Torn Mescius Cartilage

Hi. Thank you. But that's the problem, all searches on Google were sponsored by APOS therapy. Rather biased I thought so was hoping to gain some unbiased comments from actual users of the shoes.

Thank you for your comments. I suffered a severe tear a year ago which required the standard Arthroscopy surgery. Made a full recovery in a very short period of time. Then 8 months later whilst walking up the stairs knee gave way with a searing pain shooting down the outside of the knee. Starting at the top of the bone. Subsequent GP referral back to Consultant (usual waiting time) MRI (usual waiting time) slight tear diagnosed where the previous year had been cut back. Made great friends with my sofa for the past 3 months as unable to walk/drive any distance. Now offered this APOS but would have to wait 'up to 3 months to notice a reduction in pain, if at all!' I just can't get my head around how a pair of shoes can 'cure' a physical tear but totally understand the relief it may offer for back and other unexplained joint pain. As posture can have a detrimental affect on joints as well as excess weight. I'm not overweight and only 49. Now been left for another 2 weeks with no treatment until a decision is made of I'm a candidate. Feel I maybe be pushed into this lengthy (with no guarantee) treatment. And left if I don't accept it! Physio has nothing to lose as he will be paid no matter what the outcome will be. As I had an assessment 3 days ago. Just leaving me in more pain than ever.

My mind is always leaning toward the cynical side when I hear of stuff like this, especially with letters like this attached to it. The 1st thing that comes to mind with an acronym like APOS is, "A Piece of S**t". But then again I've never been accused of being very smart. In The bUS we have a company called "the good feet store". Their deal is to do a lot of very specific measuring and build a pair of inserts for your shoes that cure all of your pain etc. The ads sound like they have you walking in the clouds. I only know one person that has actually have bought them and other than the weight they lost .......in their wallet ........they haven't seen much effect. Apparently the pass US codes but of course insurance doesnt pay a penny so you really wonder. I guess when you have knee/leg pain like most on here have experienced you are ready to grasp at any straw in the wind.

Thank you. I'm a public patient but apparently my surgeon says the hospital will fund the treatment if I'm deemed a candidate!!. I keep thinking 'money is talking' rather than outcome. Local hospital have a very long waiting list, compounded with a Cobsultant leaving without notice a few weeks back. I have tried calling APOS direct and they come across as being evasive and just kept repeating 'no two patients are the same that's why it's tailor made' but no guarantee was given either. 3 more months of pain and 'life on hold' seems too much to bear. Not that I want surgery if I can help it. But do want results or at least pain relief.

Doesn't it amaze you, these companies making money out of other peoples misery.  That is a small mortgage!!!

Oh wow.  Sounds like they have a financial deal in place with the consultant.  Can you not go back to your GP and ask to see someone else?  If that is not possible, get them to write a letter saying that this particular treatment does not seem to have your best interests at heart.  It may be new age”. I’m all for new things but…..   Sweetie, you should not be putting your life on hold.  Go ahead with the surgery; it’s 2 tiny holes in your knee and then you are up and about.  It will be a little painful, but nowhere near what you are in at present. You will heal and be back play sport, walking or whatever.  No-one likes operations, all that being knocked out, not in control.  All sorts of things buzz through your head, but you know, you come through it.  Before you know it you are in recovery waiting to be taken back to the ward, I have taken the liberty of copying the following for key hole surgery

QUOTE (Introduction 

An arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used both to diagnose and treat problems with joints.

It'smost commonly used on the knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips.

An arthroscopy involves the use of a device called an arthroscope to examine the joints. This is a thin, metal tube about the length and width of a drinking straw that contains a light source and a camera. Images are sent from the arthroscope to a video screen or an eyepiece, so the surgeon is able to see inside the joint.

It's also possible for tiny surgical instruments to be used alongside an arthroscope to allow the surgeon to treat certain joint conditions.

