Patellar ( kneecap) injury

[Mac33]

I got hit by a boat on January 25th. Long story but I was taken to hospital with two open wounds of my left leg.

Operation was successful on my fema but they were unable to proceed with the knee due to dirt/sand etc.

A second op a three days later and again no luck.

My haemoglobin dropped to 86 from 135 by this time and they were unsure if operating again was a good idea.

I woke up from the third op and success. Pain post op for around 32 hours was severe! No painkillers,my decision.

Anyway,I'm been in a brace since then,currently set at 30 degrees. 60 degrees I change it to this Monday.

Two of the four surgeons said I'm capable of making a full recovery. Other two said 80 percent.

In bed I'm unable to lift my left leg up even a fraction.

Had X-Ray's a week ago on knee and healing is above average.

Currently doing around 40 minutes of exercise a day on leg. Eating only super healthy and trying to stay positive.

Will I ever run again? Surgeon said in a year possibly.

Tennis is probably out even in the long term especially at nearly 54.

Might take up golf as a substitute for tennis.

Will really miss the game,especially the competition!

 

[travlerajm]

Stay positive!

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

@Mac33,

How many times have I told you to stop colliding with boats?

That's a major bummer!

What helps me [not that I've had that severe of an injury] is to focus on small goals: keep the over-arching one in the back of your mind but zoom in on things that are achievable in the short-run.

How quickly and how well you recover is going to be dependent on how fit you were prior, your attitude going forward, and your persistence. I'm not saying that executing excellently in all 3 will guarantee full recovery; just that the better you do in these things, the better your recovery will be.

Also, note that surgeons tend to be conservative in their prognosis so it's encouraging that all 4 gave high marks. Your PT will have more practical experience with the rehab, of course.

Did you see Mattek-Sands' horrible injury at Wimbledon [dislocated knee + torn patellar tendon]? Here's her recovery story:

 

[Mac33]

Enjoyed watching that clip. She still has that intense competitive spirit.

For me i worry about being a part cripple.

Basic stuff like walking again without a limp is what i dream about.

If i can make a full recovery that would be fantastic and yes i dream about that too.

I am superfit for my age so that should help.

Having a break of my fema compounds my problems as well.

I will post throughout the year. One doctor said it takes around two years to heal fully.

 

[Cawlin]

I got hit by a boat on January 25th. Long story but I was taken to hospital with two open wounds of my left leg.

Operation was successful on my fema but they were unable to proceed with the knee due to dirt/sand etc.

A second op a three days later and again no luck.

My haemoglobin dropped to 86 from 135 by this time and they were unsure if operating again was a good idea.

I woke up from the third op and success. Pain post op for around 32 hours was severe! No painkillers,my decision.

Anyway,I'm been in a brace since then,currently set at 30 degrees. 60 degrees I change it to this Monday.

Two of the four surgeons said I'm capable of making a full recovery. Other two said 80 percent.

In bed I'm unable to lift my left leg up even a fraction.

Had X-Ray's a week ago on knee and healing is above average.

Currently doing around 40 minutes of exercise a day on leg. Eating only super healthy and trying to stay positive.

Will I ever run again? Surgeon said in a year possibly.

Tennis is probably out even in the long term especially at nearly 54.

Might take up golf as a substitute for tennis.

Will really miss the game,especially the competition!

So... you need to become that guy that shows up for a match - knee taped up or with a shabby old neoprene sleeve/brace on it - old cotton concert T-shirt - maybe Crosby, Stills, and Nash or The Who or something, or maybe a t-shirt from your local garden supply store "Billybobs Bad Bush Nursery" or whatever - some old school McEnroe length gym shorts and some broken down shoes with grass stains from wearing them to mow your lawn a couple hours ago - a single racquet held in your bare hand - no gear bag, just your car keys and a bottle of water... then proceed to spank those youngsters with their 12 racquet bags, matching Fila/Nike/etc. ensembles... by simply hitting just as hard as you need to, and to wherever they ain't... and being wherever you need to be for their return shots because you know your shot will make them hit it to where you are... that's the future I see for you!

YOU are going to be THAT fkn guy!

Seriously though, I wish you the best in your recovery. Good luck!

 

[atelic]

This really sucks, but you're going to be fine.

It's a setback, not the end of your tennis playing.

http://articles.latimes.com/1989-04-01/sports/sp-870_1_leg-injury

You got this.

 

[Mac33]

So it's been a month and a week since my last post on my injuries.

I am still in my leg brace though it is set at 120 degrees though I never bend it more than around 45 degrees.

My leg does feel better but still no mobility on it whatsoever.

I still have my wheelchair though I keep it somewhere else and get around in a walker.

I can only put around 20 percent of weight on my injured leg and take my weight through my arms on the walker. I do a fake walk,hopping effectively.

Swelling on the knee has gone down a bit but still around 50 percent remains.

