Lateral Knee Pain – 9 Months Post ACL Reconstruction

I play football and one day in late August 2007 at practice my left foot got stuck in the field turf as I was turning and preparing to jump. This completely tore my ACL and partially tore my MCL and lateral meniscus.

I had surgery to reconstruct my ACL and fix my meniscus in early October 2007. The surgeon used one of my hamstring tendons and after the surgery he said everything went really well. After the surgery I did everything I was asked and worked very hard to rehab my knee and since then my MCL has healed completely and my knee has progressed nicely.

When I saw my surgeon back in April (roughly six month checkup) he was very pleased with how the ACL and knee in general was healing and progressing and said he didn't need to see me again until the one year post surgery mark. He did prescribe an ACL brace though which I have now and wear when I run routes (I play receiver) or have the possibility of getting hit.

As I said before everything with my knee had been progressing very well and because of my progress I started practicing at roughly seven months post surgery. I then hit a major setback at roughly eight months. My symptoms were:

- A large amount of swelling (comparably to immediately after surgery)
- A lot of stiffness
- My knee feeling unstable
- Lack of strength in my hamstring
- A large amount of pain and clicking on the lateral side of my knee

I then went and saw my physiotherapist who suggested rest which relieved me of virtually all of my symptoms except for the last one: the pain and clicking on the lateral side of my knee. My PT then treated me for IT Band problems as well as tight hamstrings using acupuncture, ultrasound, etc. I continued seeing my PT five days a week for roughly two and a half weeks. This helped to cure the pain and slowly reduced the clicking but unfortunately my PT went on vacation last Wednesday and the pain on the lateral side on my knee has returned.

The strange thing though is I don’t have the clicking anymore. Just a lot of pain which is making it hard to train for Football. One thing I have noticed is that a tendon (I believe it is a tendon) just below my kneecap to the lateral side is swollen and I believe that this may be the cause of the clicking or popping.

So as of now I am a little confused with what to do with my knee. I can’t take time off because we start training camp in roughly a month but the pain is enough to slow me down considerably right now. So I was wondering if you may possibly know what is causing this pain on the lateral side of my knee and what I can do to get rid of it for good?

Thanks!


Ps – I apologize for writing so much. I hope that it helps in some way.

Comments for
Lateral Knee Pain – 9 Months Post ACL Reconstruction

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 03, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Two things concern me...
by: Bart - SII

Sorry to hear about your setbacks - two things from the information you provided concern me...

1) The fact that you had a lot of swelling, similiar to what you had immediately following surgery - this suggests that you had a joint effusion, or swelling inside the joint. That usually means that something inside the joint is damaged or irritated - could be the meniscus, the ACL graft, the joint lining, the articular cartilage, etc.

2) Your knee felt unstable. Feelings of instability are usually not a good sign after an ACL reconstruction. It could be from the swelling and muscle weakness, but it also suggests that there could be something more serious going on. Menicus tears and graft migration / failure can lead to instability.

These two things lead me to wonder if you have something going on inside the joint - if you were my patient, I would probably send you back to the Dr. for an evaluation, perhaps an MRI.

With that said, the clicking and pain could be caused by your IT band where it attaches to the fibula/tibia. This is an area of friction, especially when the IT band is tight.

You could also have some scar tissue buildup left over from the ACL reconstruction that is being irritated. This is very common after ACL reconstructions.

There could also be some mobility issues at your hip and low back that could be causing increased stress on the IT band insertion and the lateral knee.

It is really impossible for me to give you a definite answer without being able to evaluate you. I would recommend talking with your doctor though, if nothing else just to make sure that they aren't concerned about some type of intra-articular pathology.

Hope this helps - comment back if you have other questions.
Jul 03, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What should I do?
by: Anonymous

First of all thank you for responding so quickly and yes, this does help. My first setback (the one with the swelling, instability, pain, etc) cleared up after roughly a week of rest and everything except for the lateral knee pain has not returned. So do you think that something more serious could be going on still? I also had my knee checked by my PT who said everything looked good and after the swelling, instability went away I was able to return to all activities with no hesitation. So now the only thing stopping me from feeling close to 100% is this lateral knee pain which is quite bothersome some days and others it is okay. So if I could get this lateral knee pain to stop I would be off to the races. So with that being said what would you recommend I do? How can I make my IT band not so tight? How can I reduce scar tissue? Should I be stretching my hips and lower back more? Thanks again!

Ps – Could my meniscus on the lateral side be causing this pain since I had it repaired back in October?
Aug 14, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Give it time
by: Anonymous

I had the exact same surgery done in December of 06. I have the very same symptoms that you are experiencing. Post surgery I was freaking out as I am a very active athlete as well. I was sure that I tore my new ACL. After going to the doctor I had an MRI done. Turned out that I had scar tissue that developed on my tendon which was causing some of the irritation. This was diagnosed a year ago. I have not had it removed yet and wont unless it get really bad. After about a month of riding the bike at the gym I was about 100%. I kept wakeboarding throughout the summer(this is how I tore my ACL btw) but I made sure to wear my knee brace(Donjoy) also I did a lot of leg exercises at the gym, making sure to go very light and isolate my left and right legs. If you take care of your knee the lateral pain should go away along with the swelling but make sure you do some more PT and continue wearing your knee brace during the season. If it continues to bother you after a month call your surgeon/doctor and setup an appointment for an MRI. I can say that about 1 1/2 years post my knee is getting closer and closer to 100%. Just give it time.
Aug 14, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		LATERAL MENISCUS TEAR
by: Anonymous

I tore my lateral meniscus back in may. I am scheduled to have surgery in september. Since I last saw my surgeon I have been experiencing medial pain now. It is nothing that is real bad, but when i try to run the medial and center of my knee starts pounding and hurting.

I want to know if this medial pain could be caused by more pressure being put on my medial side, from the uneven weight distribution caused by a lateral meniscus tear?
Aug 14, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		It could be from additional pressure...
by: Bart - SII

Or it could just be that your knee, because of the lateral meniscus tear, is simply in a constant state of irritation, and the pain is simply presenting on the medial side now.

Referred pain is very common with orthopedic injuries, and often when the pain presents in one spot, it doesn't necessarily mean that the damage is in that exact spot, but perhaps in a surrounding area.

Good luck with your upcoming surgery!

Bart
Oct 01, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pain behind the knee
by: Anonymous

My reconstruction was with a hamstring graph. I also had the meniscus repaired. 7 months after the surgery, i had pain in the back of my leg (behind the knee). i had an arthogram (mri with dye injected into the knee joint) done and it identified additional tears in the meniscus. I had another surgery to repair the meniscus. The pain in the back of knee has not gone away. I've seen three doctors and 6 physcial therapists. No one knows what's wrong. I decided to search online, which is how I ended up here. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Oct 02, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain after ACL reconstruction
by: Lourdes

This might be a premature comment but I am so frustrated I just don't know what to do and reading these stories is making me wonder if having the surgery was a good idea. I had 2 acl surgeries. right knee partial tear 2 weeks I was good to go. minor pain here and there no big deal. 2 weeks after this surgery I had a complete ACL reconstruction of my left knee with corps acl. I know it has only been 2 months since my surgery but I still cannot walk correctly (i can extend and bend my knee 100 % with some pain) My problem is when I walk and put my weight on my left leg i cant bend it. it feels like it is about to lock and it hurts. My PT SAIS I should not be going through this by now but I do fell a lot of pain behind my knee and have the clicking as well. If you get an answer to your problem or if anyone has some hopeful words or concerns please let me know. This has been the most frustrating time of my life honestly WORSE than giving birth.
Oct 15, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Knee pain after surgery
by: Anonymous

