Saphenous Nerve Pain Two Weeks Out

by Laura
(Columbus, Ohio)

I tore my ACL playing softball in August. I had planned on rehabbing it and skipping the surgery, but I developed severe heel pain from not walking properly in the immediate aftermath of my injury. I had rehabbed my knee enough to stabilize it and might have skipped the surgery altogether. I had my surgery on March 31, 2009 and was amazed at how easy it was and the minimal amt of pain post op (pain meds were terrific). I stopped pain meds after 4 days and ditched the crutches after 10. had virtually no swelling and I can extend 106 degrees so far. Most of my pain is manageable except for the nerve running down my shin. I've read that this can be a side effect from a hamstring graft, which my surgeon had tried to talk me out of--he had recommended the allograft given my age (46) and lack of Olympic dreams. I'm almost regretting my decision. I've had two PT sessions and they told me that I'm going to have to desensitize my nerve in order for it to heal. Just my pants skimming over the area is enough to make me scream, yet they want me to intentionally 'massage' it. Anyone have any experience with this? How long does this last? How do I know it's not permanently damaged? I return to the surgeon in 2 weeks.

Thanks,
Laura