Scar of the 50 stitches on knee is healing well though on the extreme side there is a bit of protruding skin facing upwards.

Been told it will eventually tuck in to the wound.

Can drive my automatic car.

Last X Ray's a few weeks ago the surgeon said healing is good but not above average which considering my efforts is a bit disappointing.

Had to get a 3 month medical sickness note last week and the doctor said I'll be walking when I return for the next one, so around early July.

I am not convinced. This a long road back but still hopeful I can walk again and hopefully still move similar to my former self.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

So it's been a month and a week since my last post on my injuries.

I am still in my leg brace though it is set at 120 degrees though I never bend it more than around 45 degrees.

My leg does feel better but still no mobility on it whatsoever.

I still have my wheelchair though I keep it somewhere else and get around in a walker.

I can only put around 20 percent of weight on my injured leg and take my weight through my arms on the walker. I do a fake walk,hopping effectively.

Swelling on the knee has gone down a bit but still around 50 percent remains.

Scar of the 50 stitches on knee is healing well though on the extreme side there is a bit of protruding skin facing upwards.

Been told it will eventually tuck in to the wound.

Can drive my automatic car.

Last X Ray's a few weeks ago the surgeon said healing is good but not above average which considering my efforts is a bit disappointing.

Had to get a 3 month medical sickness note last week and the doctor said I'll be walking when I return for the next one, so around early July.

I am not convinced. This a long road back but still hopeful I can walk again and hopefully still move similar to my former self.

Small goals! Keep it up!

 

[travlerajm]

So it's been a month and a week since my last post on my injuries.

I am still in my leg brace though it is set at 120 degrees though I never bend it more than around 45 degrees.

My leg does feel better but still no mobility on it whatsoever.

I still have my wheelchair though I keep it somewhere else and get around in a walker.

I can only put around 20 percent of weight on my injured leg and take my weight through my arms on the walker. I do a fake walk,hopping effectively.

Swelling on the knee has gone down a bit but still around 50 percent remains.

Scar of the 50 stitches on knee is healing well though on the extreme side there is a bit of protruding skin facing upwards.

Been told it will eventually tuck in to the wound.

Can drive my automatic car.

Last X Ray's a few weeks ago the surgeon said healing is good but not above average which considering my efforts is a bit disappointing.

Had to get a 3 month medical sickness note last week and the doctor said I'll be walking when I return for the next one, so around early July.

I am not convinced. This a long road back but still hopeful I can walk again and hopefully still move similar to my former self.

Maybe you are ready to restart shadow swinging a racquet from your couch?

 

[Mac33]

I've pretty much given up thoughts of playing tennis at least for the next two years.

The middle front of my windsurfer was hit by a small boat and I got catapulted in my harness on to the deck shattering my patellar and breaking my upper fema. My left lower arm was fractured but it has healed well now.

Above my right eye I hit my boom which required five stitches. It is still badly swollen and I've been told it will take a year for it to go down fully.

My knee is still swelled around 50 percent after 11 weeks. Hoping I can walk a bit by the start of July.

I'll post a few few pics of my knee soon. I will post some shortly after the accident and current ones.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I've pretty much given up thoughts of playing tennis at least for the next two years.

The middle front of my windsurfer was hit by a small boat and I got catapulted in my harness on to the deck shattering my patellar and breaking my upper fema. My left lower arm was fractured but it has healed well now.

Above my right eye I hit my boom which required five stitches. It is still badly swollen and I've been told it will take a year for it to go down fully.

My knee is still swelled around 50 percent after 11 weeks. Hoping I can walk a bit by the start of July.

I'll post a few few pics of my knee soon. I will post some shortly after the accident and current ones.

Good luck with whatever rehab you can do; take it slowly.

 

[Mac33]

Visited hospital last Monday.

Both the doctor and physio were not impressed to say the least with my progress being 4 months since the accident.

Could only bend my leg around 20-30 degrees. They said by now I should be able to bend it around 90-100 degrees.

Doctor told me to lay on the bed keeping my legs straight. He then asked me to lift my injured leg.

I could not raise it at all. I then bent it a little and was then able to lift it three feet. He said that was good.

Both the doctor and physio said I need to full weight bear my leg at this 4 month stage.

I could only put 10 kg max on it when she tested me at the hospital on her scales.


Anyway I have to return in 6 weeks and if I'm still unable to bend it to 90 degrees they will put me to sleep and force bend it presumably to break the scar tissue.

Feel like I'm light years away from being able to walk.


I have undertook a new physio approach as of today.

Every minute when I'm not in bed I try to do some form of physical exercise.

I've brought in from my balcony a medical chair that is set high off the ground allowing me to bend and straighten my leg whilst watching tv.

Tomorrow my friend is bringing over an exercise bike that I'm going to use for a few hours minimum each day.

