In most cases, a partial meniscectomy is done to try to preserve as much of the cartilage as possible. It is commonly seen in young athletes as their popliteal artery becomes compressed while their body is still growing. After I had torn meniscus surgery my leg became a little longer, yoga helps but what else can I do? And thats the 80% fact is true that does happen. You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. J Ultrasound. Pain or swelling that is not relieved by resting or elevating the leg. In fact, meniscus tears can be a normal occurrence as a part of the aging process. According to this study, one of the major causes of pain after arthroscopic knee surgery is nerve entrapment or nerve compression. WebGeneral Surgery 47 years experience If it is only: in the foot and if it is not severe. It hurts to bear full weight on my leg due to knee pain..I have had 3 meniscus surgeries..most recent one was 2 months ago. Meniscus surgery is a common operation to remove or repair a torn meniscus, a piece of cartilage in the knee. It can cause pain, numbness, So it's important to follow your healthcare provider's advice about moving your leg as much as possible to keep blood flowing and prevent blood clots. EFORT Open Rev. You may also have difficulty bearing any weight on your leg at all. And then they lose motion. Read our, Meniscus Tears: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Torn or Frayed Meniscus Healing and Treatment, 5 Reasons Your Knee Still Hurts After Arthroscopy, What to Expect From a Meniscus Transplant, What to Know About Big Toe Bone Spur Surgery (Cheilectomy), Water on the Knee (Effusion) Causes and Treatments, Meniscus Repair Surgery for Torn Knee Cartilage, Eyelid Surgery: Everything You Need to Know, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, Save the meniscus, A good strategy to preserve the knee, Nonsurgical treatments for meniscus tears, Management of stiffness following total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review, Knee septic arthritis after arthroscopy: incidence, risk factors, functional outcome, and infection eradication rate, Thromboembolism prophylaxis in orthopaedics: an update, The risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis after arthroscopic meniscus repair vs partial meniscectomy vs the general population, Increased risk for knee replacement surgery after arthroscopic surgery for degenerative meniscal tears: a multi-center longitudinal observational study using data from the osteoarthritis initiative. You may have to wear a brace or cast to keep your knee stable. A knee arthroscopy, a type of minimally invasive surgery, may be recommended. Acad. It also stabilizes your posture as you walk or run, preventing you from falling forward. Your popliteus tendon and popliteus muscle work together to rotate and stabilize your knee. So that means youre good to go after two to three months. Friend had torn meniscus surgery and when he walks on his foot, his calf hurts. And get the pain under control and recover normally the way that you should have once you start doing the right things. All rights reserved. Complexe tears usually require surgery to trim the damaged part of one meniscus. What most people just dont Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/), (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/knee-arthroscopy/), (https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/knee-problems#tab-overview), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5994634/), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431067/), Presence of symptoms (pain, swelling, locking, buckling, etc). The pain is caused by small tears in the muscle fibers. 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. The second tip i need you to take home today is you need to listen to your knee because after youre on your own and youre youre supposed to be 80% better theres things that youll be able to do and go ahead and do those as long as they dont hurt or bother you or cause some effects later on that day or the next day then theyre generally going to be okay things for you to do you can probably do some walking but walking you know a few miles maybe not very comfortable for you that may set off the swelling that may hurt you more. Arch Bone Jt Surg. If you're not sure what is causing your calf pain, you should contact your healthcare provider. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. 2019 May;116(20):347-354. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2019.0347. 2018;3(4):136-148. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.3.170018, Persson F, Turkiewicz A, Bergkvist D, Neuman P, Englund M. The risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis after arthroscopic meniscus repair vs partial meniscectomy vs the general population. A calf muscle contusion, otherwise known as a bruise, happens when blood vessels under the skin are torn or ruptured. Get answers from Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. However my achilles tendon Merry Christmas everyone! Policy. And they can get back to normal in about two or three months after having the surgery. The medications will help you complete the Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Nature. For most people, the stiffness resolves with appropriate therapeutic intervention following surgery. To be sure, your doctor will probably have an MRI done. Sciatic nerve pain is very common and runs from the lower back down to the legs, as far as the calf. You may buttock, hip, thigh, calf, and/or foot pain when walking short distances. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Get checked for a blood clot. If you received crutches from your physical therapist, remember to bring them on the day of surgery. Many people with a torn meniscus choose surgery because the injured cartilage can make the knee unstable (buckle and give way), cause pain and swelling or cause the knee to lock-up or become stuck.. Your healthcare provider may recommend low-impact activities rather than high-impact (such as walking rather than running). Is it possible the muscle has herniated from the bakers cyst or from surgery, Did this ever remedy for u? Thank you for your insightful reply. After surgery my instructions were to use crutches for only 2 or 3 days so I did that and then started walking Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. If the strain is severe, there may be swelling and bruising, and the pain may be too intense to walk. It is a collection of knee joint fluid that pools in the back of the knee. A meniscus tear can cause pain and stiffness, limiting the range of motion. A common approach is called the RICE method, which stands for: Dont apply heat or massage the area initially. It can create another problem later on youve got to listen to your knee youve got to listen to your body and make sure that you only go with what you can tolerate without making it worse without swelling pain or definitely not losing motion and you might consider staying in physical therapy longer than they want you to or finding something to help you out. You may want to arrange for someone to stay with you the first two days after the surgery to help you while youre recovering. Now, the focus when you go into a surgeons office, theyre looking at your MRI, theyre looking at your meniscus on the MRI, theyre telling you the tear in the way that its torn and how theyre going to repair it. Why does my calf hurt after meniscus surgery, i don't have a bloodclot in my , im on cruches and I have a brace? Tell you how to prepare for surgery. 2016 Feb;93(4):279-285. Please subscribe to this channel and turn on your notifications so that you dont miss a single video with great tips and advice that we put out every single week. Dr. John Michalski answered. Usually, this can happen when you are able to comfortably put your full weight on your surgical leg. This small, superficial muscle is situated behind the knee and runs between the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. University of Maryland Medical Center. Meniscus surgery is an operation to remove or repair a torn meniscus, a piece of cartilage in the knee. I have had terrible calf painand swelling right from the start. Without surgery, recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks, though this can vary. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Osteomyelitis is bone inflammation usually caused by a bacterial infection. J. Your healthcare provider may suggest medication, physical therapy, or other treatments, depending on your diagnosis. If you have a physical job, you may need extra time off work to recover. After having my Meniscus cleaned up in my right knee I have started having a tightness and severe ache in my calf and foot. Other causes may be muscle pain and swelling, but check asap with your orthopedic Am Fam Physician. 2008;451(7181):914-8. doi:10.1038/nature06797. A nerve conduction study should be done. Gastrocnemius strains often happen during sports or exercise activities that involve sprinting or jumping. The first treatment, in most cases, is to rest the muscles and allow the acute inflammation to lessen. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a type of cardiovascular disease usually caused by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries of the upper and lower extremities. Did this ever remedy for u? My second knee surgery, other knee same issue, but the calf issue still plagues me nearly a year later. Constant stretc As part of your preparation, make arrangements for someone to bring you home after surgery. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2014;6(10):491-9. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.143278, Mackman N. Triggers, targets and treatments for thrombosis. WebThe meniscus functions to improve the fit between the femur and the tibia, to absorb shock and distribute load in the knee, and to help move lubricating fluid around the knee. So my MRI read, I tore my ACL and meniscus. Sciatica. Afterward, your calf muscle may be sore for a few days. Oftentimes healthcare providers will tell you go walk your knees operated on its good youre the we took out the chunk that was you know causing your need to lock up the meniscus we did a meniscectomy or we repaired the meniscus and its all sewn together now so you can go ahead and walk all you want and some people take that to heart and to go walk you know three miles a day or even 10-20 miles a week and their meniscus just doesnt heal enough and they get that swelling. You may need bloodwork or an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to help plan your surgery and anesthesia. I would be concerned about a blood clot, but I've had issues with that calf for years off and on. But typically physical therapy goes two to three months you get 80% better and a lot of times people have the expectation setting themselves that they can get back to everything that theyre doing before and thats just not the case they can do a lot of things now that they couldnt before the surgery typically. X-rays can reveal many types of abnormalities in the lower leg, ankle, or knee (particularly problems with bones and joints). Before having surgery, youll have an appointment with your orthopedic surgeon. Exercises to avoid. For the first two days after surgery, your surgeon may suggest putting ice on your knee for A sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, is