Sports injuries and joint pain shouldn’t sideline your life. At Catalyst Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Boise, we evaluate and treat knee, shoulder, hip, and foot-ankle conditions using evidence-based care and clear, personalised plans, so you can move confidently again.
What We Treat
Knee: ACL, Meniscus & More
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) stabilises the knee during cutting and pivoting. Tears often happen in field and court sports. The meniscus is a shock-absorbing cartilage ring; tears cause catching, swelling, or pain with twist and squat. We also manage MCL/LCL sprains, patellar instability, and cartilage injuries.
Shoulder: Rotator Cuff, Labrum, Instability
The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that keep the shoulder ball centred; tears or impingement can cause night pain and weakness. The labrum is the cartilage rim that deepens the socket—tears and instability may follow dislocations or overhead sports.
Hip & Groin: FAI and Labral Tears
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is extra bone on the ball or socket that pinches the hip with flexion/rotation. This can irritate the hip labrum and nearby tendons, causing groin pain with sitting, stairs, or sport.
Foot & Ankle: Sprains, Achilles, Plantar Fasciitis, Stress Fractures
We care for ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, midfoot injuries, and stress fractures, from runners and hikers to court and field athletes.
How We Diagnose
A careful history and examination come first. When needed, we use X-ray to assess bone and alignment, ultrasound for dynamic tendon imaging, and MRI for meniscus, labrum, cartilage, or rotator cuff detail. Return-to-sport decisions are criteria-based (strength, control, hop testing, sport-specific readiness) rather than by date alone. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Your Treatment Options
Non-operative First
Most patients improve without surgery. Plans may include activity modification, a progressive physiotherapy program (mobility, strength, control), bracing/taping, and short courses of anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate. For osteoarthritis (OA) flares, exercise therapy is strongly recommended; injections may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
When Surgery Helps
If symptoms persist or the problem limits safety and performance, minimally invasive arthroscopy or reconstruction can restore function – e.g., ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, labral repair, or rotator cuff repair. We’ll discuss benefits, risks (infection, stiffness, anaesthesia risks, re-tear), and expected rehabilitation before any decision. OrthoInfo
Timelines & Recovery – What’s Typical?
- ACL reconstruction: Return-to-sport is criteria-based; many athletes need 9–12+ months before unrestricted pivoting sports. Objective testing (e.g., hop tests, strength symmetry) informs readiness. More info: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Rotator cuff repair: Expect staged rehab: early protection, guided range of motion, then strengthening. Return to desk work may be weeks; full strength and confidence can take several months up to a year, depending on tear size and healing.
More info: OrthoInfo - Meniscus surgery: Recovery varies by procedure. Meniscal repair generally needs more protection than a trim; many people return to daily activities over 6–12 weeks, with sport-specific progression guided by symptoms and clinician criteria.
More info: Royal Berkshire NHS
Remember: timelines are ranges; your plan is individual.
Meet Your Team at Catalyst
- Tracye Lawyer, MD, PhD — Orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon focused on shoulder, elbow, and knee, with special interest in cartilage preservation and advanced arthroscopy.
- Kaitlin Neary, MD — Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot & ankle injuries and sports-related conditions.
Together, we offer coordinated care from first visit through return-to-sport for active Idahoans across Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Nampa.
Appointments & Locations
We offer same-week new-patient access when possible and closely coordinate with physical therapy. Call (208) 321-1209 or request an appointment online.
Disclaimer:
This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Personal circumstances vary, please consult your clinician for diagnosis and treatment tailored to you.
FAQs – Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Do I always need an MRI?
Not always. Many diagnoses are clinical; imaging supports decisions when it will change your care.
Will I need surgery for a torn meniscus or rotator cuff?
When it comes to orthopaedic sports medicine, many tears, especially small or degenerative, can improve with rehab. Surgery is considered when pain, function, or safety don’t improve.
How do you decide when I can play again?
We use strength, movement control, hop/functional testing, and sport-specific drills to reduce reinjury risk, rather than a single calendar date.
Do you offer foot & ankle sport care?
Yes, sprains, Achilles issues, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and athletic foot/ankle surgery are a core part of our service.