wait for at least 4-5 months of complete recovery and healing. Other people find that the torn meniscus prevents them from participating comfortably in their usual daily activities. I've had a couple on my left (right handed golfer), i used to have the buckling pretty bad, especially after doing things that put pressure on the knee for extended times, but after the second op i haven't had anything like that happen. Success rates after meniscal repair range from 60% to 95%, but many reports are based on a small number of patients. Kris Ceniza (PT), Written by Many patients are able to return to limited or light duty work 1-2 weeks after surgery. This leaves you with a smaller scar as well as a faster recovery time. An athlete who has had a partial or total tear of the ACL is more common than someone who has had a full tear. Depending on how well your body copes with treatment, the type of surgery done, and other factors, you can expect to play golf again within 4-6 months after meniscus repair. Ironically, I still get some lesser buckling (I'll call it "slipping") when doing some household things, such as side-stepping a chair leg or bending into my bad knee when picking a newspaper off my couch. I did all the PT recommended. An intravenous antibiotic will be given to you before, during, and after the procedure to help you avoid infection following surgery. ACL repair was performed in the 1970s, but it failed at a high rate. for 3 months and am somewhat disappointed that my knee will apparently never be quite right again. My answer to this question largely reflects my personal experience doing hundreds of these operations each year. I also had a good deal of arthritis scraped away, but some still remains. After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, you may be able to return to sport within a month. Depending on how well your body copes with treatment, the type of surgery done, and other factors, you can expect to play golf again within 4-6 months after meniscus repair. I'm happy to hear you are home and well. It also helps stabilize the knee joint and nourish the cartilage. After successful knee arthroscopy, you will most likely be able to resume your most strenuous activities, such as running, jumping, and changing directions, for at least three to four months. Ask Dr. Geier Meniscus Tears. Proper aftercare is essential to avoid any complications or setbacks that may lengthen your recovery time. My knee wasn't buckling, just extremely painful when rotating it internally or externally. Sleep with your knee raised, but not bent. If he does well, then he can advance slowly as his knee improves. Whether or not a meniscus tear can heal on its own depends on its severity. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career. I played 3 days after surgery. I'm only on day 2 so long way to go but hoping to be hitting balls in a month. | Our Expert Explains, Written By However, injuries to the lower extremities (hands, elbows, shoulders) and lower extremities are also common. In most cases, meniscus repair will take longer to heal than a meniscectomy. Recovery from arthroscopic meniscus repair usually requires a period of limited weight-bearing (using crutches or walker), limited motion, and sometimes use of a knee brace. For right handers, this will be your left knee. You may have to take it easy at first, but you should be able to return to your regular game within a few months. 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. I flared my left foot out slightly, think open stance to help alleviate pain and discomfort as much as possible. Our physiotherapy team will develop a personalized program that will address flexibility, endurance, and strength. Your doctor will likely give you the go-ahead to start playing golf within six to eight weeks after your meniscus surgery, as long as youre not experiencing any pain or swelling. As usual, you should go to bed with pain in your knee as a sign that it is time to leave. How Should You Prepare for Orthopedic Surgery? If you need more information about your particular injury and options to treat it and recover quickly and safely, talk to me one-on-one! Your stitches will dissolve on their own and any scarring will fade in time. The severity of the ACL tear and the patients lifestyle determine the extent of the operation. As stated, your meniscus absorbs and diffuses forces that act on your knee. I think I had a swollen knee for 30 years, because after the surgery it was much better. He just gets swelling every now and then. As this healing occurs, patients progress towards bearing weight, increasing their range of motion, and leaving the knee brace behind. how long after meniscus repair can i golf. Many people can be discharged that same day, but how long you stay in the hospital is determined by your needs. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. And, chances are that this is what caused your meniscus tear in the first place. If you have a knee surgery, do not squat for at least four months after the procedure. If a meniscus is torn, then arthritis might develop because of the loss of cushioning. Can't remember specifically as to golf. . Now the questions that matter. WITB A patient undergoing a repair as opposed to a complete replacement of the meniscus can expect to resume light activities within a few weeks. 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. Was the surgery on your lead or trail leg.? Meniscus tears are common injuries that often occur from sports injuries or aging. I managed it with pain killers, then steroid shots then shots of Hyalgan. I knew then I had to get it scoped. Knee has been solid and not affected my golf since. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. Display as a link instead, When you shower, keep your bandage and incisions dry by taping a sheet of plastic to cover them. This lack of shock absorption and dispersion gets magnified over time, increasing your risk for osteoarthritis. If left untreated, this damage could cause long-term problems such as arthritis. Meniscus Tear - Recovery. It is important to consult with your surgeon prior to returning to any physical activity. Orthopedic surgeons typically recommend that you wait at least 3 months before returning to low impact activities like golfing. For those of you who have had knee meniscus surgery: 1. Recovery time varies depending on the individual, but most people can return to playing golf within a few weeks of surgery. 