Thought it was a slight tear and they were just going to clean it up. 6. While it isnt the most common to suffer a knee injury while down on the green, they do happen and meniscus tears are leading the charge. For those of you who have had knee meniscus surgery: 1. Clear editor. First surgery late in 2008 had meniscus trim, second in mid 2011 had meniscus repair in two places. 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. How you squat and how you respond matter! 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. Coming back after knee surgery. Take steps to recover from knee surgery quickly and safely! You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor Okays it. Can a meniscus tear heal by itself? I really appreciate this, as it led me to emphasize this with the surgeon. (1) Also, your menisci are your knees shock absorbers and force distributors. Can a meniscus tear . It is critical that you consult with your doctor before starting running. An anterior cruciate knee injury may require surgery for as long as six months. Had my first scope done at 19, developed arthritis by 25. 3. By the time I got in to see him, it was feeling better, he took some x-rays and couldn't see I had done any damage to that side of my knee. Take note that you will still need physical therapy after your surgery. The surgery will aim to preserve the meniscus by repairing the tear or removing the torn part of the meniscus. Ask Dr. Geier Meniscus Tears. It also helps stabilize the knee joint and nourish the cartilage. So now it's total bone on bone in there. A patient undergoing a repair as opposed to a complete replacement of the meniscus can expect to resume light activities within a few weeks. Recovery time is usually about a month. My issue was pain, which was relieved by surgery. One disadvantage of this argument is that weight gain can cause implants to be stressed. Understand your meniscus tear and your treatment options even if you have no medical knowledge and have looked everywhere for answers with no luck! Generally, for about four weeks (or less, or more) after surgery patients will use crutches to keep weight off of the affected side. Years ago, they were very careful. The meniscus functions as a shock absorber. It is important to note that a torn meniscus will not heal itself. 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. This is typically performed on the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, or wrist. As usual, you should go to bed with pain in your knee as a sign that it is time to leave. Pasted as rich text. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away. Injuries vary from person to person, and their severity can differ greatly. Other people find that the torn meniscus prevents them from participating comfortably in their usual daily activities. And, chances are that this is what caused your meniscus tear in the first place. Ask Dr. Geier Meniscus tears in young athletes Total Knee Replacement: With a knee replacement, or arthroplasty, the surfaces of the femur and tibia are replaced. Full, complete recovery from acl repair is usually quoted at 10-12 months. However, athletic activities may reproduce pain and swelling. My main issue was pain. It is typically recommended that patients wait at least six weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery before returning to golf. 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 exactl. A torn meniscus is a tear in the cartilage of the knee. I have much less pain than I had prior to surgery and had no buckling while playing or practicing. There is so much "Just DO It". Swings on flat ground were ok fairly early on, its the odd stances and walking on slopes that took longer. This ensures minimal tension on the cartilage as it heals. Each knee has two menisci. If you are concerned about knee pain and wish to have an assessment, contact us today at Mattalino Orthopaedic in Phoenix, AZ. The patients exercise time after a partial meniscectomy ranges between one week and six weeks. The medical advice varies, but most online resources suggest you can return to playing golf around four months post-surgery if you used a patella tendon graft, or six months if you used a hamstring graft. How long recovery takes can depend on a variety of factors, which we will delve into below. Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage disc within the knee. It takes longer for a meniscus repair to heal than a meniscectomy. I started earlier on the first surgery with chip shots. Both knees have also developed arthritis as well which adds discomfort on cold, wet days (like today) and also when kneeling down. In 2016 the arthritis got so bad that nothing really worked. Because the typical method of ACL reconstruction used by adults can cause damage to growth plates, this procedure is not suitable for growing children. There are multiple types of procedures, including meniscus removal or meniscectomy, meniscus repair surgery or, in rare cases, meniscus replacement. Improving the performance of knee replacement implants may benefit patients who want to participate in activities with a high degree of tension in their knees. 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. It is not uncommon for patients to take over eight weeks to recover enough from a meniscal injury to walk again. Ping PLD Custom Anser 4, 34"/355g. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. I would make sure you discuss with your doctor how it might affect your golf before you go through with it. An MRI or arthroscopy is often used to identify a torn meniscus. Once you have regained full strength and mobility in your knee, you will want to make sure you never have to go through this process again! You may also experience limited knee motion and trouble extending your knee fully. 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. I remember Tiger's bone fracture in his left kneebad. How many? Callaway RazrX Tour stock shaft stiff/Mizuno MP-30 2 iron with Rifle 6.0 shaft I hit balls at the range after about 8 weeks and played 9 holes after about 12 weeks. But 99% of the time I would say I have normal function of my knee. The same could be said for a patient with a meniscus tear that needs to be repaired (not just just removed). That is a terrific question. After two to three weeks, you might find that you no longer need the support of crutches, but its important to not rush the process. Knee Force. 2019-2022 Knee Force is a King Wave Company. First time I was back hitting balls in 4-6 weeks. How long does it take to recover from meniscus tear surgery? Instruction not desired. One such restriction is, all these exercises should be at a 15-degree angle. The patient's exercise time after a partial meniscectomy ranges between one week and six weeks. 