found in both the right and left legs. If you break down what most healthcare provision professionals tell their patients, it could be an orthopedic surgeon, or even a physical therapist, its telling somebody whos just had a meniscus surgery, theyll say, well, 80% of healing is done in the first two to three months. This type of injury often occurs after a person falls, bumps into something, or is struck on the calf. Medial and lateral meniscus tears. Chen B, Liu H, Chen H, Chen L, Wang H. Arthroscopic-assisted treatment of popliteus tendinitis. Older people also injure their menisci frequently. Miho J. Tanaka, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of sports medicine injuries. Calf pain : If doppler is negative for dvt, then consider soleus strain, referred ls spine nerve And if youve already had your meniscus surgery, then you know what to do so that youre not getting more swelling, pain and not losing motion than that knee and youre staying out of the surgeons office, so you dont have to go back again for another knee surgery. Lastly, they will maneuver your foot, ankle, and knee to see how well you're able to move them. Did you have any meniscus surgery in the past and youre still dealing with pain, swelling and possibly even losing motion in your knee? Case Report: Painful leg spasms in patient with hemifacial spasms and Vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiency (2997). If your toes do not flex downward, an Achilles tendon rupture would be suspected. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. 2012Aug;86(4):350-355. Anyone can get calf muscle pain. KSRR. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. In severe cases, peroneal nerve entrapment can lead to foot drop, in which you have difficulty lifting the front of your foot due to muscle weakness. You may be asked to sign consent forms before the surgery. Infection is an unusual complication of meniscus surgery, but it can occur. Prevent or slow the development of arthritis. Youll have an appointment to meet with the surgeon and ask any questions before the procedure. These exercises can help improve control of your leg muscles and knee range of motion. Usually, sharp or tearing pain sets in after taking a few steps. You might (it sounds like) have a completely different problem your doctor needs to diagnose and treat especially if your having pain preventing you from working. Is it normal for leg length to increase after torn meniscus surgery? 2017;5(2):107-113. doi:10.1055/s-0037-1603901, Flevas DA, Megaloikonomos PD, Dimopoulos L, Mitsiokapa E, Koulouvaris P, Mavrogenis AF. A historical and biographical review. Prior to your healthcare provider's visit, it's a good idea to jot down a couple of notes about your calf pain that could help your healthcare provider pinpoint the cause. Exercises to try. Its more common in athletes and people who exercise and put excess stress on their calf muscles. No heavy bleeding but Ive been/currently on the pill. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. I hope that you found hope now that if you got if you had a meniscus surgery in the past and youre dealing with these problems of swelling the pain the loss of motion please start doing this this taking this advice that i gave you start doing the exercises and get better it is possible to get that swelling down and to get your motion back and to recover and be normal. Thats a thin tool that has a camera and light at the end. I had vascular surgery and my meniscus is still ripped. You might feel pain when twisting your knee, or be unable to straighten your leg fully. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Can a torn meniscus cause pain to radiate? If not even worse. But you should call if you develop: Meniscus surgery can fix an injured or torn meniscus, a piece of cartilage in the knee joint. Ive had a few over the past 10 years? If the swelling or pain extends into calf or it worsens, it could be DVT, so re-consult with your doctor. Any loose cartilage is removed, and the meniscus is repaired. But if the pain comes on suddenly without a clear cause, it could be a problem with your blood vessels. Slideshow: Knee Surgery Recovery Timeline. Meniscus tear are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Some people need surgery for a torn meniscus, but some dont. This is common in people who have arthritis. The meniscus is a tough, rubbery piece of cartilage that sits above the shinbone and provides cushioning and stability to the knee. What Are My Treatment They are perfect for arthritis, tendonitis, swelling, meniscus tear, strains, sprains, calf cramps and recovery after surgery. So the focus of physical therapy after a knee meniscus surgery is getting your motion all the way back and then getting strong enough to stand and do some walking. If home treatment doesn't work, or your pain is significant, ongoing, or paired with other symptoms, you may need something more. They may also check your reflexes and feel for your pulse in your leg, ankle, and foot. Am. Then the team will cover your knee with a bandage. The pain doesn't get severe but is still there and it is still somewhat swollen. Contacting a doctor. Knee/leg hurts some. NYU Langone Health. You are asked to lie flat on an examination table with your foot hanging over the edge. But you need to still continue doing a few things to make sure that you get that remaining 20% healed so that you can truly get back to normal so let me give you some practical advice here three things that i want you to take away from this video number one set your expectations. The peroneal nerve is most prone to nerve entrapment. 