When I watch tv I bend my foot backwards then hold for 10 seconds then straighten which helps with circulation on my foot which has swelled a little due to minor nerve damage.

Also do some muscle exercise like holding my leg out for 30 seconds.

Getting a bit down with my lack of progress - my life has changed.

Another friend said he had two aunties who had hip replacements.

One did lots of physio and was able to walk normal,the other did no physio and could only walk taking very small steps.

That story has me motivated.

My new motto - bend it, straighten it,move it and muscle it.

Get back to you in 6 weeks after my next appointment.

 

[norcal]

@Mac33 - Do NOT seek modern medical treatment, it's a sham. I'm shocked you would support such a corrupt industry.

If you want a real cure I've heard magnets will heal your knee! (just ignore the dr propaganda stuff at the end.)

The Baylor study compared the effects of magnets and sham magnets on knee pain. The study involved 50 adult patients with pain related to having been infected with the polio virus when they were children. A static magnetic device or a placebo device was applied to the patient's skin for 45 minutes. The patients were asked to rate how much pain they experienced when a "trigger point was touched." The researchers reported that the 29 patients exposed to the magnetic device achieved lower pain scores than did the 21 who were exposed to the placebo device [3} This study provides no legitimate basis for concluding that magnets offer any health-related benefit:

 

[travlerajm]

Visited hospital last Monday.

Both the doctor and physio were not impressed to say the least with my progress being 4 months since the accident.

Could only bend my leg around 20-30 degrees. They said by now I should be able to bend it around 90-100 degrees.

Doctor told me to lay on the bed keeping my legs straight. He then asked me to lift my injured leg.

I could not raise it at all. I then bent it a little and was then able to lift it three feet. He said that was good.

Both the doctor and physio said I need to full weight bear my leg at this 4 month stage.

I could only put 10 kg max on it when she tested me at the hospital on her scales.


Anyway I have to return in 6 weeks and if I'm still unable to bend it to 90 degrees they will put me to sleep and force bend it presumably to break the scar tissue.

Feel like I'm light years away from being able to walk.


I have undertook a new physio approach as of today.

Every minute when I'm not in bed I try to do some form of physical exercise.

I've brought in from my balcony a medical chair that is set high off the ground allowing me to bend and straighten my leg whilst watching tv.

Tomorrow my friend is bringing over an exercise bike that I'm going to use for a few hours minimum each day.

When I watch tv I bend my foot backwards then hold for 10 seconds then straighten which helps with circulation on my foot which has swelled a little due to minor nerve damage.

Also do some muscle exercise like holding my leg out for 30 seconds.

Getting a bit down with my lack of progress - my life has changed.

Another friend said he had two aunties who had hip replacements.

One did lots of physio and was able to walk normal,the other did no physio and could only walk taking very small steps.

That story has me motivated.

My new motto - bend it, straighten it,move it and muscle it.

Get back to you in 6 weeks after my next appointment.

We’re pulling for you.

 

[Mac33]

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[Mac33]

Just an update on my progress from the physio a few days ago.

I am only able to bend my leg peak 60 degrees. The average for this injury at this stage is around 90-100 degrees.

My ability to straighten my knee is plus 20 degrees which the physio told me is also well behind the average.

He said the scar tissue may result in my knee never being able to bend much more than this!

Aggressive physio is what is being recommended for me.

Being doing 10-12 hours a day bending and straightening my leg as well as a bit of muscle work.

Most of time I sit and watch tv whilst pushing my injured leg back hard with my good leg.

I then lay flat on my carpet and put two 2kg weights either side of my knee which forces my leg to straighten.

These are the two exercises I use most but lots of others too.

My leg felt a good bit better when I woke up after my first 10 hour physio day.

Have to return the physio each Monday from now on to be assessed.

Hoping for a 15 degree improvement to 75 degrees and a reduction to 15 degrees in my ability to straighten it.

I am still hopeful.

 

[Mac33]

Just another update - have improved my range of motion 5 degrees to 65 degrees.

All that physio for such a small improvement.

Last night I got a bit of a brain wave.

Have a pair of near new Hoka super cushiony joggers sitting in my room.

I put two of the thickest insoles I could find in each shoe thinking it may encourage me to walk in the crutches better as I should feel less pain. I currently do more of a fake walk in the crutches,almost a hop.

Was quite excited to see if it made any improvement.

On my first walk across my lounge room the difference was obvious - I had much more confidence to apply more pressure / weight on my injured leg!

Today,I went outside to the car park and walked around 500 metres with the crutches of course.

My goal is 1000 metres a day leading up to 5 kms a day.

I figure the only way I'm going to recover from this and walk again is to - walk.

Being able to put more weight on my injured leg and less through the crutch means my leg is doing more work so it's going to build more muscle. Also by being able to put more weight on my injured leg when walking means its bending so much more.

Was told a few days ago by the doctor it will be another 3 months before I can walk without crutches.