I had cadaver ACL reconstruction (full tear) in June. 4 months post op and very involved in PT and I'm going in for another MRI Friday. My issue is I'm not progressing and seem to have hit a plateau. I have bad pain when my knee bends slightly, going up or down the steps or walking for an hour or more. I was committed to rehab and the muscles are continuing to strenghten. Sometimes the pain is so sharp it feels like an ice pick is going up or down my knee. The pain is not where the scar is. I'm getting very frustrated because the pain that I had when golfing is gone but this pain is new. My surgeon says it could be scar tissue on the graft or bone that grew too much over the screws. Any thoughts? I am very frustrated and want to get back on the course.
Oct 15, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		response to pain after 4 months
by: Anonymous

I am sorry you are going through this but I feel better hearing that I am not the only one. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to check on not being able to walk still I hope I get useful input. You might consider asking for surgical report. It turns out my pt told me to ask for it because the pain that iexperience which is not in my scar area might be a medial meniscal tear that i was unaware of and might have been tampered with during the surgery. Let me know what your MRI sais any bit of info helps. Good luck
Oct 15, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Response to pain after 4 months
by: Anonymous

I was unaware of this. The surgeon said that there was no other damage when he was in there the first time or he would have fixed it then. I go this Fri for MRI. I'll post his results after his appt and if I don't like what he says I'll ask for that report. I'm wondering if my PT pushed me along too fast. I'll post results here. Good luck on your end as well.
Oct 15, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help
by: Erin

Wow, I am going through something so similar. I had acl reconstruction on my left knee three months ago. Since then, I have had constant pain in one specific spot. The pain has been a constant 3 on a scale from one to ten. The doc says that this is not normal. Then two days ago, I tripped and the now the same exact pain in the same spot is there, but it is a ten out of ten. I am so upset. I am going for an MRI tomorrow but I am terrified of the results. He is either going to say that everything is fine- which is still a problem because I know this much pain cannot be fine. Or he is going to tell me that something is wrong. I just don't know what to do.
Oct 16, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ACL Response
by: Lourdes

For the ( I wonder if my Pt is pushing me to hard)

I have heard and had both easy therapy and very aggressive. The easy is worse for us than the hard. When I went to the more laid back therapy for my ACL Recon. My recovery was going sooo slow. When I started the Aggresive one it went much quicker and got more results. Another thing The weather where I live has been fluctuating (Miami Fl) it has been humid and rainy some days and then nice and breezy others. The humid and rainy days are a killer on me knee I always thought this was in a persons head but I take it back so those with pain still (as I am going through this) consider this. My PT told me that I may have developed tendonitis because I was so scared of stepping correctly on my left knee that I may have injured it a bit. I am know expereincing bruising on the right side and underside of the knee. I may have had blood accumulated in the bone that finally seeped out. There are so many senarios but i have heard that this is a very painful and long recovery. I persisted enough because I was frustrated to see all these other ACL patients doing better than me. but There seems to be hope.
Oct 20, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ugh
by: Anonymous

I recently fell into some trouble too with my new acl. I hkinda got it stuck in the ground and it fell kind of funny for a split second. Not it has 95 % ROM and some clicking but other than that i have full strength and stability. A little pain on the outer part of the knee. Im praying that its not torn again. Ive been researching for the past couple days now to find anything but i cant find anything specific. I dont think yours is too serious if those were your results after a week or however long. ACL surgeries are hell and i would never wish them upon anybody so hope everything turns out ok.
Oct 21, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Update
by: Lourdes

Well I asked for my surgical report and it seems that all was well except for my ACL (obviously , hence the surgery). My doctor told me that when they perform that surgery that other areas are distressed and can cause pain in other areas around the knee. Some people recover quicker than others. My frustration seems to have a light at the end of the tunnel. My therapist has been taping my knee so to readjust my knee cap. It is working. I can walk better and the click and pain is slowly diminishing. Although it has been over 2 womths i still ice my knee twice a day with my leg totaly extended ( pillow under heel or legs hanging off bed) this too has helped a lot. It seems that because I have overworked myself since my surgery I still have some inflamed areas. Just wanted to add this input hopefully it will help someone. as i have been well informed by this forum.
Nov 15, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		8 mos. post-op -- new pain...
by: Nina

Hi -- It's such a relief to find this string -- I have been feeling really alone with my ACL woes -- they seem too "minor" in these times of great anxiety to complain about, but I am worried. I had ACL repair (allograft) mid-March, 2008 -- famous, terrific NYC surgeon; great PT -- am an extremely fit mother of four who never had any trouble recovering from previous (albeit less serious) injuries. Initial recovery was amazing; I am compulsive about exercise and couldn't stand the down-time, but I did as my PT suggested, and after 10 weeks was able to start jogging on a treadmill, gradually building up to running (again, treadmill). I had been working on the stationary bike previously, followed by the Stairmill (the one you climb like an escalator); I also am an avid and advanced student of Pilates, which was incredibly helpful in my recovery. But suddenly, about six weeks ago, I felt my knee swelling, aching and bugging me again. Crouching down was uncomfortable and/or impossible; previously, flexion had been 100% w/o problems. I have continued running for 20 minute spurts on the treadmill, followed by time on the Stairmill. Doing this four times weekly; Pilates twice. As a person who was once very overweight but has managed by exercising regularly over the past 15 years to completely change my body, I am terrified to have to stop working out. Does anyone have any idea why the swelling/pain/inflexibility might have returned? I did not increase my training intensity when it happened. ANY advice would be so helpful. My insurance will possibly cover more PT if I go back to my surgeon and he writes another prescription, but I'm not sure that PT is the key, since it feels like either something else has gone wrong in the knee or I've somehow managed to mess something up. Help!
Nov 24, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain - 6 months post op
by: Anonymous

Well, I had a 2nd MRI done and the surgeon says that there is minor (not enough for clean up surgery)scar tissue - no issue with my patella tendon but my pain is still there. He gave me a shot of cortisone, told me to take a few weeks off of rehab and then restart last week which I did. The PT has isolated my pain to behind my knee cap which is really bad when doing much of anything that requires me to stand on 1 leg, walk for any length of time or bend the knee with weight on it. It's isolated behind the knee cap and they say that its in the joint. The pain is very sharp (like an ice pick constantly in there) and it lasts until it's iced down. I was doing more and better PT prior to this. Nobody seems to have an explanation but I see the doc again at the beginning of DEC. Does anyone have any thoughts? When the knee is put into action the pain is horrendous and the PT lady has to stop rehab and ice it down.
Dec 07, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		taping
by: Anonymous

I wonder if a second opinion might be helpful.

Knee cap pain is not always easy for OS to diagnose.

If you can examine your knee cap to see if it is micro traveling, (minor subluxing), you might find that it needs taping for a few weeks to stabalize. Sometimes during surgery the medial ligaments can get stretched and that can cause the knee cap to move around, thereby producing abnormal friction.

That friction...can cause unbearable swelling in the joint and pain. It would really be no surprise that only YOU would be able to determine that.