2012 Apr;2(1):19. doi:10.4103/2156-7514.95433. Surgical treatment is needed if there is a concern regarding the development of the knee with a large discoid or when symptoms begin to interrupt daily Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. To learn more, please visit our, in the knee it can cause swelling into the ". " i have the same exact problem. Surg., May/June 2002; 10: 177-187. doi:10.5435/00124635-200205000-00004. People over age 65 are also at a higher risk of lower leg pain due to muscle weakness, certain health conditions or if theyve been inactive. And cartilage is one of the slowest healing tissues in the body. As you age, the cartilage becomes less resilient. WebThe PT process usually goes something like this: You start with exercises that focus on range of motion, like flexing and extending your knee as much as you can without pain. Meniscus tears overview. I'm thinking custom insoles as I'm on my feet on concrete everyday. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. Oftentimes, after having a meniscus surgery, people are told that theyll be fine. I have torn meniscus in right. Based on the meniscal tear pattern, the surgeon may remove part or all of the meniscus. First, you receive anesthesia. Im telling you right now its going to take six to 12 months just erase that number that they gave you in your head and i wouldnt go argue with them because they may not have all the knowledge and understanding behind it and truth be told surgeons oftentimes you know once they finish their surgery theyre kind of done with you. In these cases, the use of autologous stem cell-rich bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue is an excellent option. Joints. The goal of surgery is to improve the shape of the meniscus and remove any loose or extra tissue What should I do ? Cedars-Sinai Health Library. (If you are relatively healthy, these tests are usually not needed.). In rare cases, people need surgery for torn calf muscles, blood clots or blocked arteries in the calf. Symptoms of a meniscus tear may be different for each person, but some of the most common symptoms are: Pain in the knee joint: usually on the inside (medial), outside (lateral) or back of the knee. Your surgeon will then cut and remove the torn piece with small instruments called punches. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Knee septic arthritis after arthroscopy: incidence, risk factors, functional outcome, and infection eradication rate. Injury to nerves and blood vessels near the knee. It sends nerve impulses back and forth between the leg and spine and controls leg motion. 2018 Sep;30(3):269-272. doi:10.5792/ksrr.17.072. I would say to call your doctor who did the surgery to see what he thinks it is. You might (it sounds like) have a completely different problem you Most people can walk with crutches soon after meniscus surgery. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency. Dr. John Michalski answered. Takeaway. I switched to a cane for 1 or 2 days. Meniscectomy: What to Know About Removal of the Meniscus. Fields KB, Rigby MD. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams. Pus or foul-smelling drainage from any incisions. WebIs Calf pain after meniscus surgery your major concern? If you have a soleus muscle strain, you may feel deep soreness or tightness when you press on your Achilles tendon, walk on your tiptoes, or pull your toes toward your shin. Having bacteria within the knee joint can cause significant damage to the cartilage of the joint, and therefore urgent treatment of any suspected infection is necessary. This can depend on the type and severity of the tear as well as its location. For the first two days after surgery, your surgeon may suggest putting ice on your knee for 20 minutes at a time several times a day to help reduce pain and swelling. Save the meniscus, A good strategy to preserve the knee. If your meniscus is injured or torn (often called torn cartilage), your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove the damaged part or repair it. I hade my meniscus surgry last week, i don't have an bloodclot , I use crutches , and I have a brace around my bottom of my leg why do I feel calf pain? while avoiding unnecessary surgery, injections, and medications. You have two C-shaped discs of cartilage (soft tissue) that connect your thigh bone to your shinbone. Now my whole leg and even my feet hurt. The time of Saline is once again flushed through the knee to help rinse out any loose particles. My name is Dr. David Middaugh. Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. The team might place a clamp on your upper thigh to help with positioning during surgery. Strenuous exercise can tear the meniscus, a layer of HISTORY The patient is a 52-yeardd state police officer who was referred to physical therapy 2 months after ar- throscopic debridement of his left knee with knee pain. Why does my calf hurt after meniscus surgery and i don't have an blood clot in my leg? With rest and rehabilitation, blood beneath the skin will reabsorb into your body as the contusion heals. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. I have a history of ovarian cysts. Common peroneal nerve dysfunction. The effects of smoking can also slow the healing of your bone and wounds.. And now theyre kind of back to the way they were before the surgery. Blood clots can occur in anyone, but they are more common in people with specific risk factors for developing a clot. This is an acute injury that is usually caused by trauma, such as a direct blow to the inside of the knee. Alessandrino F, Balconi G. Complications of muscle injuries. The location of the tear may determine whether the meniscus can be repaired. My dr..said it the pain gets really severe that he will schedule an ultrasound to check for a blood clot.