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9 Weeks after Patella Fracture: Sore with PT

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Garet
Garet

Had a non-displaced vertical patella fracture (with some level 2 ligament and meniscus damage) 9 weeks ago. No surgery, treated with a splint, then a cast, and now a kneebrace (unlocked after week 6). 

I've been doing a lot or ROM and AROM exercises, and straight-leg lifts with ankle weigts since week 6.  Also walking wthout crutches since week 5. My knee feels sore and tight, but I keep doing these exercises because I was told that it is normal. It feels more sore than at week 6, but I don't know if it's good soreness (from exercise) or bad soreness (from overdoing it).

Should I stop doing these activities until the soreness subsides or is it normal? I know pain comes with PT, but I can't determine between what is healthy soreness and what might be prolonging my recovery or further damaging my knee.

 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname Garet

    Posted

    As a rule of thumb, you should recover from the pain caused by exercise within an hour.

    Elevation above your head and icing isvery important. Both reduce swelling which reduces pain.

    I like the gel packs from the pharmacy because they do not leak, they are flat without ice points, they remain cold longer. I would purchase four medium rectangle ones...two frozen on your knee with two in the freezer ready to use.

    • Garet
      Garet ihavenonickname

      Posted

      Yes, good suggestions. I went to the doctor today. He was just a general doctor, not an orthopaedic doctor (the only appointment i could get on short notice).  He recommended that I take a few days off the physiotherapy until the pain subsides. Why didn't I think of that! Haha.

      I guess I expect there to be pain involved in PT so it's not easy to recognise when I'm overdoing it. Just want my leg to get strong faster, but need a break now and then too I suppose.

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