mattshaw78 wrote:I have bone hitting bone in my ankle with some bone chips floating around in there too. Once in a while it hurts but less frequent with the physical rehab. should I do orthoscopic surgery or not. I am afraid it will get worst as I get older.

I think you need to provide some more information about yourself and your condition.

Also send me a voucher for a nite in a Holiday Inn Express and I'll be expert in the morning.

Or......

Just some blanket advice. Its obvious you have a choice. The pain your in now almost will extropolate your thining. It can only get worse? If there is any chance that physical theorapy helps while your body heals then you have to go with that and be patient. If that is in fact an option.

I am coming to you from a poisiton of having postponed neck surgery twice in the 30 years since I sustained an injury to my neck and twice surgery was an option. Both times there were non surgical options that required time and patience. Faith even in the face of setbacks is needed. The body is a funny thing. naturally when we rehab it feels good then most people stop doing it. Why, Cuz it felt good and pain is over.

If your a pro athlete and earn your living with your body then you have the pressure to have the procedure and get back asap. Its still important to keep excercising even when hurt which actually helps and helps your outlook. Oxygenated blood which increases during cardio helps the healing process. If riding a recumbant bike or eliptical can be done then it will help.

Time, patience and dealing with set backs.

I prefer to always exercise all options before surgery. Naturally they call it "practice" medicine becaause its not a perfect science and every situation is different. You have to decide and know its not absolute. For me the Orthopedics always want to operate and my neurosurgen alwys advised me to keep rehabbing even on my own and save the surgery for a last resort.

when surgery prevents permanent damage then you do it. IF its debilitationg pain, you do it.

Pain is energy draining and depressing. It changes your thinking. Its always best to have a well informed partner who can advocate for you and help you objectively. Trust that person and go with it. Just remember is not science. Its "practice".

Dr. Nalod