Dec 09, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Any thoughts
by: Anonymous

I had my follow up again yesterday with the surgeon. It's been 6 months since my surgery and I'm still having unusual pain. The left quad is only 3/4 of an inch less now then the right leg so it's getting stronger. The pain behind my patella when the knee is worked is not getting better. He took Xrays yesterday and said that he couldn't see what's causing the pain. I had 2 options. 1) continue with PT to see if that extra 3/4's of an inch of muscle eliminates my pain or 2) have him scope the knee to see if he can find/fix whatever my issue is. I elected the scope because I'd rather be fixed sooner than later. He spent a lot of time with a ruler aligned on both grafts when the xray was on the light. He says I could have scar tissue on a graft that he can't see that is causing my pain upon the knee being bent with weight on it. This pain is much worse when I squat. Being a lady you all know what I'm talking about. It's a sharp burning/sharp pain in the center of my knee behind the patella. I'm hoping that he can find something in there during scope to fix this. Any thoughts on what this pain behind the patella may be. I thought it may be the knee cap but its behind it.
Dec 09, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		hip pain
by: Anonymous

Had ACL reconstruction 14 months ago plus lateral and medial menicus removal having pain in hip and lower back plus leg going numb should I expect it to get better someday
Dec 09, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		right knee acl surgery post 3 weeks
by: Christina

Listening to the stories so far are comforting because I tore my acl for the first time three days before my first basketball game of my sophmore season in college. So far everything is going great. I have had a very aggressive rehab and although it has cause me pain and made me cry several times i am happy that i am progressing so fast. I just was wondering how long did take everybody to be able to walk regular because my other knee is starting to hurt from compensating all my weight and not being able to fully straighten my leg. My PT is doing a great job of doing patella mobes and friction massage to keep me from scarring down. If anybody else is going through this just know that everyday gets a little easier, and am confident that i will come back stronger.
Dec 10, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		fyi
by: Anonymous

Everyone heals differently. I was on both crutches for 3 weeks and then on 1 for only 2 before walking on my own. I've met folks in rehab who are completely off crutches in 2-3 weeks. Just follow your PT's instructions and keep positive. With an ACL you don't see results daily. You see results in weeks at a time.
Dec 10, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Regarding Hip Pain
by: Anonymous

On Dec 12th it will be 6 months since my ACL surgery. In addition to the left side knee pain where it feels like the screws are going to be pulled out of my bones when it bends with weight I also have hip popping and lower back pain that keeps me awake 1/2 the night. Saw my doc yesterday and he's going to go back in to scope the knee and fix whatever my issue is. He saw nothing on the 2nd MRI. Once I'm out and know what's going on I'll let you know. I will tell you that he spent a lot of time yesterday with a ruler on the xray screen looking at the alignment of the hardware. I feel 100% confident in him as he's the best recommended and experienced surgeon in MD so a 2nd opinion is not something that I'm going to get unless the insurance co makes me. Hang in there. I'll let you know what's up once he's back in there and I'm done and fixed - at least I hope.
Dec 29, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ART and massage
by: Anonymous

I've also had ACL reconstruction and meniscus scope (August 13 2008)and am continuing with rehab (tore it playing ultimate frisbee). I had hit a plateau and was told to try massage therapy and ART (active release technique) as everything was soooooo tight. Have any of you tried it? My muscles and ITband feel a lot better and it's making everything around the knee feel a lot better. My physio also does some manipulation of the knee (mostly knee cap) which also helps. I've also been told to ice and heat which I do at night before going to bed - this also seems to help.

Finally, my friend had suggested that I exercise everyday. He did that after his surgery, and when he would miss a day of bike riding, he would feel pain in his knee. After nine months of that, he felt a lot better and was able to return to all sports.
Jan 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still pain 15 months post ACL
by: Infected Knee

I had ACL reconstruction (hamstring), lateral release, and meniscus repair 9/07. I constantly felt that something was wrong. PT wasn't going as I thought it should and I was badly bruised and swollen. 3 weeks post I had finally had reached my limit. I called my Ortho Surg. and said I had to come in and something wasn't right (he had seen me one wk prior and said everyone heals at different rates). I went in and he drained fluid from the knee. Feeling that I had some type of infection I was taken back into the OR that night for an irrigation and debridgement (clean out) of all scope wholes and cultures were taken. The graph appeared in tact. I spent 3 nights in the hospital where a PIC line was inserted so that I could continue on IV anti-biotics for 6 weeks (at home). I was treated for 3 different types of bacteria, 1 being a staph. I was infusing drugs 2-3x/day and change drugs several times due to sensitivities and problems w/white counts. I returned to PT (after the I&D) right away and continued thru 5/08.

I have discomfort every day. Stairs are difficult and I have significant stiffness. If things continue as they areI don't see how I'll ever play tennis again.

I haven't returned to my Ortho Surg since he released me in 5/08. I wanted to give it the 1 year that everyone says you need. That being said, I'm going for a 2nd opinion. I need to get a new perspective. I was the first infected ACL that my Dr. had.

I need to have an unbiased person tell me if this is the best it's going to be....I really think I need an MRI to show what's going on. Scar tissue? Residual issues from the infections??
Feb 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tibia pain after ACL rehab (5months)
by: Michael

"In addition to the left side knee pain where it feels like the screws are going to be pulled out of my bones when it bends with weight"

I'm 5 months after acl reconstruction; hamstring graph( althoguh i did have grade 3 tears in my mcl, lcl and 2 tears in my meniscus). I had all my strength back 4 months after surgery due to a 4 day training routine. And i was cleared to start light hockey(goaltending for this month ( 5 months after surgery). i have noticed too that i have a slight pull on where the screw was placed in my tibia. is this normal? i have an appointment coming up march 3rd so i will fill you all in. but other than the tibia pain at the place of the screw my knee plays very well in goal... As for all of you who worry about the swelling, well we've all had massive surgery so u should always ice after you stress your knee and live off of advil. IF the swelling is followe dby intense pain, go see your doctor
Feb 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Found my problem and fixed it
by: Anonymous

I'm glad to see that our feedback and experience can help others with this link. I hope my most recent feedback helps as well. 7 months post ACL recon I was having all the pain you can see from my particular string above. My 2nd MRI didn't show anything so my surgeon was puzzled and probably believed that it was all in my head. I told him that I wanted him to scope it and fix whatever it is that he found no matter what it was. He called the scope a "hail mary" because the MRI didn't show much and he was perplexed. Well I had that scope and additional surgery last Friday. Turns out that I had so much scar tissue that he couldn't even get his scope instrument in at his usual entry point. I saw the before and after photo's and I was shocked to say the least. It took him almost 2 hrs to get all the scar tissue out because there was so much. In addition all the scar tissue that was causing my knee to not glide property (that's what was causing my pain)the scar tissue was also shredding my miniscus. It looked like white seaweed floating inside my knee on the picture. I was walking around and doing agressive PT all the while I was shredding my miniscus. I was walking again the day after surgery and even though I still have pain from his knee root canal there is a major difference this time and I finally feel like it's going to get better now.
Don't ever stop questioning and educating yourself. Had I not pushed my surgeon to do that "hail mary" I would have had major issues with other parts of the knee. This scar tissue wasn't around my scar and I never slacked during PT. I was faithful and commited to rehab always. Why the MRI didn't show much who knows. My surgeon said that I made his record book with the amount of scar tissue that formed in only 6 months despite all the rehab. Like many of you my rehab initially went great and I got stronger ever day. I hit a plateau though and as this scar tissue started to form I worsened my situation. Scar tissue can form at any part of the knee and can cause a ton of different types and area's of pain. I hope this helps those who find themselves in the same place as I was. I'd be glad to answer any additional questions.
Mar 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		5 months post-acl
by: Anonymous

I had autograft acl surgery, right knee in sept 2008. I'm 5-6 months post-op. My symptoms include stiffness in the joint area, especially when getting up in the morning, discomfort when trying to run without warming up first, and when the weather is rainy there's soreness. It's frustrating that it takes so long, but from everyone that I know who's gone through this surgery, they say you aren't excatly back until 1 1/2 to 2 years, so you need to be patient. Everyone, just hang in there. Due to the autograft surgery, I have quite a bit of varying doscomfort at the graft site area. I find I'm sore after PT, but that's apparently normal. I think everyone heals differently. The scar tissue-related symptoms I read in this forum are cause for concern. I know a lot of doctors don't like to go in unless they have to. I really think in most cases, the problems people are experiencing will just take time to resolve. Keep resting, icing, follow your PT, run, stretch often during the day, visit the doctor at normal intervals. And pray
Mar 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Follow up
by: Michael

