Torn ligament ages ago - Now hurting again?

[Pulse]

So a bit of background... Actually, before I get to that... Yes, I will see my GP!

I tore the ligament in my knee, though not badly, about a year ago. Since then moving it makes it grind inside the knee, which I guess is normal? It doesn't cause my any pain. It pops sometimes too, which is more annoying than painful.

However now, it's started hurting when I'm cycling. I've only just tried to get back into cycling, and it's already hurting. Will it likely get better, as my knee gets stronger (Done no exercise before this) or will I be doing more damage?

[foilist]

You don't say which ligament..... they never really heal if torn (no blood supply).

Go and see a physio- preferably one that does sports injuries, as they know far, far, far more about joints than a GP. The physio will be able to asses it, and may be able to put a treatment plan together or may simply say "you need surgery- go & see your GP" and your GP will start the process.

I did my Anterior Cruciate, and after it was repaired in 1989, things were fine (it felt a bit sore occasionaly after too much training and would click sometimes)... then about 6 years ago at my desk as I moved on the chair something clicked and it hurt like buggery and my knee was partially locked! Turned out the repair had failed at some point between 1989 and 2004, and only the muscles were holding things together- my knee had collapsed at my desk tearing the soft cartilage.... so another repair, and a meniscus snip and I'm fine again (cross fingers)

[Pulse]

Sorry, I believe it was the ACL, but I can't be totally sure. It certainly wasn't major, so they told me, and it repaired on its own after just a few days.

Following on from my post, I've cycled a couple more times, and each time it has hurt right from the off, and seemingly starting to hurt more.

[Pulse]

So just to add to this, I have started exercising a bit more recently, and my knee is borked again! It's filled with fluid and is stiff to move, just like when I bust it up previously (although without any real pain).

Now I know why it's happened... I went walking 2 days on the trot, with a TINY bit of jogging in the mix too, without proper running trainers. Should I just leave it to go down on its own, or see the doc?

[K77 CTR]

I doubt it was your ACL if it healed that quickly and it is a serious ligament to tear. I wouldn't be surprised if it were a meniscus tear from what you write. I suggest you rest it from cycling, ice and NSAIDs (if able to take them) and see gp ? Referral to orthopaedics

[Pulse]

Cheers - Perhaps was MCL? Not sure. I just knew I was in pain!

I have been resting it all day, and it just got bigger and tighter. Obviously hadn't seen your advice before, but went for a relaxed bike ride, and it eased it up.

I will book to see my GP some time soon I guess!

[Bill]

What K77 said. Go see a physio to get a diagnosis and rehab programme. It might just be that the knee is a little tight and by exercising it it's getting overloaded, or it might be more serious. Either way a physio is probably the best way to start. (If you want to see one on the NHS you'll need to see your GP.)

[Pulse]

Thanks. I'm going to see how it goes this weekend, and see if it goes down. If not, on Monday I'll book to see the GP.

[K77 CTR]

I think regardless of what happens over the weekend, you'd benefit from a routine review by gp as this is an ongoing reoccurring issue.

[Pulse]

K77 CTR said:

I think regardless of what happens over the weekend, you'd benefit from a routine review by gp as this is an ongoing reoccurring issue.

Good point. OK, I'll call them on Monday. I have had my doubts about my knee in the past since it happened too, so I guess it makes sense to go!

[Bill]

If it hasn't sorted itself out yet then it's unlikely to.

[Pulse]

Well, I can't see the GP until 3 weeks' time. I'm going to try booking an on-the-day appointment at 8am tomorrow!

[Maxf]

As stated above, the ACL doesnt just repair as there is no blood supply. It could be held together if your muscles in your leg are well developed.

My first ACL hurt like hell (and I mean, hell) and I couldn't walk properly until I had the operation. The second (other knee) hurt for 2 or 3 days then settled down - but I couldnt do anything in terms of running/weights/shifting direct until I had it operated on (Feb this year).

[Pulse]

Managed to get in yesterday in the end. He's referred me for a scan, which is 39 days away or 59 days at my preferred hospital. Hopefully get a cancellation!

[K77 CTR]

To be fair this has been ongoing for over a year, therefore 39/59 days isn't that bad.

[Pulse]

Very true! Not much I can do otherwise, anyway!