Rūta Meilutytė, who returned to Lithuania from the world swimming championship more than a week ago, sought medical attention.
The association LTU Aquatics has entrusted the health of the athletes Beautiful Gijos Clinics, where the world champion underwent foot surgery.
"Ruta's foot has been hurting for several months during heavy physical exertion. After carrying out the tests, we found damage to the first metatarsal bone of the left foot - the cartilage of the thumb joint - Gintautas Pocius, the orthopedic traumatologist at Gijos Klinikai, who operated on the athlete, commented on the situation in more detail. – During the arthroscopic operation, the necessary surgical steps were performed. Since the operation is a minimally invasive arthroscopy, we expect a quick rehabilitation process."
When exactly R. Meilutytė will be able to engage in active training is still difficult to say, but doctors are optimistic and believe that the athlete's recovery will take approximately 2 months. After such an operation, it will be necessary to wear a special brace made for an individual patient for 3 weeks.
According to Justos Achramavičius, the sports manager of LTU Aquatics, it is expected that the athlete will be able to return to the normal rhythm of training at the beginning of April.
At Gijos Klinikos, Rūta underwent a procedure in order to eliminate a problem that had been annoying and causing pain for some time and prevented her from training with full intensity. The procedure will not disrupt the normal preparation plan for the Paris Olympics. In any case, a 2-3 week rest is planned after the World Championship in Doha. It is planned to return to the normal training regime in the first week of April, J. Achramavičius said. - We are happy for the second year of cooperation with the specialists of "Gijos Klinikų", who promptly and professionally performed the necessary procedures. I'm sure that after getting rid of the pain, Rūta will return to the pool tracks even stronger and will delight with great performances this summer."
Association "LTU Aquatics" wishes R. Meilutyta an easy post-operative period and thanks the entire medical team: orthopedic traumatologist Gintautas Pocis, who performed the operation, and head of the "Gijas Klinikai" Ambulatory Rehabilitation Center, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor Vytenis Trumpickas, who takes care of the athletes' medical care treatment process "from - to". Professional health care for athletes is a solid foundation for achieving the highest results.
Author: LTU Aquatics Association