So he's the deal, i had my follow up and the doctors are super pleased. The pain in my tibia is due to the metal screw. I was told some people find it more annoying than others but i would get used to it as time passes. Anyways, i'm back to hockey 3-4 times a week and the knee althoguh feels sore is responding very well.
Mar 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help!
by: Anna

I had acl surgrey 9 monthes ago with a hamstring and ever since about 2 mothes ago , i have had pain, bad swelling and i hyperextend it a lot (unstable)
I do basketball and track so I always wear the brace...
but I'm seeing my doc next week , what could be wrong? if anything.??
Mar 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help...Re-injury after ACL reconstuction
by: Anonymous

I had ACL reconstruction carried out on my left knee in Aug 2007, after going through the process of rehab i was eventually giving the all clear from my surgeon to get back playing football after 13 months.
Around 18 month post op i was playing football on a slightly frozen pitch when i the ball had come across my body from the left which i tried to clear with my right foot however my left foot slid on the ground and wrenched my knee giving a sharp pain.

I was substituted straight away and went home. The following day I had swelling around the knee and pain down the outside of the knee. I went to see the surgeon who advised to rest for 6 weeks and see hime again. I was able to train after 4 weeks but experienced pain down the outside of the knee when turning quickly.

I went to see the surgeon again last week and he carried out various tests then recommended another MRI scan... he was relectant to diagnos the injury at the time.

Has anyone got any experience or suggestions as to what the injury may be and recovery??

Mar 29, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help RE: Scar Tissue
by: Skier

I can relate to the Anon. who finally had the "Hail Mary" Scope. my drs and PTs think im nuts, cause i feel like somethings just not right. I wonder through your experience if you know more about scar tissue, can offer advice.
I am only 2 mos out, but i have hard bumplike areas, you can feel upon pressure, below the kneecap, just to the left and right of center.. Really it is just below the scope holes.But its not superficial scar tissue, i dont think, but feels deeper and harder than i would imagine Scar tissue would be at just 2mos,, its more like a round harder knuckle sized bump,the inner one is esp irritating and painful. YOu dont really notice them unless comparing ot other knee, and of course i noticed as it hurts, esp upon hyperextension, like its impinging, you feel it more when extended, it rounds out more.Plus i have stiffness often, and feel like this causes the whole knee to feel rotten.After spinning, or running in pool lightly, it feels much better. But mostly,it seems something is not as it should be and i am scared sick of another surg, even if it is "just" a scope. I wonder if it could be Cyst, bursa sack? tracking problems? hoping not worse, like i am irritating other tissues? I first noticed it acutely at 4 weeks, when i was trying real hard to gain hyperextension, it started to pinch and irritate this area. Thanks so much for any ideas.
Mar 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Re-injury after ACL reconstruction
by: Walshy

Anon.I had ACL reconstruction in December 2006 and got the all clear in August 2007.I played practically the full season without trouble until the very last game.I overstretched going for a tackle and felt a sharp pain on the right side of my knee at the back.Fearing the worst I went to see the surgeon who carried out the op.After syringing a large amount of blood from the swollen knee,he sent me for an MRI scan.The result was a great relief in that the ACL was fine.He suggested that I rest for at least six weeks and slowly start increasing my exercise.He wasn't sure why all the blood,other than maybe straining the new ligament.Still playing and only had a couple of problems in the same place since.That was a sharp pain and some swelling,which went down after a couple of days.Also get the odd clicking/crunching but I can live with that.
Mar 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Skier
by: Anonymous

The pain that you are describing is the exact pain that I still have - after a 2 hr scar tissue clean up surgery. PT makes it worse and so does weight bearing. Scar tissue can do serious damage to a healing knee as I know too well. My gut is telling me that the screw in the femar is too long and that it's pinching the area on that side of the knee. Hence the longer I'm in PT on any particular day the worse it gets. Oddly enough my surgeon agree's however he's sending me to a "doctor" of PT vs just a regular PT shop to see if I can work through it to prevent a 3rd trip to the O.R. As does everyone on this chain I have been faithful to my PT and always work through the pain. I'm at a point where I want it to end - whatever it takes. Don't let your scar tissue get worse. I did and it started to shred my miniscus.
Mar 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		hoping for a "hail mary" scope!
by: Candice

I am also glad that I am not the only one experiencing a frustrating recovery!
It's been about 8 months since ACL surgery on my right knee. I had two slight meniscus tears in my knee, but my doctor didn't fix them because he said they were small enough to heal on their own. He actually tried to suture one of them up, but it wouldn't take. So for 4 weeks after surgery, I had a 90 degree flexion restriction in the hopes that the meniscus tears would heal.

Immediately after surgery, I had an annoying/painful clicking and unusual swelling on the lateral side of my knee. My PT just told me to push through it...and I did. I actually switched PTs because I moved and the new PT told me that it was okay for me to start running. I knew this couldn't be right because I couldn't even walk with a straight leg! But I tried it anyway and it was a disaster! Needless to say, I have changed PTs once again and am seeing someone who actually knows what to do! But...I have been having so much trouble with my knee lately (soreness, stiffness, intense pain), that I have decided to get my knee scoped. My doctor left the decision up to me. It almost feels as though my knee cap isn't moving properly because something is in the way. I am really hoping that my doctor finds something to fix so that 1--I can tell myself that I'm not crazy and 2--my knee can finally get better!

This has been the most frustrating time in my life. I love to run and have not been able to in forever!
May 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		dang . . .
by: Boondox813

lol im schedueled for ACL reconstruction tomarrow and the repair of both my meniscus in my right knee the surgeon will be using a hamstring graff and hearing you guys stories is very discouraging lmao but i guess its better to go threw the pain now since im only 24 than 20 years from now with horrible arthritis im expecting the worse in my recovery but but have been told to expect atleast 9-15 month complete recovery . . . wish me luck lol im sure im gonna need it ill hop back on here with updates and what not to share my experience
May 04, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bone fragment
by: Anonymous

So I went in for my knee scope about a month ago after having some knee issues 8 months after ACL surgery. It turns out that there was some scar tissue as well as a bone fragment left in the notch of my knee cap that was preventing my leg from straightening all the way. As soon as the bone fragment was removed, I could straighten my leg. My doctor said that before he could put the ACL graft in, he had to shave down the bone. So I am assuming the bone fragments were not cleaned up as well as they should have been. He also said that if that bone fragment wasn't in there, the scar tissue would have gone away, but the scar tissue attached and grew on the bone fragment. How frustrating! But atleast I wasn't hallucinating about my knee pain and discomfort. I just need to recover from my knee scope, which should take another 2 months. I never want to go through this again!
May 18, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		any suggestions?
by: kneefromhell

Ive had meniscus repair and an acl reconstruct. in two sep. surgeries within a year. I am six months out of the acl replacement and have been doing rather well. Until now.... It appears that when I am on my feet for extended periods of time ie..2-3 hours my knee begins to stiffen and swell and I begin to slightly limp. Is this normal? I also notice if Ive been sitting for periods of time ie 20-30 min and try to immediately begin to walk my knee is stiff and is painful. I have been diligent with the PT and am now on my own with it. Am I just overdoing it?
May 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		to Bone fragment
by: Skier

