JohnM Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 Okay, so had an injury to my knee on Sunday and after it swelling and painful limping got it checked on Monday and was informed I have torn the cartilage in my right knee. Doesn't hurt much but it is still swollen and still without a great range of mobility. Can straighten my leg now but not really bend it backwards. I was informed I will likely require surgery and will be referred to a specialist in the coming weeks. The problem is I don't know what I should be doing in the meantime, should I put my weigh on it, should I try to bend it should I reduce swelling with chill sprays or warm it up with heat to increase blood flow. Do I keep the muscles around it active? I have made an appointment with my local doctor at the weekend, but want to be sure I'm doing the right things before then. Has anyone got any suggestions on it as it would help alot. Thanks in advance. Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 Even though you might not have much time until your scope, it would be in your best interest to strengthen the muscles in your legs as much as possible during this time, within reason. You also don't want to aggravate or further injure the joint. You should avoid heavy movements on the joint, even if they're bilateral (such as squats/deadlifts) As much as it's going to suck, you need to make sure that your range of motion is as good as possible pre-surgery. This will help you recover more quickly. Bodyweight only (no added weight) squats for full range would help accomplish this. Make sure that your form is perfect and that your knees track properly. You also might want to do some isolation work on the knee to help strengthen your quads, glutes and hamstrings. Whatever the case, the most important thing is to keep the joint moving, if you can. If there is a lot of clicking or if your joint "locks" up, you need to get into the doctor faster... Also, read this: http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_repair/18_tips_for_bulletproof_knees Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 Also, I forgot to mention that if you have a compressive type knee brace (they're expensive) then wear that. Icing it regularly (a few times a day) should also be part of your daily routine for a while. Combined with anti-inflammatory pain relievers, this should help keep the inflammation to a minimum (which will, in turn keep pain down and potentially help your recovery). Again, the healthier you are going into surgery, the better. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JohnM Posted November 11, 2010 Author Share Posted November 11, 2010 Thanks alot tman. This was exactly the sort of thing I needed. I'm going to stick with keeping the swelling down with freeze sprays and will continue with stretches until Sat to keep mobility. After I see my local gp and have confirmation I'll begin strengthening on the supporting muscles in order to enhance the progress of my knee. I've just ordered a knee sleeve and had already started taking glucosamine, pretty in depth article. Good stuff. Cheers. Link to post Share on other sites
Art_Critic Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 I would consult your DR before doing exercises with a torn cartilage or ACL... Any pivoting at this stage can cause the tear to worsen. I also would only trust my knee to a sports medicine Dr. Scoping for an ACL tear is one of those procedures where Dr's perform them when not needed. Did they grade your tear as far as how bad it is ? Link to post Share on other sites
tman666 Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 Yes, I second what Art said. Definitely seek out an orthopedic surgeon that works with athletes. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JohnM Posted November 11, 2010 Author Share Posted November 11, 2010 Thanks again for the input. Just what I need right now. I don't intend on any exercise yet, I know I need to take it easy for at least this first week. I am just concerned with the mobility of my leg and being able to bend it, should I be trying to regain some mobility in terms of having it straight sometimes and trying to further the angle of bend I can achieve? Or should I keep it in a half bent angle that is comfortable. I don't want to lose the range of motion you see. I didn't get a grade but from what I read I think its a severe tear due to the symptoms I have. He performed what seem like the multiple checks you can do for the knee whilst I was there. The doctor I saw at the A&E said I was being reffered to one of the best in the country for it, so i shall have to wait and see what his speciality is and whether I can go to someone who specialises more in sports injury since I did get this injury whilst playing football and consider myself in very good shape. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JohnM Posted November 22, 2010 Author Share Posted November 22, 2010 To update, went to see the specialist today. He has recommended surgery and I have scheduled it for 2 weeks from now. I imagine he will ask what treatment I want on the day as to what he finds from the scope before I go under General Anaesthetic. I think I will tell him that I wish for a repair of the tear ahead of removal of the torn meniscus. Removal seems to heighten the chance of future arthiritis later in life but the recovery may be longer? This be my guy, seems to have a background on sports so fits the bill there: http://www.spirehealthcare.com/Liverpool/Our-Facilities-Treatments-and-Consultants/Our-Consultants/Mr-Andrew-Taylor/ Link to post Share on other sites
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