My feeling was that was an optimistic assessment.

If I can force myself to walk 5 kms a day with the crutches and apply increasing weight to my injured leg I'm hoping the docs 3 month assessment will not be far off.

I have to do something different as I'm just not feeling like I'll ever be able to walk.

Use it or lose it I guess.

 

[Mac33]

Another visit to the physio today.

It's been 16 days since my previous visit.

My range of motion has went from 65 degrees to 68 degrees.

3 degrees improvement for all that effort. I'm so disappointed.

On a positive note today I bumped in to a physio who was taking her dad to the doctor.

She mentioned to me there is an advanced machine for improving range of motion and there's one at her clinic.

So I've booked myself in for five visits.

Tonight I'm also really forcing it through the pain barrier.

I have my own device,my crutch for measuring how much my leg is bending.

I really pushed hard on one particular exercise and yes it improved my total bend a detectable amount.

Bottom line - i need to push through the pain barrier a lot,lot more.

Determined to get to 75 degrees by my next visit in 9 days.

 

[Mac33]

Managed to take my first steps without any crutch around mid July!

I timed myself walking with no crutches over 10 metres and it took 20 seconds - so my walking I'll describe as super slow.

Next level is is to do a 10 metre walk in 15 seconds.

My range of motion has increased to 80 degrees,82 degrees when the physio pushes my leg as hard as possible.

I think it will take a full 24 months to achieve around 120 degrees of bend.

I walk 9 holes around a golf course with my friend but I do use a single crutch otherwise I'm way too slow to keep up.

He gets to the green and I'm a good 100 metres behind most holes.

I tried hitting a few shots. I can barely reach the women's tee markers even when I hit the ball well.

No balance,no turn,no weight transfer. Even on a chip shot I struggle for balance.

Phoned the person who hit me with the boat and to my relief he has insurance.

It will be another 2-4 years though before any settlement is reached as my long term recovery prospects are unknown.

 

[travlerajm]

Managed to take my first steps without any crutch around mid July!

I timed myself walking with no crutches over 10 metres and it took 20 seconds - so my walking I'll describe as super slow.

Next level is is to do a 10 metre walk in 15 seconds.

My range of motion has increased to 80 degrees,82 degrees when the physio pushes my leg as hard as possible.

I think it will take a full 24 months to achieve around 120 degrees of bend.

I walk 9 holes around a golf course with my friend but I do use a single crutch otherwise I'm way too slow to keep up.

He gets to the green and I'm a good 100 metres behind most holes.

I tried hitting a few shots. I can barely reach the women's tee markers even when I hit the ball well.

No balance,no turn,no weight transfer. Even on a chip shot I struggle for balance.

Phoned the person who hit me with the boat and to my relief he has insurance.

It will be another 2-4 years though before any settlement is reached as my long term recovery prospects are unknown.

Baby steps!

 

[andreh]

So... you need to become that guy that shows up for a match - knee taped up or with a shabby old neoprene sleeve/brace on it - old cotton concert T-shirt - maybe Crosby, Stills, and Nash or The Who or something, or maybe a t-shirt from your local garden supply store "Billybobs Bad Bush Nursery" or whatever - some old school McEnroe length gym shorts and some broken down shoes with grass stains from wearing them to mow your lawn a couple hours ago - a single racquet held in your bare hand - no gear bag, just your car keys and a bottle of water... then proceed to spank those youngsters with their 12 racquet bags, matching Fila/Nike/etc. ensembles... by simply hitting just as hard as you need to, and to wherever they ain't... and being wherever you need to be for their return shots because you know your shot will make them hit it to where you are... that's the future I see for you!

YOU are going to be THAT fkn guy!

Seriously though, I wish you the best in your recovery. Good luck!

Haha! I've had my share of spankings from this guy.

Don't forget the racket has be some old outdated crap from Target too. And he beats you even though you're using the latest Federer stick.

 

[Cawlin]

Haha! I've had my share of spankings from this guy.

Don't forget the racket has be some old outdated crap from Target too. And he beats you even though you're using the latest Federer stick.

LOL! I will say that this guy I describe doesn't use a garbage stick, but it may indeed have been top of the line - 15 years ago... probably has reasonably new strings on it though

In fact, there are 3 of these guys on my senior men's dubs team, and they won City Finals last night it was glorious!

 

[andreh]

LOL! I will say that this guy I describe doesn't use a garbage stick, but it may indeed have been top of the line - 15 years ago... probably has reasonably new strings on it though

In fact, there are 3 of these guys on my senior men's dubs team, and they won City Finals last night it was glorious!

Like a Pro Staff Midsize 85

 

[Harry_Wild]

Love the story of your recovery. Progress is slow at the beginning but should be quicker as you gain more flexibility and muscle! Doing a great job on your recovery!