So could they have seen this bone fragment wiht an xray, or another MRI? if we are at 3-4-5 mos and have weird undiagnosed pain,(that noone believes) should we look at it again with MRI before just going in?!? i hear there are different strengths of MRIs.
thanks
May 24, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still in pain...
by: Anonymous

Its been 9 months since my operation and still have alot of pain when i flex my operated leg around and behind my knee-cap.Also alot of pain on my ham-string!!When i extend my leg there is also a clicking sound???Can anyone give me any information on what to do???
May 24, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		exercise
by: Anonymous

of course you should consult your doctor. However, being one who was able to return to ice hockey and play goalie 5 months after acl recontruction, here's my adice.

continue to be aggressive at physio and work out as much as you can. Try biking 3-4 times a week. this helped me keep my joint stay loose. Also pay very close attention to your muscle strength in your operated leg. When i experienced pain it was due to my muscle mass not being equal to that of the other leg. Ask to have an isometric exam done which will test the strength of each leg and give you an idea how strong your quads and hamstrings are; it will help you on what u have to work out on.

keep working hard and if you continue to experience pain after working out go see your doctor of PT for advice and help
May 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Excruciating pain in the side of the knee- 8 years after ACL repair
by: Raj

Hi guys,
I was in a bike accident about 8 years back where I had serioulsy injured my ACL.I was operated upon by one of the best surgeons for ACL who did an ACL reconstruction.Post physio I regained my abilities and was doing fine until a few years back I injured my ACL again. This time it was rectified with an arthroscopy.
I have been feeling fine since- only since the last few weeks I have started experiencing excruciating pain in the side of my knee. I dont know if this is a tendon pain. In the beginning it was a nerve on the side, which if touched- or if it brushed agianst something caused pain.Then the pain stopped for a few days- and I thought that the worst had passed. However since yesterday the pain has started again...and this time its not the nerve/ tendon. Its just random pain which lasts for a few seconds and diappears.

Anyone has any ideas?
Jul 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Wht to do after acl reconstruction surgery
by: Avinash

Guy's I had my complete acl reconstruction surgery on 26 /06/2009 and I m healing well doing the light exercises which my PT hd told me but didn't able to bend my operated right knee more thn 120 degree I hve acl reconstruction surgery using my hamstring graft and little menisctomy reading all of ur reviews I m worried if I will experience the same plz suggest the Do's & Dont's post surgery so tht I cn regain bck my strength I m feeling frustrated wid swollen knee & continous pain bt my surgeon told me nothing to worry as these r blue's post surgery plz guy's help me out
Jul 03, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		post PCL reconstrction pain
by: Anonymous

hi there!

i had my left knee PCL reconstructed last November.
it's been 7 months now i still feel a lot of tightness and sharp pain in my knee, whenever i jog, swim and especially when i bend/squat. the pain limits my exercise to a very short time (e.g. a maximum 10min jog with a lot of pain) I've stopped physiotherapy 2 months ago as there was no improvement for sometime already.
any clue what is wrong? will the pain go away in months time? did something went wrong during the surgery? please help me out. i would love play sports again someday. thanks
Jul 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cyclpos
by: Anonymous

Im having a key hole surgery in 4 weeks time after having my re-co last august...
My specialist there is alot of scar tissue that has to be cleaned out and that is keeping the pain there..He mentioned something bout cyclops!!
Thats what i have!
Jul 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		R.O.M with Cyclops?
by: Anonymous

Cyclops, what is your range of motion..?
i think a cyclops is a pretty inhibiting formation, in the knee.
Jul 09, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Poat ACL recon. issues
by: Tammy

I am just about 6 months postop. I also developed scar tissue which led to difficulty with extension. I had arthroscopic surgery about 4 months post. ACL recl . to remomve scar tissue. It corrected my extension problem. However, I continue to have a lot of knee stiffness, some lateral knee tightness, and discomfort that I would rate a 3-4 on a 1-10 scale. This is on an ongoing basis, not only with activity. I can relate to what Candice posted earlier. I am a runner and have been unable to resume even light jogging at this time. It just makes the pain intolerable. Any extended impact activities or stress on my knees can't be tolerated yet. Since my insurance has discontinued PT for me, I am rehabbing on my onw, but not sure what more I can do. It has been very frustrating for me also.
Jul 09, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Tammy
by: Skier

Oh i can relate and feel bad for you.
i am at 5 mos. out and am almost always stiff and tight under the kneecap, especially after any activities that stress my knee. I tried the eliptical at around 3 mos and couldnt tolerate it. tried to jog (i am a runner also) and could go about30 secones without pain...so then tried to run on a little trampoline which didnt hurt so i went 30 mninutes and now it is killing me 5 days later...now even kicking while swimmiing freestyle is hurting it.
How much Extension short were you that you got a scope at 4 mos???i am very curious as I am
i am extension deficient also, not by too much but enough that its a problem to me. I suspect scar tissue is causing this and the tightness/stiffness and they are recommending a possible future scope. So your scope got you youre extension, but left you still with problems? that is awful bummer. how far out of the scope are you? maybe that takes alot more time too, if you are just on 6 mos ACL, coudl it be that it all is going to take more time? Pls let me know more, i am anxious to hear as it sounds very similar to my ailment. ( i wrote in as skier earlier in the thread.)
thanks alot.
Jul 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Skier
by: Tammy

Believe it or not, I was only lacking about 5 degrees of extension. It was enough that I had a limp with walking. To me, it felt like I had gravel grinding behind my kneecap. My surgeon was great about hearing my concerns and ordered an MRI at about 3 1/2 months postop. That is how the scar tissue was confirmed. Thus, the scope at 4 months postop. The scope took care of the extension issues immediately and the grinding feeling disappeared. Like I said earlier, though, I still have the persistent knee pain and stiffness which is bothersome. Of course, having had the scope only 8 weeks ago, I am unsure if it may be related to that or if it is still just a part of the ACL reconstruction. I see my surgeon for my 6 mos. check next week and will have to ask him. I am learning that finding patience is a necessary part of this rehab. process--not easy for me to do!! One thing I would say is be persistent with your surgeon and ask questions. I sincerely wish you the best! Still no running for me yet, but I am going backpacking in the Rockies next week. Should be a real test for my knee, but I am determined to do it.
Jul 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reply Tammy
by: Anonymous

Hi Tammy,
Thank you so much for more info, i appreciate it. I am similar, i can get straight but just barely hyperextended so my walking is not normal.I am just getting over limping (probably just self adjusting) but i am stopping short on that side so it is cockeyed...

Did you have ANY hyperextension at all? i can get it passively pulled into hyperext. but cannot fire it myself my knee just stops at a point, and pinchs in the front under kneecap.For this reason, my dr thinks im not that bad, cause he can see that Hyperextension is there, but i know it inhibiting my movement/walk/other stuff.
pls let me know your take on this if you were simlar here.

