Dear Dr. Roach: I have a torn meniscus, and it has been recommended that I have arthroscopic surgery. I scheduled the surgery after the orthopedic surgeon stated that I would be up and resuming my life three to five days afterward. It sounded so matter of fact and easy that I didn鈥檛 ask any more questions. I could handle this recovery.
Then, as time went on, other people who had this type of surgery provided recovery stories, but none of them were as short-term as I was led to believe. Stories varied from 鈥減iece of cake鈥� to 鈥測ou will be on crutches for two weeks, then six weeks of rehab.鈥� A physician鈥檚 assistant in the surgeon鈥檚 office described an even longer recovery.
With my job, I am in and out of my car and walk quite a bit making sales calls. I have a wintertime golf trip planned that I would like to be 鈥済ood as new鈥� for and able to enjoy. How far in advance of the trip should I schedule the surgery?
J.D.
The menisci are doughnut-shaped structures that sit on top of the tibia and provide support for the femur 鈥� both bones of the lower leg 鈥� helping to keep the femur from moving out of place and acting as a shock absorber. A meniscus can be torn by a sports injury, but it also can be torn just by usual movement and some degeneration of the cartilage, particularly in those over age 50. Most tears get better with conservative measures, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, and only a minority need surgery.
Unfortunately, I can鈥檛 give you a precise time period for your recovery. I have occasionally seen the three to five days your surgeon reported, but that is certainly the optimistic side of things. Six weeks definitely is on the long side. So much depends on your physical condition going into surgery and the acuity and extent of the tear and surgery required to repair it.
Certainly, physical therapy after surgery is the best way of recovering as quickly and completely as possible.
听
Dear Dr. Roach: I have plantar fasciitis inflammation in my left heel and foot. My podiatrist recommends having a HyProCure implant put into my ankle joint to alleviate the pain. I am not so sure about having a metal bolt in my ankle. I am 50 years old and in good health otherwise. Can you talk a little bit about this procedure?
K.K.M.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a band of tough tissue that connects the toes with the heel bone, and it can become inflamed from exercise, especially running and jumping. It usually is treated with rest, ice, anti-inflammatories and stretching. Good shoes with padding are essential; wearing heel cups during the day and splints at night helps many people.
Most people with plantar fasciitis get better without surgery. I looked up the HyProCure device but couldn鈥檛 find anything, apart from information provided by the company that makes the device. I would seek a second opinion prior to any kind of surgery.
