Six Important Questions to Ask Before Surgery

There is a high likelihood that you may require some form of surgery during your lifetime. This could be because you an active athlete suffering from an injury or because your body is struggling as a result of wear and tear. In all case, the objective of the surgery will be to improve your range of motion and general quality of life.

Modern surgical techniques mean that a lot of surgeries are less invasive than they were in the past, which results in shorter recovery times. However, for most people, the prospect of surgery is still quite scary. Therefore, we have put together these six questions to ask before surgery.

Why Do I Need This Operation?

Surgery is usually called upon when more conservative measures have not worked. However, it is essential to be clear about the reasons why the doctor is recommending surgery. Your doctor or surgeon should give you clear examples of what issues need to be addressed and why they are thinking about this particular procedure.

Are There Any Alternatives?

This is a great question to ask your surgeon, as lifestyle changes can often lead to significant improvements. They should be able to provide you with the pros and cons of all available options, which will help you make a more informed decision.

What Are the Risks?

Your doctor should give you these details without prompting, but if they don’t, make sure you ask. Some surgeries have risks and potential complications, which can cause problems further down the line. All surgeries carry the risk of infection post-op, so you need to be clear about what could happen during and after the operation if things don’t go entirely to plan.

How Long Will It Take to Recover After the Surgery?

No matter whether you have had a minor or major procedure, there will be a period of recovery immediately after surgery. The length of recovery time will vary depending on the type of operation, incision, and your general health. Making sure that you follow any guidelines regarding rest and recovery is crucial to a smooth post-op experience.

You may need some home support, physical therapy, or to take some medication. You may also need to take some time off work, so you should always make sure you are clear on what you need to do after the surgery.

What Is Your Experience with This Procedure?

You may feel a little awkward asking a doctor about whether or not they have experience in this procedure, but it is a relevant question. They should be able to answer how many times they have done the procedure and the overall success rate.

What Is My Insurance Coverage?

Once you have decided that surgery is the best route for you, then you will need to make sure that you are clear on whether your insurance will cover the procedure. Ask your insurance provider how much they cover and if there are any additional benefits if things don’t go according to plan. It will also make sense to ask the healthcare provider if they have payments plans so that you can budget accordingly.

A Quick Guide to Patellar Tracking Disorder and Its Treatment

The patella, or knee cap as it is most commonly known, is a crucial part of the knee joint. We rely on our knees to perform a wide range of movements. However, if we lead very active lives or play a lot of sports, we put a lot of pressure on the joint. This can sometimes lead to misalignments and imbalances, which can lead to problems such as patellar tracking disorder.

This quick guide will take a closer look at patellar tracking disorder and its treatment.

What Does the Kneecap Do?

The kneecap is a circular bone that is attached to the thigh bone and the shin bone. It helps to protect the knee joint and enables the smooth movement of the tendons of the quadriceps muscle. The fact that the bone interacts directly with the tendons provides extra power to the quads.

Patellar Tracking Disorder

Patellar tracking disorder happens when the kneecap moves too far toward the outside of the leg. This disorder occurs mainly in athletes, but it can also occur due to general wear and tear, as well as trauma. Other causes of patellar tracking disorder include:

• Weak quadriceps muscles, which can also lead to misalignment
• Being overweight
• Flat feet
• Structural problems in the knees

Symptoms

The symptoms of patellar tracking disorder are quite similar to other knee issues. You may notice the following:

• Pain in the kneecap or the front of the knee when you bend the knee joint (activities such as jumping, squatting, kneeling, and walking up the stairs will usually be uncomfortable to do if you have patellar tracking disorder)
• Instability or a feeling that your knee might buckle
• A popping or catching feeling when you bend your knees

Treatment

As with many conditions related to sports and overuse, the best form of treatment is prevention. You should make sure that you always warm up before doing any exercise. It is also vital that you use the right type of footwear and pay attention to any niggling pains. If you notice any pain, you should rest the affected area.

Yoga and exercises that help to strengthen your hamstrings and quadriceps can also reduce the risk of developing a patellar tracking disorder. However, if you have been diagnosed with patellar tracking disorder, these home remedies will certainly help:

• Rest
• Knee Braces
• Knee taping
• Pain relievers such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol

You should also make sure that you are at a healthy weight, as being overweight can put extra strain and stress on the knee joint. Your doctor may recommend some physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and improve alignment. It is vital that you don’t overdo it. Follow any guidelines that are given to you to avoid further damage.

In most cases, rest followed by light exercise should alleviate the symptoms. However, if you don’t notice any improvement, it might be a good idea to get checked out by your doctor to see if any other issues are causing the pain.