 

[Cawlin]

@Mac33, keep at it. Inspire us all with your recovery story. Know that we're all hoping you're back on track and doing what you love as soon as possible!

 

[Mac33]

I have run out of subsided physio appointments so not sure if I've improved my bend.

I timed myself last night on my walking speed over a 9-10 metre distance.

It started at 20 seconds,then I dropped it to 15 then last night with my normal speed walk it took only 12 seconds.

Still a very slow walk but much improved.

For those who know anyone with serious knee injuries here is a rundown of my daily physio that I do from home. I hope it can help others.

Walking - I walk outside my apartment across the small patch of grass a distance of 20 metres. I walk back and forth 25 times,a distance of one kilometre. Takes close to half an hour at a guess.

Massage - I self massage my knee thru my track pants for 30 minutes constantly once a day.

Leg curl exercise machine - I lift the 10 kg weight up and hold for two minutes then let it drop slowly as far back as I can handle for 60 seconds. I repeat 10 times a day.

Straightening- I sit for 30 minutes on the floor with my bad leg raised on something and push down just above my knee.

Bicycle motion - standing up I do the bicycle motion very slowly 20 tims fives times times a day.

Sitting on a high chair on my balcony I do the same motion non stop for 30 minutes.

Car cleaning - three times a week for an hour each time I go to a car yard and help for free my mate cleaning a car yard.

This helps with my flexibility a lot.

Stairs - as of tomorrow I'm going to start walking up and down my 15 stairs for at least 15 minutes a day. Mostly it helps my leg bend to the max.

Tai Chi - three times a day for 5 minutes I practice this.

For a further three hours at least whilst watching tv I place my injured leg on a low height stool and push forward whilst sitting on my higher chair to max bend and hold for a few minutes then straighten. I repeat this non stop all the time while relaxing.

I use a cold light laser for 5-10 minutes then apply a single vitamin E in oil capsule. Then some coconut oil and a spray of magnesium to finish off.

All in all I guess I'm doing 6-7 hours a day,everyday.

If I lived near the beach I would spend half an hour a day in the water for improved health it is just too long a drive.

Basically it's a full time job. Most of my exercises are self designed with input from various physio's.

The first two years from the accident I feel are the most important.

 

[travlerajm]

I have run out of subsided physio appointments so not sure if I've improved my bend.

I timed myself last night on my walking speed over a 9-10 metre distance.

It started at 20 seconds,then I dropped it to 15 then last night with my normal speed walk it took only 12 seconds.

Still a very slow walk but much improved.

For those who know anyone with serious knee injuries here is a rundown of my daily physio that I do from home. I hope it can help others.

Walking - I walk outside my apartment across the small patch of grass a distance of 20 metres. I walk back and forth 25 times,a distance of one kilometre. Takes close to half an hour at a guess.

Massage - I self massage my knee thru my track pants for 30 minutes constantly once a day.

Leg curl exercise machine - I lift the 10 kg weight up and hold for two minutes then let it drop slowly as far back as I can handle for 60 seconds. I repeat 10 times a day.

Straightening- I sit for 30 minutes on the floor with my bad leg raised on something and push down just above my knee.

Bicycle motion - standing up I do the bicycle motion very slowly 20 tims fives times times a day.

Sitting on a high chair on my balcony I do the same motion non stop for 30 minutes.

Car cleaning - three times a week for an hour each time I go to a car yard and help for free my mate cleaning a car yard.

This helps with my flexibility a lot.

Stairs - as of tomorrow I'm going to start walking up and down my 15 stairs for at least 15 minutes a day. Mostly it helps my leg bend to the max.

Tai Chi - three times a day for 5 minutes I practice this.

For a further three hours at least whilst watching tv I place my injured leg on a low height stool and push forward whilst sitting on my higher chair to max bend and hold for a few minutes then straighten. I repeat this non stop all the time while relaxing.

I use a cold light laser for 5-10 minutes then apply a single vitamin E in oil capsule. Then some coconut oil and a spray of magnesium to finish off.

All in all I guess I'm doing 6-7 hours a day,everyday.

If I lived near the beach I would spend half an hour a day in the water for improved health it is just too long a drive.

Basically it's a full time job. Most of my exercises are self designed with input from various physio's.

The first two years from the accident I feel are the most important.

Keep at it. We’re all pulling for you on your recovery.

 

[Mac33]

So just over a month it's been since my last update.

My range of motion has increased to around 90 degrees though I do not have a protractor to measure it exactly.

My new bending technique - a forward press of my bad leg.

I place it on something sturdy and bend my leg forward and hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Believe it or not I try to do this exercise 50 times a day!

Every 15 or so minutes from the time I get up to bedtime.

I can walk pretty fast now albeit with a significant limp.

My injured leg has went from 21 inches to around 19 inches and my good leg has dropped just under a inch.

I do stand up leg lifts of my injured leg for 90 seconds.