As the equipment used during an arthroscopy is so small, only minor cuts need to be made in the skin. This means the procedure has some potential advantages over traditional, "open" surgery, including:

less pain after the operation 

faster healing time

lower risk of infection

you can often go home the same day

you may be able to return to normal activities more quickly

Why it's used

An arthroscopy might be recommended if you have problems such as persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness, and scans have not been able to identify the cause.

An arthroscopy can also be used to treat a range of joint problems and conditions. For example, it can be used to:

repair damaged cartilage

remove fragments of loose bone or cartilage

drain away any excess fluid

treat conditions such as arthritis, frozen shoulder or carpal tunnel syndrome

What happens during an arthroscopy?

The arthroscope is inserted through a small cut in the skin made next to the joint. Further small incisions may also be made to allow an examining probe or surgical instruments to be inserted.

Your surgeon will then examine the inside of the joint using the arthroscope and, if necessary, remove or repair any problem areas.

This will usually be done under general anaesthetic, although sometimes a spinal or local anaesthetic is used.

The procedure is usually performed as a day case, which means you'll normally be able to go home on the same day as the surgery.

Recovering from an arthroscopy

The time it takes to recover from an arthroscopy can vary, depending on the joint involved and the specific procedure you had.

It's often possible to return to work and light, physical activities within a few weeks, but more demanding physical activities such as lifting and sport may not be possible for several months.

Your surgeon or care team will advise you how long it's likely to take to fully recover and what activities you should avoid until you're feeling better. UNQUOTE

 

Thank you, I had the arthroscopy last year after a traumatic fall had resulted in a severe tear. I made a full recovery, or so I thought. Then Bam 8 months later out of the blue I suffered a further tear. No other surgeon available. I do not have the best relationship with the local hospital (long story) and feel I'm being "fobbed off". Not confident it meets my needs and feel that if this therapy was so brilliant why dont they offer it to all patients with joint and back pain without a direct cause. It could certainly take the pressure off the local pain clinic and reduce the pharmacutical bill  whilst offering those patients some relief where an exact diagnosis is unknown. Thank you. Its just another part of my ageing body that is giving up on me!! 

 

Noooooo you cannot blame your age……I refuse to admit that my wonky bits are down to age.  Keep up the good fight, don’t get too down.  If it gets too much, invest in a splint, (very very old school) it will support your whole leg by immobilising it, but it will enable you to get around relatively pain free + it is only for a short while

😉

Thank you. My first Arthroscopy was 'a walk in the park' (excuse the pun) but felt like it, within 3 days walking unaided. 5 physio sessions later I had made a fabulous recovery. A friend had the same surgery a month ago. Used to run marathons (I never have) and still has to use crutches and having physio! So I am grateful for that. Hence why I was so shocked when it all went horribly wrong 8 months later.

😕

Hi

I foolishly tried Apos therapy as I was terrified of having a knee replacement. I had severe end stage arthritus and I was bone on bone. Common sense should have told me that it would not work but I felt that I should exhaust all possibilities before going down the surgery route. I don't think there is anything that can take the bone on bone pain away apart from surgery. Obviously, your case is different but I regret my decision to take part in Apos therapy and needless to say it cost me a fortune.

I had a knee replacement 6 months ago and I am very pleased with the outcome.

It is amazing that they have now changed their philosophy and promote Apos for patients after a knee replacement to build up muscle strength again. I did not bother with this though and totally regret my decision to get involved with them in the first place.

Maybe the shoes would be beneficial for patients with mild arthritus but I did not fall into this category.

Good luck with your treatment.

Sorry to hear that (good reason for me asking the question) but pleased that you appear to be making a good recovery. I have bought leather MBT shoes many years ago as I had a very active job, still going strong now. At just over £100 (depending on style) mine looked like office rather than trainer shoes I would really recommend those shoes which may well help a person post op knee replacement as they are so sturdy and supportive. So very important unlike regular footwear. They certainly strengthen and train muscles. 😉