Knee Injury

bdenitto
bdenitto Posts: 210 Member
in Motivation and Support
I hurt my knee last week. I went today to meet with a specialist. She has prescribed 6 weeks of physical therapy. They are going to also teach me how to tape my knee for exercise and she was pleased with my running shoes. In 6 weeks, the doctor wants to use injections to ease the arthritis she found in both of my knees. She discovered that the knee I hurt has an issue with the knee cap not sitting in the groove properly(severe patellar subluxation). My knee cap easily dislocates. The doctor can basically pick up my knee cap and move it around my leg. She has given me the option of surgery to correct this since this is the 3rd incident this year. She told me to expect 6 weeks of a walking cast and physical therapy until I resume normal activity. Has anyone had this surgery? How soon did things get back to normal?

Replies

  • mickiebabs
    mickiebabs Posts: 183 Member
    In January I went down to a dislocated knee cap (AGAIN) and a slight tear in the meniscus so I know where your at. I've not had this surgery but I did discuss it with my physical therapist just a few weeks ago. We decided it was not a good option for me. If you can avoid the surgery I would. The thing about knee surgeries is that if your young when you have your first, you'll likely have a few more in your life time. I was told every 10 years. Since I started having knee problems at 12, the idea of having knee surgery every 10 years was not a pleasant thought.

    Taping was working really well until I developed an allergy to the adhesive used on the KT tape. I'm trying to find something that will work but so far I'm not having much luck. I even tried using this gauze type wrap and then taping over it but it just didn't stay in position very well. At the moment, I'm stuck using this cloth brace that cost me about $100 and while it helps a bit, it doesn't provide the stability that taping did.

    Are you talking the steroid shots or the cartilage builder? I've done the steroid shot and it helped a lot for a few weeks but eventually it wears off. And usually there is a limit to how often you can have it done. I've only had it for this most recent incident but my mom and stepmom both are only allowed to get their cortisone shots every 6 months. My PT did recommend the cartilage builder shot but said that if I was leery, I could take a glucosamine supplement.

    I hope that helps some. I've recently learned that my knew favorite exercise is swimming because it puts less strain on my knee. Oh, and see if your PT offers Aqua Therapy. LOVED IT!
  • bdenitto
    bdenitto Posts: 210 Member
    Thank you for sharing! I have only ever followed the ice, elevate, and take ibuprofen routine. They gave me a new brace today and I love the supportive feeling it gives my knee. The doctor gave me information about shots and surgery, so I will start the research process soon. I am going to be doing some of my physical therapy in a pool setting! I have been very lucky not to tear anything. I loved that my doctor told me that she is recommending surgery based on my xrays and how much I workout, but will do everything to support me if I decide not to have surgery. That is why she was looking at my workout shoes and talking about learning taping techniques. I don't want another surgery because I have a 3 year old.

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