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Surgery vs more PT?

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Dirtyhippiegirl
Dirtyhippiegirl

Have been dealing with chronic knee pain for eight months now. Prior to that I was very active -- running, long hikes, rock climbing, etc. I have done 3 months total of PT w/2 different therapists. My MRI was pretty benign, just a moderate amount of edema around my fat pad. I have a slight patellar tilt and maltracking issue. My primary issues seem to be underdeveloped key muscle groups causing a cascade of issues including tight hamstrings and IT bands.

I am doing my therapy and getting by with day to day activities with a 0-2/10 pain by stretching, stick rolling, and KT taping my knee. But I can't walk for more than a mile or two and am certainly not back to running. I picked up these last bits from my last PT which I've worked with for 6 weeks and they have helped the most in managing my pain. I am also getting stronger.

Saw an ortho who I trust -- he offered to do a lateral release of my knee. Said normally PT should be enough but I've not really had substantial relief from it, so this is the next step.

Idk. Does anyone have any recommendations? I could hold off on surgery but timing is an issue for activities I want to do down the line...I'm just not sure...ugh.

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • lighterson
    lighterson Dirtyhippiegirl

    Posted

    I personally waiting 2 years, so I could build up the muscles continue with PT and get complete recovery from my firsts TKR and for me 3 weeks post off with knee 2 it was definitely the right decision for me, as I am getting on well.
  • kaylee39583
    kaylee39583 Dirtyhippiegirl

    Posted

    Hi there! I have had similar issues, and have had lateral release on both my knees. I would recommend this surgery, but only as a very last option! Yes it will most likely help, but there is truly no guarentee and you will be in intense PT for months after. From what I've read on your post, you need to strengthen your leg muscles. I would put surgery on the very back burner and really focus on PT. Surgery is not an easy way out of this pain, and it will most likely make things a lot worse before a little better. Regardless of surgery or not, the unfortunate anatomy you have with maltracking forces you to focus more on specific muscles in order to take the stress off your knee. Hope this helped! Let me know if you have questionssmile

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