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. My understanding is that the medial meniscus has poor blood supply and will not heal on its own. During the procedure, scar tissue is removed in order for the knee to return to its original state. 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. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 . 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. Running is usually delayed until 3-4 months after surgery while a full return to sports and squatting typically occurs after 4-6 months. 4.Did the surgery fix a bucking problem (my issue). A study found that after anterior knee repair, failure rates are between 5 and 10 times higher than after anterior knee reconstruction. A tear in the meniscusthe cartilage in your kneecan be painful. . Berkshire Commons, Suite 250 2201 Ridgewood Road Wyomissing, PA 19610 Phone: 610-375-4949 Fax: 610-375-6233 Schedule An Appointment The most direct answer, really, is that you shouldnt be playing golf while your meniscus is still torn. The knees experience a great deal of pressure and are particularly prone to damage. Glad you're back golfing. PT gets you back on the course faster and safer while also teaching you how to prevent reinjury. A meniscus repair to the knee cartilage is a minimally invasive surgery that can normally be performed on an outpatient basis. Proper aftercare is essential to avoid any complications or setbacks that may lengthen your recovery time. I had to explain to him that I don't just "play golfI'm a freaking GOLFER". 6. They may also share some exercises you can do at home. I often hear from patients that do try to return very soon after surgery that their knees swell and ache. Typically competitive golfers can play golf for 6-8 months after their recovery is complete. However, certain conditions can accelerate this process and that includes a tear in your meniscus. Sports medicine stats: Sudden cardiac death among young athletes, Tips For Choosing the Perfect Orthopedic Surgeon For You. However, injuries to the lower extremities (hands, elbows, shoulders) and lower extremities are also common. 5.How long did it take after your surgery before you could play again? It is possible to estimate how long it will take you to recover from a follow-up care sheet. Patients can typically return to golf, surfing, and skating in eight to ten weeks. Thanks guys. Don't suffer with pain for years when you don't have to. The recovery time for meniscus surgery depends on the type of surgery you had. how long after meniscus repair can i golf. If you want to prevent or correct physical problems, physical therapy is an excellent way to go about it. I'm only on day 2 so long way to go but hoping to be hitting balls in a month. Ironically I had no pain when playing but doing activities like running and jumping caused lots of pain. 5.How long did it take after your surgery before you could play again? After surgery, it usually takes four to six months for the patient to return to competition. A meniscus tear can get better on its own without treatment, but it can take a while to heal. eden prairie community center open swim. But you may need to take a break from some sports and activities for up to a year to give your knee time to heal completely. You should be able to resume normal activity within about 6 weeks. This was in 1975, I didn't have anything done to it, no surgery then (which given the time, was probably a good thing), it never really healed 100% IMO. Before you can get started, you must follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon or physical therapist. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeksif your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery. 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. This swelling is another major factor to address for your rehabilitation plan, as it can otherwise impede proper training for your quadriceps muscles. He said that accepted practice now is to take out the least amount possible to get the job done. It is critical that we return to golf as soon as possible after the rehabilitation following. The surgeon managed to save approximately 50% of the meniscus which was good news. Treatments for a meniscus tear. 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. If the tear is limited to the outer 1/3 of your meniscus, then, yes, it can heal naturally. However, every patient is different and some may be able to return to golfing sooner than others. 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. I can hardly stand to walk 18 holes anymore and the next day will be torture if I do. For a low-impact sport such as cycling, the patient can return usually at around six months. I have done these partial meniscectomy surgeries on professional athletes, many of whom returned to sports within 3 to 4 weeks. The knee tends to buckle every once in awhile at the top of the backswing. Once the torn cartilage is repaired and fully healed, patients can expect to return to the physical activities they once loved. (2,3). Also read: If the tear is severe, it may require surgery to repair. So now his plan is put up with the pain till you cant take it anymore and eventually have knee replacement. Whether or not a meniscus tear can heal on its own depends on its severity. Damaged meniscus (cartilage) repair patients are unable to perform any twisting, pivoting, squatting, deep knee bends, or impact activities for four months. For meniscus root repairs, more time is necessary to allow the repair to fully heal. It usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks for patients to increase weight bearing and range of motion. Recover From Knee Surgery Like a Champion! After having arthroscopic knee surgery, you may be able to return to sports in one month or 3-6 months. 4. What speed? It usually takes seven to ten weeks after surgery for the meniscus to be shaved or cut back. My knee wasn't buckling, just extremely painful when rotating it internally or externally. Just try to be patient with yourself. Yes, I've been able to play the same way after surgery as before. I just hope there aren't any surprises when he gets in there. Published by at 14 Marta, 2021. Your link has been automatically embedded. Did you have tears on both sides of the knee or just one side? Each meniscus tear is very different. Lots of questions! While meniscus surgery is considered routine, there are still several basic things that patients should do following their procedure to ensure a faster and optimal recovery. I had meniscus surgery on both knees. 