You just lift and bend your injured leg to the max and hold.It gets pretty painful after 90 seconds!

I try to do this exercise as often as I can.

The fusion between the tendon and my bone has improved greatly.

I can sit on my chair and almost lift my injured leg as high as my good leg.

Stairs are good too. I walk up my my 15 stairs and down - that counts as one - I repeat ten times so 150 stairs. I do this twice a day.

I'm planning to go windsurfing on Oct 10 come what may!

I'll get back to you guys and let you know how it went.

 

[movdqa]

Quite an amazing story. I was facing something similar in 2017 and 2018 (not being able to play tennis) and didn't play for 18 months and then started hitting again. If you've been healthy all your life, it can be agonizingly slow getting back to normal, while realizing that you may never get back to normal.

I also have problems with scar tissue. It sounds like you've done quite a job in overcoming it. My surgeon did make the offer to go back in and remove it but it could just regrow.

 

[Mac33]

Even after I get max bend at say 90 degrees were I to leave it for say five or six hours without bending it I lose a few degrees.

My goal is 120 degrees by the new year and 130 -135 long term.

Were I to achieve this ongoing daily stretches of my injured leg are an absolute must I think.

What I have gained out of this near fatal accident is massive appreciation for my health.

 

[Mac33]

So two months since my last update.

Bend was previously around 90 degrees - is still around there but I can detect a few degrees increase so something.

My walking is similar in all honesty but again I can detect improvement it's just not noticeable!

Last night I timed myself over approx distance of 35 metres at a hall I frequent.

Walking at my normal pace it took - 22 seconds

Pushing it I managed - 20 seconds.

Then I walked as fast as I could - 19 seconds.

Im still hopeful of one day getting to 130 degrees of bend but I need to force bend it more.

Still doing lots of physio including a daily 2 kms walk and walking up and down a minimum of 20 floors a day in my apartment block.

In the last week I've been using hot n cold shower on my knee. 30 seconds hot then 30 seconds cold. Repeat six times.

I can feel I've improved a lot over the last two months it's just not really reflected in my movement and bending.

My legs have increased a inch or so in size thanks mainly to the stair walks.

My next visit to the doctor is late December and I'm desperate to get to 100 degrees by then.

 

[Mac33]

Getting on for 5 months since my last update.

Bend has improved to an estimated 105 degrees,so a 15 degree improvement in 5 months.

Still have a decent limp but much improved.

I stopped my stair walks 3 months back as i developed a serious clicking sound in both my hips. It took 4-6 weeks to disappear. Going to start the stairs again but this time doing only 5 floors a day.

I few days ago I was walking behind a teen couple and I managed to keep up to speed with them but at a push.

I can jump on to my bad leg from two steps high so my weight bearing has improved.

My main bending exercise is to hold a belt around my foot and pull hard till max degree of bend is achieved and then hold for as long as possible.

Other main exercise is to put the seat of my exercise bike to its lowest position for increased bend and then to cycle both forwards and backwards.

Cycling backwards I feel is better physio as it bends and then straightens the leg out more than cycling forward which has much more resistance.

Moving the seat forward if there is an adjustable seat will significantly increase the bend.

Hoping to be limp free in 3 months. Still hoping I can get my bend to 135 degrees like my good leg is.

Non stop constant moving is my strategy to increase the blood flow.

Will post again in 3 months.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Cycling backwards I feel is better physio as it bends and then straightens the leg out more than cycling forward which has much more resistance.

I walk backwards up hills sometimes because that works out the hamstrings more whereas walking forwards works the quads more and I typically get plenty of quad work but not enough hamstring work.

 

[RayPS97]

Getting on for 5 months since my last update.

Bend has improved to an estimated 105 degrees,so a 15 degree improvement in 5 months.

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I can jump on to my bad leg from two steps high so my weight bearing has improved.
My main bending exercise is to hold a belt around my foot and pull hard till max degree of bend is achieved and then hold for as long as possible.
Other main exercise is to put the seat of my exercise bike to its lowest position for increased bend and then to cycle both forwards and backwards.

Cycling backwards I feel is better physio as it bends and then straightens the leg out more than cycling forward which has much more resistance.

Moving the seat forward if there is an adjustable seat will significantly increase the bend.
Hoping to be limp free in 3 months. Still hoping I can get my bend to 135 degrees like my good leg is.
Non stop constant moving is my strategy to increase the blood flow.

Will post again in 3 months.

Hey @Mac33 , you do have my sympathy as I only had to deal with a completely torn ACL that was never surgically repaired. The one thing about "stress" is that it either builds you up or breaks you down...you have to know what side of the hill you are on. The tendons and lligaments have limited blood flow and you are right in your strategy of constant motion. The course of action would be to up the repetitions while safeguarding the knee by limiting the stress(load). With this in mind, you can create a "lateral barbell" out of an older style office chair (two vertical supports spaced about a foot for back rest) and 5 pieces of laminate flooring (to prevent wear and tear on your hardwood floor).

