Six weeks to strengthen my knee?
Discussion
About two months ago I hurt my knee, got the results of my MRI scan today.
It turns out I've damaged my cartilage plus two ligaments, cruciate and another I cant remember.
The doc has recommended physio(appointment could take a while) then in six weeks see a knee specialist and make a decision on an op. I really don't want to go down the operation route.
Due to the nature of my job I'd probably be looking at six months off work
Can anybody advise on exercises that could possibly strengthen my knee enough to let the ligaments heal over time (not too worried about cartilage at the moment)?
At the moment I can straighten my leg, but if I put even half my body weight on my straight dodgy knee it dislocates (bends inwards
and I fall over, not great when I work kinda high up).
I know it looks like I'm gonna need an op but six months off is going to put a serious dent in the m3/boxster fund.
Sorry for the long post but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
It turns out I've damaged my cartilage plus two ligaments, cruciate and another I cant remember.
The doc has recommended physio(appointment could take a while) then in six weeks see a knee specialist and make a decision on an op. I really don't want to go down the operation route.
Due to the nature of my job I'd probably be looking at six months off work
Can anybody advise on exercises that could possibly strengthen my knee enough to let the ligaments heal over time (not too worried about cartilage at the moment)?
At the moment I can straighten my leg, but if I put even half my body weight on my straight dodgy knee it dislocates (bends inwards
and I fall over, not great when I work kinda high up).I know it looks like I'm gonna need an op but six months off is going to put a serious dent in the m3/boxster fund.
Sorry for the long post but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Davey S2 said:
Take on board the medical advice you have been given.
Apologies, I should have made myself clearer. The doc's advice was that if I can build enough muscle around my knee then the extra strength could MAYBE do the job of the ligaments until they slowly heal over time.What I'm looking for is advice on what exercises I could be doing bearing in mind I am not able to put weight on my heel or on a fully straightened leg. So that kinda rules out squats, dead lifts.
I am able to do full leg extensions strangely enough. I'm also able to cycle albeit with a low seat position.
jonno990 said:
About two months ago I hurt my knee, got the results of my MRI scan today.
It turns out I've damaged my cartilage plus two ligaments, cruciate and another I cant remember.
The doc has recommended physio(appointment could take a while) then in six weeks see a knee specialist and make a decision on an op. I really don't want to go down the operation route.
Due to the nature of my job I'd probably be looking at six months off work
Can anybody advise on exercises that could possibly strengthen my knee enough to let the ligaments heal over time (not too worried about cartilage at the moment)?
At the moment I can straighten my leg, but if I put even half my body weight on my straight dodgy knee it dislocates (bends inwards and I fall over, not great when I work kinda high up).
I know it looks like I'm gonna need an op but six months off is going to put a serious dent in the m3/boxster fund.
Sorry for the long post but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
What 'doc' have you seen to get this MRI sorted?It turns out I've damaged my cartilage plus two ligaments, cruciate and another I cant remember.
The doc has recommended physio(appointment could take a while) then in six weeks see a knee specialist and make a decision on an op. I really don't want to go down the operation route.
Due to the nature of my job I'd probably be looking at six months off work
Can anybody advise on exercises that could possibly strengthen my knee enough to let the ligaments heal over time (not too worried about cartilage at the moment)?
At the moment I can straighten my leg, but if I put even half my body weight on my straight dodgy knee it dislocates (bends inwards
and I fall over, not great when I work kinda high up).I know it looks like I'm gonna need an op but six months off is going to put a serious dent in the m3/boxster fund.
Sorry for the long post but any advice would be greatly appreciated.
As a layman (with a pretty big number of rugby injuries behind me) I would suggest that you need to see a specialist knee surgeon as soon as possible rather than waiting 6 weeks. If your GP won't sort it then you will be able to pay c£150 to see someone privately. If it's a possible 6 months off work issue then it should be worth it.
The_doc on here is a specialist knee surgeon! I'd pm him if he doesn't pick up on this thread and see what he suggests
Whereabouts are you in the UK, jonno990? Perhaps I can recommend someone good for you.
Not all things need an operation and your knee surgeon should give you options and their implications.
Oh, and MRI is only right 90% of the time. Clinical examination and a good story are usually better.
Not all things need an operation and your knee surgeon should give you options and their implications.
Oh, and MRI is only right 90% of the time. Clinical examination and a good story are usually better.
