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Originally Posted by lrd
While you all are answering Jack's question could you help me with mine?
After 2 months of exams and an MRI, we found out Friday that my 17YO has a torn meniscus and has to have surgery. He's on the waiting list, so it could be February or later before they get around to him. We got very little instruction on what he should/should not be doing. He works weekends at Ruby Tuesday's and is on his feet the whole time. He tried a brace but said it hurt worse than going without.
Any advice on what we should be doing now for pain and to keep the muscles in his leg in shape? or any other information I need to know for this? He wants to be ready for baseball in the spring...
(Thanks for sharing your thread, Jack.  ) |
My experience, FWIW. . .
I had a torn meniscus repaired just about 2 years ago. After the injury first occured, I continued martial arts activities for 5 months before I went to the Doc. After the diagnosis I continued reduced activities for 3 months before it could be repaired. Reduced activities was exercise to keep the strength up. No full extension of the leg, no deep stances or knee bends without support, pretty much reduced stress on the knee. Ice on the knee after activity and meds for reducing the swelling if needed.
After the repair which included removal of existing miniscus, repair of a torn ligament and cleaning up arthritis, I was on my feet with a crutch 2nd day after surgery, no crutch on the 3rd day and back to work. 3 weeks after surgery I was back teaching classes and fully active. I attribute that to the fact that I kept the knee in shape prior to surgery and, most importantly, started riding my bike religiously after a week with the Docs approval as well as his approved exercises.
I was 47 when I had this done. I'll bet your son will have an even easier time of it. But bottom line, it's like what NDD said, listen to the body, not the mind. And ask the Doc what to do. It's his responsability to look out for his patients welfare.
Oh yeah, don't take pain meds prior to work or any other activity. They can mask further damage being done to the knee.