If a picture is worth a 1000 words, here is a animated gif for your amusement.

In the cycling direction, the inward sweep will carry some inertia while your knee is in the relax state. I think this can promote the bend in your knee. Also shown (briefly) is an outward kick for variety. It will gently prevent your knee from hyperextending by virtue of the thigh moving toward your chest and being limited by hamstrings. The blood in the leg will also flow more readily as it does not need to work against gravity. Here's hoping you get to that 120 bend

 

[Mac33]

I found a old office chair on a street pick up today but it would not fit in my car so I will find another.

A bit of disappointing news about my knee.

I met by chance someone and got in to a discussion about my knee.

He said i am at plus 15 degrees or thereabouts on my injured leg. I had managed to get it as straight as my good leg months back but have been a bit slack and thought it would remain straight. I was wrong bigtime.

I have been lying on the floor tonight with a 5 kg weight on it just above my knee over a pillow to straighten it again. So I have received two pieces of great advice in the last 24 hours. Thanks again all.

I asked the bloke to look at my scar where they fixed my broken fema as i am too squeamish to look. He had trouble finding the scar its that small. On the outside upper of my injured leg 4 inches long.

 

[travlerajm]

I found a old office chair on a street pick up today but it would not fit in my car so I will find another.

A bit of disappointing news about my knee.

I met by chance someone and got in to a discussion about my knee.

He said i am at plus 15 degrees or thereabouts on my injured leg. I had managed to get it as straight as my good leg months back but have been a bit slack and thought it would remain straight. I was wrong bigtime.

I have been lying on the floor tonight with a 5 kg weight on it just above my knee over a pillow to straighten it again. So I have received two pieces of great advice in the last 24 hours. Thanks again all.

I asked the bloke to look at my scar where they fixed my broken fema as i am too squeamish to look. He had trouble finding the scar its that small. On the outside upper of my injured leg 4 inches long.

I’m not an MD, but I am a researcher in the field of scar tissue.

I would think if your leg is not able to straighten, it is probably the scar tissue that is limiting the range of motion. And if that is the case, I think that static stretching (by placing a weight over your knee over a pillow) is less likely to yield much progress unless you do it in combination with light dynamic stretching exercises that can gradually break the fibers of scar tissue so that they reheal and remodel in a different length. Scar tissue is not very stretchy. This is different than trying to stretch out a hamstring muscle, which in contrast can be easily lengthened by static stretching alone.

 

[RayPS97]

I found a old office chair on a street pick up today but it would not fit in my car so I will find another.

A bit of disappointing news about my knee.

I met by chance someone and got in to a discussion about my knee.

He said i am at plus 15 degrees or thereabouts on my injured leg. I had managed to get it as straight as my good leg months back but have been a bit slack and thought it would remain straight. I was wrong bigtime.

I have been lying on the floor tonight with a 5 kg weight on it just above my knee over a pillow to straighten it again. So I have received two pieces of great advice in the last 24 hours. Thanks again all.

I asked the bloke to look at my scar where they fixed my broken fema as i am too squeamish to look. He had trouble finding the scar its that small. On the outside upper of my injured leg 4 inches long.

I put together a more extended look at the "lateral kick" portion of the previous video that would lead to helping your knee "straighten" out, below:

Strange thing is that I see a roughly 10 degree residual bend ( in my own straightened knee in the above video) , but not so much when I stand up and look down on knee.

One thing I might mention is that of "patella tracking". The patella forms a connecting link between upper tendon(s) (connecting the quad muscle) to the lower tendons connecting the shin bone. Due to an imbalance in quads, the patella may move laterally when descending stairs and the result is pain. One simple exercise is to do squats with a basketball placed between the knees, simultaneously, squeezing the basketball. Cheers.

 

[yossarian]

I’m not an MD, but I am a researcher in the field of scar tissue.

I would think if your leg is not able to straighten, it is probably the scar tissue that is limiting the range of motion. And if that is the case, I think that static stretching (by placing a weight over your knee over a pillow) is less likely to yield much progress unless you do it in combination with light dynamic stretching exercises that can gradually break the fibers of scar tissue so that they reheal and remodel in a different length. Scar tissue is not very stretchy. This is different than trying to stretch out a hamstring muscle, which in contrast can be easily lengthened by static stretching alone.

Could be hamstring tightness, could be a flexion contracture. No way to know without looking at him, though I'd wager that it's probably capsular. a low load long duration stretch is usually the go-to, something like a prone hang or knee extension stretch with weight along with making sure the quad is firing correctly

 

[Chas Tennis]

I found a old office chair on a street pick up today but it would not fit in my car so I will find another.

A bit of disappointing news about my knee.

I met by chance someone and got in to a discussion about my knee.