Might be worth getting a CTI knee brace to support the joint. I use one and it enables me to do cross-training and other exercises I couldn't do without the brace. http://www.ossur.co.uk/Pages/10117
If you're taking the weight and strain off the ligaments, you'd be more able to build muscle around it. Of course, they'll refer you to a specialist once you've enquired.
If you're taking the weight and strain off the ligaments, you'd be more able to build muscle around it. Of course, they'll refer you to a specialist once you've enquired.
jonno990 said:
Davey S2 said:
Take on board the medical advice you have been given.
Apologies, I should have made myself clearer. The doc's advice was that if I can build enough muscle around my knee then the extra strength could MAYBE do the job of the ligaments until they slowly heal over time.What I'm looking for is advice on what exercises I could be doing bearing in mind I am not able to put weight on my heel or on a fully straightened leg. So that kinda rules out squats, dead lifts.
I am able to do full leg extensions strangely enough. I'm also able to cycle albeit with a low seat position.
I've had, hang on, it's a mouthful but I think this is right...
A supra intercondylar comminuted compound fracture of the femur, patella split in two, tib and fib both fractured at the head, cartilage and two ligaments gone. Vastus medialis fused to bony mass that was once my knee and got 2" missing out of my femur. I've also still got a ruddy great Zickle nail running the length of my femur.
Haven't run more than ten paces since it happened back in '84 but I can cycle London to Brighton in just over three and a half hours and I'm planning to cycle 100 miles next April.
My knee is mechanically unstable but in use it's very good and no longer unexpectedly lets go.
I try to cycle a minimum of seventy miles per week in winter, more in summer. It's completely transformed my life and has really helped to reduce the pain levels.
Thanks for all the advice and sorry for my late reply, I'm on light duties in work ie twelve hour night shifts
Doc, I live in the NW (Liverpool), I've had my date through to see the NHS knee specialist, 8th Jan. I'll see what they say and take it from there I think.
Cheers for the link to the knee brace Aardvark I was going to ask for a recommendation and that one does look just the job. Probably expensive, about £500? but I suppose you get what you pay for and definitely better than six months off.
I have been trying to get out and about on the bike, done a couple of 15 mile rides and had a couple of goes in the gym, and I must say my knee is feeling a whole lot better. I really think if I can keep the training up I'll be able to avoid the op. Back on days next week though not sure if I'll be able to get much cycling in
Thanks again to everyone whose posted
Doc, I live in the NW (Liverpool), I've had my date through to see the NHS knee specialist, 8th Jan. I'll see what they say and take it from there I think.
Cheers for the link to the knee brace Aardvark I was going to ask for a recommendation and that one does look just the job. Probably expensive, about £500? but I suppose you get what you pay for and definitely better than six months off.
I have been trying to get out and about on the bike, done a couple of 15 mile rides and had a couple of goes in the gym, and I must say my knee is feeling a whole lot better. I really think if I can keep the training up I'll be able to avoid the op. Back on days next week though not sure if I'll be able to get much cycling in
Thanks again to everyone whose posted
Is you knee still swollen?
Have a read here http://www.kneeclinic.info/rehab_markdecarlo.php plenty of information here.
Before my arthroscopy, suspected ACL rupture, I got the swelling down. Twice weekly Physio consisted of 5mins cross trainer, then increasing leg press, squats, single leg dips, single leg dips on a wobble board, steps on a block.
To be honest everyone is different, go and see a specialist knee rehab Physio who will advise. I am guessing you haven't got private medical care.
I will try and find the other three knee threads that have been on here.
Have a read here http://www.kneeclinic.info/rehab_markdecarlo.php plenty of information here.
Before my arthroscopy, suspected ACL rupture, I got the swelling down. Twice weekly Physio consisted of 5mins cross trainer, then increasing leg press, squats, single leg dips, single leg dips on a wobble board, steps on a block.
To be honest everyone is different, go and see a specialist knee rehab Physio who will advise. I am guessing you haven't got private medical care.
I will try and find the other three knee threads that have been on here.
I'm currently rehabbing from ACL graft surgery and I've found good instructions and videos about exercises to strengthen the muscle groups around the knee here.
I'd echo other posters sentiments about cycling - I totally love doing it and the hamstrings/quads immediately feel better after a ride and it's non-weight bearing too.
Good luck, it's a hard road.
I'd echo other posters sentiments about cycling - I totally love doing it and the hamstrings/quads immediately feel better after a ride and it's non-weight bearing too.
Good luck, it's a hard road.
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