Recovering ACL Surgery People...

[Rich67]

I tore my ACL, MCL and meniscus November of 2003. Here it is, a full year after my surgery, and my knee is far from being normal. I have a slight pain behind my kneecap doing lunges and squats, going down stairs, etc. Not only that, but I have a lot of popping when I flex my knee and shift my weight. I had the hamstring tendon replace my ACL, so I wonder if that's why. Any people out there have the same surgery and also have the same problems? I'm just wondering if this is typical, and I just have to "play with pain".

[Shorin Ryuu]

I'm about a year out from my ACL reconstruction surgery (patellar tendon graft).

 

I do have some slight pain whenever I do very intensive or long workouts involving lots of knee bending. However, I never hear pops when I flex the knee or shift weight. I have never had a moment of instability (after the required recovery time, of course) with my affected knee. Nor do I feel pain going down the stairs or walking, though. Apart from an extremely painful period where I got an infection from the surgery (which thankfully did not reach the joint), I've never had any problems with it. It just isn't quite as limber as it used to be, and I can not snap as explosively (I can still do them though, just not quite as whip-like) with side kicks or front kicks (but lunge or thrust kicks are just fine).

 

I was a bit of a maniac during physical therapy, however. During the first 8 months, I was literally working out about six hours a day. Since we had different surgeries, I am unsure if it is due to that or due to the amount of therapy you did.

[Hudson]

Before anyone yells at me about how stupid it is, let me tell you that I don't care.

 

Anyway, I tore my ACL and meniscus a while back, and walked on it for about 3 months (The swelling receded and it wasn't noticeable to the first doctor who looked at it). Unfortunately it would constantly pop out and cause a great deal of pain during basketball games.

 

So we went to a new doctor and he gave me the news.

 

Anyway, now I am extremely active in MA and fitness training, with only the meniscus fixed. I have no ACL. And I haven't had problems with my knee at all. In fact, I haven't had problems since about 3 months after I got out of the brace. So 2 years without an ACL and no problems.

 

Now, I wouldn't advise this - I refuse to wear a brace during class and only wear it when I do high speed/power activities, such as running or weightlifting, because the high speed and torque could wrench my knee out. But my knee has been fine through wrestling, full contact sparring, kung fu training, and other sports I play recreationally.

 

I would advise talking to your doctor - I had a great personal trainer in physical rehab and that's probably why my knee is so solid for me. If you're feeling pain talk to a professional, especially if your knee has been fixed.

[ncole_91]

I have heard some ppl ripping there ACL, that must hurt, good luck with it.

[Rich67]

Hudson, I don't think that's stupid at all. In fact, no surgery for the ACL is not an unusual occurence- as long as you use the brace. I was actually given that option, but I wanted to be able to function at peak without the brace due to my line of work...it wouldn't be feasible for me to wear a brace while working. The only thing you may have to be concerned with is long term repercussions for your choice. You are likely to have early onset arthritis and other problems with the knee, and you may have to go through a total knee replacement in your later years. Don't get me wrong, I may also be susceptible to the same pains as I get old too, but having a strong ACL will help reduce the grinding of the tib/fib conjunction and can save the meniscus as well. The surgery and rehab for it SUCKS. I was in a lot of pain. I am definitely going to take your advice and seek out a professional who can refer me to a good PT.