Thanks for Dr advice. I have been disappointed with mine though he is good dr, but i think he thinks im "good Enough" I have decided i will finally go to my dr this week (at 5 1/2mos) and ask for antoher MRI. He has only recommended just scoping to fix my problems but i dont buy that, i would rather see how bad things are before he goes in, i would think thats more reasonable. (like your dr did)
ALso i am SO close to being OK that if this is something more minor, maybe there is hope.
Thanks for your help, it sounds similar!
i am in mts here, and i can do most everythign but run, and hike down, good luck with bpacking. make y our frieind carry the load!
Jul 18, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Break through pain
by: Anonymous

Break through pain during rehab may be sign of over doing it and taking a day or two off from pt or exercise helps as I saw that from my soccer buddy who had acl recon and meniscus partial resection .
Now 2 month ago it is my turn to tear my acl and partial lateral meniscus tear. Acl repair was done with parial
Meniscus resectin this happened playing soccer.
I follow the regimen my friend did since he had a great outcome two years later.
From what I saw In him you may continue to have less pain but continue to be agressive with the muscle strengthening exercise since this helped to recover fast and better.
Now he is about to run Philadelphia marathon intwo month September 20, 2009
I am agressivelly exersicing for strengthening and walking in pool for stretching. His last pain btw was 3month ago b/c of screws that are out now and he Is pain free and now play soccer again.
Have patience that everything will get better through time.
Aug 08, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		2 1/2 years later and still in pain
by: Mike L

Nov 2006, I took a 9 ft fall off a roof. Tore my ACL, MCL and got a couple medial meniscus tears. In March 2007, I had a complete ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair. I did the usual PT, was getting good ROM, but still had pain, behind the kneecap and at the screw site on the lower end. In June 2007, the pain had not subsided, and I was still swelling, so my OS got an MRI, and found the meniscus had retorn. Sept 07, he took me back to the OR and shaved the previous meniscal tear, removing it, and also took out the screw. He says my knee is stable, but my pain is still horendous at the screw site, behind the kneecap and at the MCL.
I have had more PT in the last two years than I care to, and here is the best part, I will never work in my previous occupation again, residential remodelling. Because of this injury, two and a half years later, I am on (4) 5/325 percocet, 1600 mg of ibuprofen and ambien everyday. I also have to ice twice a day, at noon and in the evening, and use an electronic ICT nerve stimulator, all for pain. I am getting another opinion from another OS this month, to see where it is now.
When I fell off the roof, I tore my calf on the same leg on the drip edge of the roof, and got an infection in that spot. I took 1000mg of cipro a day for 5 weeks, I cant help but wonder if that is part of the reason I have chronic pain, and if scar tissue plays a role as well. All I know is the pain is very real, and am considering a "hail mary" myself.
Aug 09, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		3+ years Post ACL surgery
by: Anonymous

I injured my right knee ACL playing tennis and had it reconstructed in 2005. Now, on humid / rainy days, the area where it was operated on (slighly below the knee) hurts if I walk or climb up the stairs. If I rest, it goes away. I can say because there is a slight scar still left (a thin line).
Anybody experiencing this? BTW, I'm not an athelete or sports person. I play as I like it.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Aug 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		reply to skier from July 14
by: Tammy

Hi,

I hope you have had some success in getting more help from your doctor since your last post. I really never had measurable hyperextension in my surgical knee after surgery (though my unaffected knee does).

I had my final postop visit with my surgeon 4 weeks ago. In response to my concerns about anterior knee pain and lateral knee pain, he advised me to stay away from activity that exacerbates the pain and give the healing more time. My therapist echoed the same for me. Everyone is different, but both my surgeon and therapist said that it can take up to one year to be pain free and feel able to return to previous level of functioning. So, I am trying to be patient and see what the next 5 months bring.

I am happy to say that some stretches I have been doing for my IT band, quads, calves, etc. seem to be helping. I also think the hiking I did was great for strenthening my quads., which in turn makes my knee feel better. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Good luck!
Aug 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		from skier to tammy
by: Anonymous

Hi Tammy, thanks for response! I did have another MRI, and there were a couple suspect things, though nothing totally conclusive. First it shows that my graft(larger male cadaver graft)is very large withing the tibial tunnel.i wondered if this would cause the continued ache i have to my tibia, seemed to make sense, but Dr didnt think that was so relevent...i also though have what the reader later saw and suspect is 5mm of scar tissue at the front of the tibial tunnel, which would caues the pinching upon hyperextension... it is only suspect, i guess MRIs are not even a perfect science...i think none of this is! I still have this pinch/pain when i hyperextend or even upon walking when leg goes out. So since it may be this scar tissue, i am doubting it will go away with out further work. problem is, i do have some hyperextension, about maybe 3 degrees vs 7 in good leg, and whether this or the little pain is enuf to warrent further scoping is questionable, i could end up with MORE problems or something else weird! and i dont want to go backwards when here i am at about 90%, then i know a scope (as "easy" as they say it is) will set me back alot. (you can tell me more about that.!) BUT also, it might be great just to get back to a clean slate again. So its a tricky call. I have to get my screw out of my tibia, i think that bothers me too, but a diff. kind of annoyance there.did you have to deal with that, and did it provide relief? I agree with y ou, i have heard at least a year, even 2 to feel totallynormal, pain free. but in this case if i have a scar tissue area, will it ever go away.... i think i should wait, and see where i stand about a year from now, but had wanted to do this all in my deductible calendar year....
I do have to say, like you said, the stretching, and i have even started to run on trails, just a bit, and it hasnt seemed to hurt it any more, in fact dr thinks perhaps it will strengthen my bone (or maybe its my quads like you said) so starting that slowly has been OK, and not made it hurt anymore, even perhaps felt a little better (tho that could just be time... keep me posted, let me know about what you think about how a scope sets you back or not.!THANKS!,chris
Aug 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To skier
by: Tammy

It is a tough call deciding whether or not another surgery is worth it, I know. For me, I was so limited by the scar tissue (limping even with ambulation) and fairly uncomfortable, so I was more than happy to have my knee scoped. It did set me back a bit, but was certainly helpful in the end. I think the biggest impact for me from the scoping was it took that much longer for my quads to begin firing and strengthening again. I am still working on that! I suspect some of the persistent knee pain was related to the scoping also. I don't regret having it done.
That said, if you don't feel like your current knee problems are limiting your activity greatly and you aren't getting a strong feeling from your surgeon that scoping would be helpful, it may be best for you to give things some more time. Hopefully, you are more patient than me! Take care.
Aug 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		to tammy
by: Anonymous

Ugh!
thanks tammy. Same, my quads had trouble firing from the initial recon, whihc we thot unusual as i am extremely active and athetic...but took quite awhile so im sure the scope would make me very weak again.
i sometimes think the firing is inhibited by the scar tissue though.... it hurts when i fire...
In any case, i am quite worried about going backwards,after coming this far...

mine is tricky because of course this year wil be same deductible on insurance, so it would be free scope. but dont want to "Pay the price!" otherwise with some new ailment!
thanks again, chris
Aug 25, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		3 months after ACL Recon
by: Josh

I just need to ask somebody who is going through the same thing.....I feel pain on both sides of my knees still nothing sharp but like achy , is that normal?

Also, my ACL feels tight still inside my knee, everytime I bend my knee it feels like its streching inside not tearing just stretching.....no pain or anything, normal?
Aug 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Meniscectomy post Revision reconstruction
by: Tippy

Hi everyone, hopefully someone will be able to help me!

I had my original ACL recon in 2000. had a revision reconstruction in march this year.

I now have a meniscal tear (which was present at last reconstruction but they thought would heal) that needs repair. The pain is causing the VMO to turn off and I am getting awful ITB friction (again - was present pre-operatively) so can't just ignore it and hope it heals.

Has anyone been through this?

