Q: I am an ex-soldier of the Indian army and was discharged from service on medical grounds in 2002. I had a collateral ligament tear (left knee joint) while playing football and was operated for medial meniscal tear. For three years the leg was fine but has started giving away again and now if I step wrong, I tend to fall. I have also developed calcaneal spurs in my heels. I am told that there is no permanent treatment for both these problems. Is that so?

A:For the calcaneal spur there is no permanent treatment and whenever the pain is too much you have to take tablets and do hot fomentation and apply anti- inflammatory ointment on heel. For the ligament tear of the knee joint if it is giving you too much trouble, you need to consider the possibility of having a reconstructive operation which will help you and for this I suggest that you should see an orthopaedic surgeon near you.