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. Usually they admitted that they continued to improve and feel stronger the further out they got from surgery. That was not the case 30 years ago. I WISH I WOULD HAVE DONE IT 8 YEARS AGO! Was only the damaged portion removed or the entire meniscus? Progression Over 4-6 weeks, the pain and swelling may decrease and activities of daily living may become tolerable. Yes, 6. Good luck with 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. He/she will insert a small camera through an incision on your knee and use small instruments to do the repair. This procedure is commonly used by athletes to return to competition in their respective sports in as little as a week. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped pad of cartilage located in the knee that helps stabilize and cushion the joint. 2. It took about a year until my knee felt "normal" again. Anti-inflammatories will help limit the swelling that happens after the injury which, consequently, also dulls down knee pain. Even after surgery, it is important to give the knee time to heal properly before returning to any high-impact activities. 7. if the surgery was perforned years ago, did arthritis develop in the knee that had the surgery? Yes, extensively. how long after meniscus repair can i golf. Have you been able to play the same way that you did prior to your surgery? Even though it cannot be done completely, taking precautions is the best way to avoid a meniscal tear. The meniscus . Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. The information on this page is not intended to be used for any specific purpose. If your surgery includes repair of a meniscal tear with sutures or anchors, you . 8 Answers. I had 2 bone spurs that were really bad. Over the next many years, it was sore much of the time, stiff and I couldn't bend it much past 90 degrees. Nike #3 Oven Proto. Activity: You should use cane, crutches or a walker for the first 3 to 5 days following surgery. Recovery time varies depending on the individual, but most people can return to playing golf within a few weeks of surgery. It commonly takes about 4-8 weeks for patients to increase weight-bearing and range of motion. At Mattalino Orthopaedic in Phoenix, AZ, meniscus surgery is performed at our state-of-the-art clinic with extensive after-care to ensure a complete recovery. Thankfully there are some tried and true habits you can follow to help ensure good knee health well into the future. While you may be able to resume most of your routine daily activities within a few weeks, it will likely take several months before you can resume more intense physical activities such as sports or running. Any deeper and you might have to consider surgery. I have had p.T. I'm really pissed at myself for jumping the gun and having the surgery. An ACL reconstruction procedure involves the removal of the torn ligament and the replacement of it with a tissue that connects muscle to bone (tendon). It may be possible that having knee surgery reduces the likelihood of pain in your back or upper-pelvic region. I knew then I had to get it scoped. Timeline: 1 week to 5 weeks after Surgery. Srixon ZX5 4-7, ZX7 8-AW Recoil 95 S How much does acl surgery cost? Put a pillow under your foot. This makes it common in the older population whove already put their knees through good use throughout their lifetime. Flying within a couple weeks of the surgery can range from not the best idea to more or less impossible. #177: On this episode of the #AskMikeReinold show we talk about our thoughts on weight-bearing restrictions follow meniscus repair. For how long? This leaves you with a smaller scar as well as a faster recovery time. 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. Your incision will be very small but it is still advisable to follow proper wound care. This Ask Dr. Geier question addresses these concerns after one of the most common operations in orthopedic surgery meniscus surgery, or specifically, partial meniscectomy. After suffering a cartilage injury, physical therapy can help you recover your strength, endurance, and flexibility. how long after meniscus repair can i golf . Your knee will be swollen. I had my surgery on June 12th. An athlete might tear a meniscus with a sudden leg movement, but the injury can happen to anyone. One hundred fifty five of these patients have pain relief from the surgery, and 85 can wear their knee without limitations. Many patients are able to return to limited or light duty work 1-2 weeks after surgery. Resting when you feel tired, getting plenty of sleep, and eating a healthy diet can all be helpful in ensuring a quicker recovery. All it takes is playing, jumping, or even twisting the wrong way at the wrong time. The only swing side effects are shots from a fairway bunker. If a meniscus tear is repaired, then limited weightbearing . If your left knee is covered by an arthroplasty, your right knee may experience rotational forces when you swing the golf club. Anytime surgery is performed whether via scope or they open you up I was told to expect arthritis to develop. I have some minor calcification under the knee cap, but it's unrelated to the surgery. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, you may be able to return to sport within a month. Timeline for Meniscus Repair Recovery: It will take around 4-6 weeks before you can walk, drive, and otherwise move normally as you would prior to your injury. Miura CB 801 5-PW, Recoil Proto 125 F4, Miura 52.06,56.10, 60.09, Recoil Proto 125 F4 There is a specific recommendation for how to protect the knee, whether you swing your golf club or not. (1). Did you have physical therapy? The left one, i was in so much pain it was just crazy bad to now zero pain. What is the success rate of meniscus repair? Best of luck! How long does a meniscus tear take to recover? | Our Expert Explains, Reasons you should avoid playing golf with your meniscus tear, Adjustments you should try to prevent injury, How to Play Golf with a Sore Left Knee? A meniscus root tear can occur due to a traumatic event or degeneration. If you have a partial or total meniscectomy, you can expect your . I've worked hard to build up my skinny legs better but haven't noticed much of a difference. Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. The second time (2 years ago), they told me I could play as soon as I wanted to and didn't give me any exercises other than some leg lifts. The ability to function in that state will vary drama. Episode 155: What can golfers do to treat and prevent low back pain? I asked what the difference was, and the doctor said that they've learned some stuff over the years.