How much fun are knees?!?!?!
Aug 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		7 months
by: ryan

Im coming up on 7 months, post operation( ACL & MCL tear), and i have been getting the urge to go out and do something. I have been out shooting the basketball around and doing some light jogging with it. I still dont feel 100% with cutting and running fast. The 1st day after I shot the ball around, i had some pain in my left knee but after a day of rest, the pain was gone. My question is, i have some swelling in the areas of were my cuts were made for the surgery. They feel like lumps. Is this normal? and what are some of the things that i should be able to do this far along after surgery?I feel like i hold back on dong certain things because i feel my knee wont hold up.
Sep 03, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ACL
by: Anonymous

Heyy there i Tore my ACL completly and used my Petellar Tendon for my New ACL, i tore it this year at the the end of October, and got surgery Feb 9th/09 i went Crazy with working out, Physio, all of the above pretty much im now repping 300 pound free weight squats 10-12 times maxing out on my legs, its about 6 months and a few days now. iv got back into football last week, im a Running back Linebacker/kicker...
i droped kicking cause i new it would be to much stress on my new ligament and such, but recently after practice my knee swells up a bit and my knee, right knee that is on the right side under the knee cap kinda Hamstring area hurts like hell, probly a 9 outa 10 scale. could this possibly be just lack of Hamsting strength?, or could it be look Cartledge floating around and creating problems? becuase there is alot of cracking and poping everytime i bend my knee. it dosent hurt which i think is a good sine, but could it be causeing Friction and creating kinda a Tendinitis scnario like inflimation of the joint, or am i just to pre-mature lol:P i dunno
any comments would be greatly appreciated, because i plan to go into full contact in 2 weeks. thanks...
Sep 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		7 months after ACL repair
by: Anonymous

I had acl surgery in february 2009, I am at the 7 month mark and have developed a grade 3 swelling and pain. I was back on skates in June and running 3/4 speed in july without any swelling or pain and according to my physio and surgeon was way ahead. At the beginning of August I was out throwing a football, wearing my brace and not using my legs to throw( no twisting or torque) and without any pain or problems, next day my knee is swollen and it took three weeks to go away. I was given the green light to start full speed running and cutting drills for football, that was a week ago, I went out for an hour and it all felt great, now I'm dealing with the grade 3 swelling and pain. Both my physio and surgeon figure it is scar tissue. It is all pretty frustrating at this point as both football and hockey have been put on hold for a year already, Inspite of being told I'm ok to do both again, I have my doubts.
Sep 24, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		acl reconstruction
by: Anonymous

This is my 2nd day postop acl reconstruction with
an allograft. I was just wondering if I should be doing anything to help with my range of motion now. The pain is so bad that I can bear weight on it. Any comments will help, thank you.
Sep 24, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		first weeks important
by: Anonymous

Yes you are in the hell time now, it will be Awful, like hard to make it to the toilet! for a week, then bad for anotehr week, then it starts to get easier! Yes you are right there are things to do now, and your PT should be on it, but mine wasnt, so make sure you read read read online, you can find some good Doc and PT protocols to what is expected, just in case your PT isnt on top of it.WHat i was never told, and then it was too late, is your extension is the first thing to work on, the bending comes later, (this is very general) but achieving full extension, means to the point of your other leg. I had a dr and a PT who were happy that my leg went straight, but really, it needed to go a few degrees hyperextended, like my good leg, and it didnt , and i still cant regain that.so i limp still, and its a nightmare. so exercises like heel props are to be done right in beginning. Also,dont be afraid to take your pain meds in beginning so that you can get around. i hate meds so i didtn much and the pain slowed my progress, you must just take what you need so you can get moving. just ask alot of questions and stay one step ahead. It is hard this first week as you are down and out but the first wk or 2 are very important ROM weeks, regarding extension, so be as aware as you can.
Sep 24, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		acl recovery
by: Anonymous

As was just stated work on the leg extention, I was instructed to start working on it the day following my ACL reconstruction. If the new ACL isn't worked on right away it won't stay straight, the full range of motion will come back, sometimes longer than expected, I was lucky in many ways as I had full range in less than a month.

My latest challenge was pain on the outside of my knee, but with the help of my physio it was determined that it was an IT Band that was too tight, after working it, and spedning time in the gym on the leg press machine the pain settled down and is all but gone.

Be patient with the progress but make sure to always be working the range of motion, even if just sitting watching tv, keep the leg active, in the long run it becomes a quicker recovery, and when you think it's good to go, take another month.
Oct 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain around scars
by: Josh

I am feeling pain and swelling (goose egg) around the scar were the pateller graft was taken. I don't know if it's scar tissue, I squat (air squats only) thats the only pian I have now, is this normal....I'm 4 months post-op
Oct 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		swelling
by: Scott

Not being a doctor or physio I would suggest that if there is pain at 4 months and that amount of swelling then it would be worth a trip to have it checked. It may just be scar tissue or a little cartlidge that is causing the swelling.
Oct 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Knee pains after ACL Const ( 2 years ago)
by: Jonathan

Hey all,

I have found this site ever so helpful to me however I still haven't had my question answered and I was wondering if there is anyone kind enough to give me some help on my situation.

Since my ACL Construction (right leg) I have had the normal pains here and there however there have been 3 occasions where my knee hasnt felt as stable as normal. In those 3 times my knee kindof 'locked' for a slpit second and then I get swelling pains. It happens when I try to stop suddenly, but like I said, usually I dont have a problem. Recently I have been getting pains just above the calf in the middle and slightly to the right. It's a mix between pulling pains and just a dull pain.

I felt it slightly prior to my hockey match this morning however after some stretching it eased. Midway through the game I started to feel the pain increasing. After the game the pains increased ALOT and now the front of my knee has swollen up. I didnt feel any pulls or strains so I just don't know what happened. I had this same pulling pain a month ago, however I wasn't playing back then.

Any ideas to what this could be...? A muscle? Ligaments? Tendons? Any help will be much appreciated.
Oct 11, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		to Jonathan
by: Anonymous

Sounds to me like you should be going to an actual DR first thing monday morning. as definitive as this sounds, and being able to SEE the area, they should be able to give you a definitive answer (should being operative word..)but i think anytime something is abnormal with swelling or acute pain i think you see a doc.
plus docs always aske after ACL recon if somehitng is locking and grabbing like yours was, so that must be indicative of something.
Good luck
Oct 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reply
by: Jonathan

Thanks for your reply.

Thing is I don't understand why I got the swelling. My knee wasn't hurting, it was the muscle/tendon/ligaments above my calf. Could that effect the knee and make it swell up?
Oct 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		to Jonathan
by: Anonymous

You are right it sounds a bit weird, but then the knee seems to work in strange ways...it sounds like something as you describe it exactly, that SHOULD be tell-tale to a dr. A GOOD one... that is. i hope nothings up but it def sounds suspect, maybe not your acl but something else is definitely acting up.
Get the first appt available, and write back and let know what is. curious.
PS what type of graft/recon did you have.?
just curious.
Definitely you are not overreacting and what sounds like def. worth looking into and not ignoring.
Oct 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reply
by: Jonathan

Do you mean what the surgeon used to replace the ACL? He used the tendon which runs down the knee ... or am I on the wrong wave length?

The surgeon that did the op is expensive and to be honest I can't really afford to go to him at the moment. My plan is the give the knee a rest. I dont have a game for 3 weeks so it will give me time to rest and hopefully heal. Ill start light jogging again but if the pain and or swelling continues then I will consult him.

Can the pulling feeling above the calf caused the swelling? What other problems could have caused this. Like I said, there was no poping or twists but just this dull pain.

Since the swelling my knee has started to 'grind' when it bends... Is that just the imflamation?
Oct 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		An update
by: Jonathan

The swelling increased ALOT of night however this morning it has decreased.