He said i am at plus 15 degrees or thereabouts on my injured leg. I had managed to get it as straight as my good leg months back but have been a bit slack and thought it would remain straight. I was wrong bigtime.

I have been lying on the floor tonight with a 5 kg weight on it just above my knee over a pillow to straighten it again. So I have received two pieces of great advice in the last 24 hours. Thanks again all.

I asked the bloke to look at my scar where they fixed my broken fema as i am too squeamish to look. He had trouble finding the scar its that small. On the outside upper of my injured leg 4 inches long.

Imaging.

When imaging labs take X Rays, MRIs or other imaging in the US often the Dr views their result and discusses the X Ray with you and that is it. The lab that takes the X Rays (or other imaging) has an Radiologist, a Dr specializing in diagnosing the imaging. The Radiologist writes a written report that goes along with the X Ray, CD or other imaging. I always request that the imaging lab send me a copy of the X Ray and written report. It's good to see that before the Dr's visit. I usually get a CD & a written report. For MRI imaging, I have rarely been able to understand them and all MRI imaging features are ambiguous. But MRI written reports are very informative. These are free or have nominal cost from our imaging labs. Your Dr may also be able to supply the CD & written reports but the labs here have also been very willing to provide when I'm interested in their work.

After you have a serious injury, I guess that you are a study in itself and cannot assume the usual stretches and exercises are appropiate. I would study the muscles that are involved in each range of motion that you are concerned with. Also, see if you can qualify to get medically trained physical therapy if some joint range of motion is way off. Selecting from the internet, when physical therapy might be needed, might be risky. Muscles stretch during a single work out or when walking up a hill.

I broke my wrist last year and most of the recovery was to stretch and lengthen muscles that had shortened. And that was after a cast was removed after only 4 weeks. Physical therapy was necessary.

You might look into getting your original imaging and the written reports. Look up every term in the written report.

 

[Mac33]

Just a quick update - I went to the physio today to see if I am eligible for my 5 free yearly visits.

Not till mid July was the answer but I had a quick word with one of the physio's there and asked him if he would mind checking my bend.

I am at 118 degrees max bend which is around 10 degrees more than I thought I was.

10 months since my last visit when I maxed out at 82 degrees.

Still feel I am light years away from having the same bend as my good leg but considering when one physio said to me just over 12 months ago when I was at 68 degrees that he is unsure if I will be able to get any further improvement I am very happy with my progress.

Can walk now at full speed but my limp whilst it has reduced greatly is still clearly visible.

 

[Mongolmike]

Congrats on the progress. The constant physio is harder than the injury itself! Great progress and I hope you have continued improvement!

 

[Mac33]

I made a appointment with the doc to see if i can get another 5 free physio visits but i was 20 minutes late as i slept in.

I have decided its up to me to heal and so not going to burden the taxpayer any more so no more physio visits.

My bend feels similar to the 118 degrees i had two months ago but my limp has improved marginally.

Last night after a long session windsurfing in the afternoon my knee tightened up badly so i forced myself to go for two 15 minute walks despite being tired.

It really loosened it up and my limp went back to near normal.

Frequency and duration of the exercises are the two key words for me in my recovery.

Walking ive found is one of the best ways to stretch the knee and to strengthen it. I try to do around half a dozen 15 minute walks a day but usually i only succeed in doing four.

Ive been using the exercise bike quite a bit.

Put it on the highest tension and then try to use your injured leg mostly to do the revolutions. I also cycle backwards which helps more with the flex.

Eating copious amounts of turmeric and other herbs.

18 months now and slowly getting there.

 

[yossarian]

Have you tried any patella mobilizations. They’re easy to perform on your own

 

[Mac33]

Thanks. I have never heard of this before. Will start doing this exercise daily and hopefully it rids my knee of the remaining scar tissue.

 

[Mac33]

Been 4 months now since my last post and have improved a fair bit but still miles off being anywhere near 100 percent.

My limp is only mild now for sure.

I entered a windsurf race today in pretty strong winds. Four or five heats of downwind slalom.

Wind was over 20 knots and the chop in the ocean was rough as!

Out of 20 or so competitors i finished in the bottom five in every race.

My leg was ok with no pain but gybing around the buoys in super rough conditions was super hard in itself.

I sail similar now to before the accident but in stronger conditions i do struggle a lot more.

When i got out of the car after arriving home after 2 hours of sailing my limp was like it was 12 months ago - lol.

Back for more punishment in a few weeks.

Just overjoyed i can even compete again.

Another 12 months and hopefully my limp will be unnoticeable.

 

[ollinger]

Been 4 months now since my last post and have improved a fair bit but still miles off being anywhere near 100 percent.

I entered a windsurf race today in pretty strong winds

When i got out of the car after arriving home after 2 hours of sailing my limp was like it was 12 months ago - lol.

lol indeed