7. Both. Don't suffer with pain for years when you don't have to. I had 2 bone spurs that were really bad. A more complicated procedure may necessitate a higher price. Started Thursday at 03:24 PM, Please put and questions or comments here, Please put any questions or comments here, Please put any questions of comments here. Will A Knee Brace Help Bursitis? The graft integrity and proper knee stability will be ensured during this procedure. 7. Golf Injuries: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment.. 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. Now, imagine a car with a busted suspension. A torn meniscus is a tear in the cartilage of the knee. This allows the knee time to heal and for the patient to regain full range of motion. I had it done in the fall, I had the lateral section removed. Your doctor will give you very specific instructions for what medication you can and cannot take during the meniscus repair recovery process. I mentioned to the doctor afterwards how it has affected my golf. Resting when you feel tired, getting plenty of sleep, and eating a healthy diet can all be helpful in ensuring a quicker recovery. An tendon from another body part is used to replace the torn ligaments. I've worked hard to build up my skinny legs better but haven't noticed much of a difference. Even after surgery, it is important to give the knee time to heal properly before returning to any high-impact activities. Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. So now his plan is put up with the pain till you cant take it anymore and eventually have knee replacement. TaylorMade Sim 2 9 degrees, HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX 60 6.0 I would guess maybe 15-20% of mine is gone (but I could be wrong), but where I still have it, it is over most of the weight bearing parts of the knee, maybe that is why I haven't had much of an issue since the surgery. How long recovery takes can depend on a variety of factors, which we will delve into below. Get a free PDF with step-by-step instructions, tips, and mistakes to avoid so you can eliminate knee pain for good. Minor surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day after the procedure. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. Ironically I had no pain when playing but doing activities like running and jumping caused lots of pain. However, it is important to note that a complete return of knee strength and full-range mobility may take several months. Golfers have a higher rate of knee tears than non-golfers. on November 1, 2022 Medically Reviewed By The number one recommendation is to properly warm up before intense physical activity. I hope it works out well for you. Meniscus repair is usually done with arthroscopic surgery. Even just the 5,000 to 7,000 steps per day of the average adult takes its toll on your menisci. Typically competitive golfers can play golf for 6-8 months after their recovery is complete. What Causes Meniscus Tears? . | When It Can And When It Cant, 4 Causes Of Outside Knee Pain After Basketball (And How To Fix Each One), How To Prevent Knee Injuries In Basketball? A knee arthroscopy usually takes longer to recover than a wrist arthroscopy due to different joint issues for example, a knee arthroscopy takes longer to recover than a wrist arthroscopy. See additional information. However, athletic activities may reproduce pain and swelling. Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike. 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. Weight transfer is great, pain is non existent although I occasionally get some swelling. "when should the average person go back to work after a torn meniscus arthroscopic knee surgery?" Answered by Dr. Abdul Ahmed: 6 weeks: Typically repaired meniscus heals in 6 weeks. This might make all the difference in the degree of treatment and recovery time that will be required. The knees experience a great deal of pressure and are particularly prone to damage. Nike #3 Oven Proto. Srixon ZX5 4-7, ZX7 8-AW Recoil 95 S | 7 Tips To Stay Injury-Free, Back Of Knee Pain After Basketball | 5 Potential Sources And How To Treat Them, Pain Under Knee Cap After Basketball | 4 Possible Causes (With Treatments), Can You Play Basketball After Knee Replacement? However for complex sport that involves cutting and turning such as rugby, football or Aussie rules football, it may take a bit longer, typically about a year. Just as adjustments to how you plant your lead foot reduce rotational forces on your knee joint, so do the shoes you wear. Sometimes, physiotherapy may be recommended to help reduce pain and improve movement and strength in the knee. You cannot paste images directly. Summer of 2011 was write off, but started playing more regularly in 2012 and I won my first Club Championship summer of 2013. However, certain conditions can accelerate this process and that includes a tear in your meniscus. This is completely normal, and the doctor may prescribe some mild pain medication for you to take when you get home. If the tear affects the inner two-thirds of your meniscus, an area of cartilage that lacks blood flow, it can't be surgically repaired. RTX Zipcore 56 and Full Face 60, DG spinner . Just depends on how long. After rehab and returning to golf I was able to end last season at a 3.5 hcp. Clear editor. Even though it cannot be done completely, taking precautions is the best way to avoid a meniscal tear. 7. if the surgery was perforned years ago, did arthritis develop in the knee that had the surgery? I have some minor calcification under the knee cap, but it's unrelated to the surgery. I really appreciate this, as it led me to emphasize this with the surgeon. Did you have physical therapy? I played today with a guy who has put off meniscus surgery for 7 years and he is just fine and doesn't have near the issues I have had. This makes it common in the older population whove already put their knees through good use throughout their lifetime. Plus any other damage the patient has in the knee could affect return to activity somewhat. It usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks for patients to increase weight bearing and range of motion. An athlete who has ACL surgery and follows the plan of care will most likely be able to resume his or her golf activities as soon as six months after the surgery..