I can't fully straighten my leg as of yet, due to the swelling. I am using anti-inflammatory cream and cataflam for the swelling. Trying to ice it when and if I can. I don't have time for rest sooooo i'm doing everything that I can. But limited.
Oct 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		to Jonathan
by: Anonymous

I know it can be expensive to visit drs. but if he is your doc and you have this it shoudl just be an office visit for about $100 max? and if you have insurance? it should be a copay. Just dont let them do any xrays as they ALWAYS want to, and i just say no, we will xray if we think we need to. i thikn the xray thing is all a racquet to make more people more $. Of course there are times it is necessary but alot of what we type people go in for it isnt relevant if tendons and ligaments which yours probably is.
It is vital to see dr when it is acute and swollen. my dr always told me to go out and hurt it and then come back when symptomatic. i think the grinding sounds bad, the whole thing sounds weird. not just a tweak. you gotta get it looked at. maybe you have your old PT from ACL that can take quick look while its bad.
Oct 26, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		1 year on.....
by: kaza

i had an ACL reconstruction in Sept 2008 and was really well until just over 6 weeks ago. My knee began to grind and pop and the pain on moving it or with any weight bearing is quite bad. The knee is swollen and so is the ankle. I did nothing to cause this relapse and am quite perplexed as to why i am experiencing this after such a good initial recovery. Any thoughts on this or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Oct 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pleaseeee help!
by: Anonymous

I tore my acl in my left knee in january of 2008 and then tore the same one in january of 2009, both while playing basketball. It has been about 8 months since the 2nd surgery and i am having a really sharp pain under my knee near one of my scars. It got really bad last week and has been there ever since. Does anyone know what it could be? And would it be worth it playing basketball this year? And are my chances high for tearing my acl in my right knee since i have torn it twice in my left?

Thanks so much for reading! I would really appreciate your help!!
Oct 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pain in knee
by: varun

iahve under gone acl surgery about 4 months before.. one day wen i was spot jogging i suddenly heard a pop sound... and then i experienced a pain in the back of my knee....can any one tell me wat was wrong???
Oct 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Knee pain
by: scott

I would have to assume that if you have heard a pop and then sharp pain in the back of your knee that you have damaged something again. I am at the 8 1/2 month point of ACL surgery and started back playing touch football, although still running in a limited fashion, I haven't been able to make any sharp cuts, or it's more like I mentally can't, inspite of the fact that I have been doing just that off the field in physio. What has now happened is a grade 3 swelling as occured in my knee again. I am waiting to hear back from my surgeon this week to find out if it's possible that the impact of running as caused the problem, there was alot of bone brusing at the time of the injury a year ago.

Any time there is sharp pain at a surgery point it should be checked, the back of the knee could be hamstring.
Oct 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		varun continued
by: varun

i had posted earlier about a pain... but the pain had subsided automatiCally, but however i am scared to get into activities .. now att the pain has subsided could it be hamstring because i ahdnt moved my leg much..
Oct 31, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		hamstring
by: scott

I'd still be concerned about the "pop" sound, if it was a hamstring tear you would have swelling and bruising on the back of your knee, it may also take a few days for the bruising to appear, but you would definatley have bruising.

I would be cautious.
Nov 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		varun conitinue
by: varun

could the pop sound mean that i have damged my acl graft? but i havent been under heavy activities.. jogging was part of the exercise of my recovery
Nov 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		acl injury
by: scott

I'm not a doctor so I would hate to guess and be wrong, I'm just saying that you should have it checked by the surgeon. I've got knee swelling after 8 months and I have been following physio to the letter. I had fewer problems with swelling 3 months ago, so anything is possible. Right now I feel like my rehab is going backwards.

Better safe than sorry.
Nov 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		6 weeks post-op ACL meniscus surgery
by: Anonymous

Hi all,
I have enjoyed reading all the posts, this site is extremely helpful!
I tore my ACL, MCL, meniscus and fractured bones in my right knee while participating in a Jump-Rope-A-Thon with my 3rd grade class back in March of 2009. So, I am not an athlete but have been active my entire life, running, biking, weight training, skiing etc. I have always been at my ideal weight and only recently gained 50 pounds, before my injury.
I had surgery 6 weeks ago and have had a real problem getting my quad muscle to fire. The PT's are aggravated that I still use a crutch when my mandatory brace is taken off. Finally, an experienced PT was assigned to my case and asked to oversee the young girl who was watching over me since the surgery. I cannot do a straight leg lift, actually haven't been able to since May of 2009 ( a few weeks into pre-surgery PT, all of sudden just couldn't do them anymore??). I still feel intense stiffness and pain especially a few hours after PT. I have been hooked to the Neuromuscular Electrical Shock Therapy machine every time I visit and they have to crank the machine up to the highest level just to see my muscle quiver! I am not a fan of that machine lately! Now, I am being told that I'll need the home shock therapy machine for the days I do not attend the office! I cannot straighten my bad knee completely and my workman's compensation nurse mentioned that I may have scar tissue, something else that may be causing the pain. My surgeon is apparently not a fan of pain meds and will only give me Tylenol with Codeine which is not helping with the pain that I am feeling. Since I am 6 weeks post -surgery and having all these problems still, what type of pain medication should I be asking for to help with the pain of aggressive PT? I have never been on any kind of medication prior to this knee injury and I am 41 years old.
Nov 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		ACL Surgery
by: Beth

Tore my ACL with two menicus tears in August,2009 playing soccer. Had surgery with a hamstring graft 8 weeks ago. Have had the same numbness as everyone else but it has improved and believe it will subside in time. My concern is that I have a constant sensation of a band of tightness (different from stiffness)below my kneecap which has not improved at all. My surgeon assures me this will go away over time but I have my doubts. I feel this inhibits my walking to some degree-occasionally I feel like my knee catches because of it. My PT does not seem overly concerned with this because she can get knee flexion to 137 degrees and has suggested that maybe it's all in my head. I'm thinking of requesting a MRI to rule out scar tissue, etc. Has anyone else ever had this sensation?
Nov 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		to beth
by: Anonymous

hi beth,
its late and i cant write much, but for a minute i thot i was reading my own entry, i had this same problem with the tightness in same area, i called it a band like you did, for quite a while.
A good friend and former ACL recon told me that will go away and it has. You are VERY early, but still not too early to be super attentive to EVERY thing you are feeling. I do believe htis will go away, but also know that it is not the FLEXION at 8wks that is important, it is the EXTENSION and you must have that where it was or very darn close, by now. ANd that means not straight but to the extension of the OTHER good knee. If you dd not take your own patellar tendon, i see you did not, then i wouldnt worry too much about that area. at 8wks, there is still just a lot of weirdness in there. MAKE SURE you have a great PT that doesnt tell you it is all in your head. Thats LAME. and make sure they are WORKING your kneecap with Patellar Mobilizations. I have a bit of scar tissue under my Pat. Tendon becuase my PT was not aggressive there. read EVERYTHING you can , on the GOOD ortho and PT sites, (not these where you are taling to people like me!!) and be your own best advocate. I do think you are early and i do know that at 3, maybe even 4 mos, i had this tight band. I am at 9mos and it is just normalizing for me in the past couple months. I didnt have the meniscus stuff but i would htink that would make things a little more complicated, too. hope this helps some.
Nov 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		to beth
by: scott

I've posted in here several times regarding the progress and lack of progress that I have had with my ACL recon. I'm at 9 months since surgery and still having swelling problems, this is new as I was getting close to a 100% 3 months ago, I have talked to my surgeon and Physio about it and they both think it's a scar tissue or cartlidge problem, I will be getting another MRI to confirm that everything else is intact.

At the 8 week point you may be a little more optimistic than you perhaps should be as the swelling in the and around the underside of your knee cap may take 4-5 months to go away. Extention should be at 100% by now, you should also have full range of motion as well, or close to it. The biggest concern with not having full extention is that as the new graft heals it has to heal straight otherwise it will heal over any swelling and you won't get full extention, this should have been one of your main concerns with physio.

I wouldn't be too worried about any pain or strange feelings at 8 weeks, there could also be bone bruising as well and that takes time to heal. Don't rush back to anything, even if you feel good, give it a little more time.
Nov 13, 2009
Rating