Knee injury advice?

scottnorby · Mon Jan 23, 12 7:27 pm **Knee injury advice?**

In September I hyperextended my right knee.
Specifically I just stood up and my right knee collapsed for no reason.
I did not have any swelling or bruising.
However, I could not fully extend my leg for about a week.
I walked around on my toes ---but kept working on my fishing boat through the pain.

Now a few months later I almost don't notice it.
However, I still cannot sit ALL the way down on my knees.
Meaning I can't pull it all the way IN.
It aches a bit when I fully extend it---but that is minor.
Almost all the pain is when I pull the knee in.
If I were to fall all the way down on my knees and sit my ass on my feet I think I would scream.

I know----go to the doctor---and I did.
He said it's a sever strain----or pay $2000 for an MRI.
I gave it time to heal.
It is almost healed.

But I am wondering if anyone has had this issue.
And I want to advise you all to support your knees in this sport.
I bought a $500 solid hinged brace from CTI and it got me back in the water surfing.
Haven't kited since.
But I am jonesing for a good session.

Just looking for any war stories that may be similar in the way I can't bend my knee.
MCL? Torn meniscus?

retz · Since 06 Aug 2007 132 Posts west linn Stoked

I hyperextended my knee wakeboarding really bad 12 years ago.
Doctor said torn meniscus but to wait and see before doing surgery.
I had the same pain as you and had very limited range of motion with the knee sometimes locking as the meniscus flap would get caught in the joint. After 6 months of limited activity it started feeling better, more range of motion, no more locking so never got an MRI and never had surgery. It took about a year of activity (snowboarding, surfing, windsurfing and kiting) before it was strong enough to really start charging again. I remember kiting on it feeling uneasy about hitting a piece of chop and having it hyperextend again, but that was more of a mind game than reality. I've been going 100% for 10 years now with no issues other than extra soreness after long sessions. I don't wear a brace and never have, but as I get older I'm trying to stretch more and going strapless more. Hope you'll have the same luck and your down time will be minimal. Best of luck with the recovery!

beech · Since 21 Aug 2010 485 Posts Longview, WA Obsessed

I had an arthritic thing happen to me in my left knee in 2008. I was on crutches for 3 or 4 months. Once the inflammation was under control I realized the muscles in my leg had atrophied noticeably from lack of use. If you've had a knee problem for some time and have been favoring that leg... you may have a similar situation.

Make sure you strengthen the muscles around the knee to protect the joint. Leg curls, leg extensions and the squat machine at the gym will work wonders.

FlyDunes · Since 09 Oct 2007 1034 Posts Aloha XTreme Poster

Save your knees. Kite strapless.

dancingwind · Since 18 Jul 2007 321 Posts Obsessed

Had my share of knee injuries and one thing I learned that it takes TIME especially for a knee injury to heal. The key to recovery is rest which is extremely difficult with any leg injury as it's hard to put it in a sling and hop around on the other one!! The other reason for the long recovery time is due to the anatomy of the knee. In a nut shell, the knee is supported by ligaments, and ligaments unlike muscles have very poor blood supply. Blood is the ultimate healer as it delivers nutrients and transports back waste. Try and avoid anything that causes pain. If you can'e squat all the way down the don't. Strengthen the muscles surrounding the knees specifically the Quadriceps muscle. As long as you have a functional rang of movement use it and don't push it. Eventually it will heal but the knee does it on it's own terms, sometimes when it's good and ready.

Here is a book that helped me tons with my knee injuries, Treat your own knees by Jim Johnson

http://www.amazon.com/Treat-Your-Own-Knees-Responsiveness/dp/0897934229/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_3

quenyaistar · Since 21 Oct 2011 416 Posts Cougar, WA Obsessed

Ice followed by heat at least once a day. Pedaling a bike is good for knees as well, no stomping just spin.

scottnorby · Wed Jan 25, 12 10:14 am

thanks!!

This all helps.
I am exercising it and wearing a brace as often as possible.
It is healing....hope to be 90% by June.