Knee ligament injury recovery time

[gerryattrick]

I had a bit of a fall about 7 weeks ago and tore the Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Medial Collateral Ligaments of my left knee. It was quite painful at the time but has eased a lot after wearing a leg brace.

I've been told by the doctors that I shouldn't ride for at least another 6-8 weeks, except for a static bike.

What's the experience of others on this? Never had a ligament injury before and some doom-mongers have been saying that the knee will never be the same :cry: :cry: Is this correct?

 

[EarlofBarnet]

I've tore my MCL before and it wasn't nice, can't imagine tearing two ligaments is too pleasant.

I'd see a Sports Physio and let them guide you through the recovery. The one I saw was very good at helping me get back out.

Sitting on a stationery bike and pushing an easy gear would be best place to start in my opinion. I wouldn't go outside or try anything too strenuous, as any sideways strain on the knee won't do you any good.

Have you looked in to a foam roller? Wonder if this may help keep the ligament elastic and help your recovery. Consult someone before trying it though, it was just a thought.

 

[tintin40]

The ligament holding my knee cap in place was knackered after a long ride BITD. After wasting £££ & weeks of visits on treatment at the local sports injury place i bought a thermal knee support from boots and jumped on the bike after a few mins pain went. Kept the support for a few rides after then never needed it again.

 

[Tallpaul]

Go and see a Physio, ASAP.

How were the injuries diagnosed? A GP is not the best person to correctly diagnose such problems.

You can recover 100%, but it will require the correct diagnosis and treatment combined with some commitment from you to the rehabilitation exercises.

When I tore my medial ligament (stage 2 tear) I was diagnosed and had begun treatment with a Physio within 7 days. My treatment lasted 8 weeks and I was playing competitive football again within 12 weeks.

If you have left it 7 weeks with no treatment, the scar tissue will be harder to treat but should still be possible.

 

[gerryattrick]

Had am MRI scan two weeks ago, confirming the 2 stage 2 tears, and am about to start physio tomorrow. It's taken the 7 weeks to get the scan and physio sorted.

In the meantime just been doing plenty of walking with a minimal amount of specific knee exercises. I know I'll have to do more but didn't want to risk doing the wrong sort of exercises.

Hopefully I'll be able to ride again before the spring, so I'll only have missed the worst months weather-wise.