What did I do to myself

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Mid Feb. I dislocated my left patella on ice. I heard two pops which I thought was odd as I was falling . It was extremely painful, as it always is. I dislocate the right periodically. I relaxed and put it back . Usually I stretch it out and for me, this helps the recovery time. I couldn't stretch it out. I was still in extrem pain, which was confusing. I was with my husband so he carried me to the car and then into the house. The pain was crazy.

It took a good 6 weeks to be Blessed to walk mostly normal again. My doctor has sent out the paper work for an MRI. Still waiting for them to call me.

This week I finally can kneel down without loads of pain. Going up stairs still hurts. So does standing up from a chair.

Anyone have any ideas on what I did to my knee?

I just want to know what happened, but I have no idea when I will get the MRI.

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3 Replies

  • Posted

    Did you actually see a knee ortho for an exam?  They usually start with an x-ray to see if there is any readily visible structural damage.  Next is the exam itself where they twist, turn, pull and push.  Every movement of your leg without pain eliminates one source of your problem.  This is how they rule out injuries to the ACL, MCL, meniscus, etc.  If it hurts when he/she does one movement in particular, that will usually help them pinpoint your problem.  This is the work of a knee specialist, not your regular doc.  An MRI helps them in this but is not very revealing with just soft tissue damage.

    I would make an appointment ASAP with the best knee group in your area and have them do the x-ray and exam.  Like I said, the MRI would be one step removed from your initial knee evaluation.  Back in my 50's I had this happen four times...all four MRIs showed nothing...all four arthroscopies found the problems and were immediately repaired (one meniscus each side, one femoral condyle cartilage each side).  Both knees ended up with arthritis and bone-on-bone.  At 68, I had my first TKR...one to go.  This is all a result of playing hockey for 45+ years...yes, I know the pain...intimately...

    No guessing...see a knee guy for a definitive diagnosis...good luck.

    • Posted

      I did get x-rays. They looked good.

      I hadn't even thought to see a specialist. I'll be making an appointment with my doctor to get a referral.

      Thank you !

    • Posted

      Take the x-rays to the ortho to double check.  If there's no structural damage, that's a great thing.  Then the ortho will do the exam to pinpoint the source of your pain.  He/she will order the MRI if necessary.  If it's just a sprain or pull, a cortisone shot can relieve the pain within a few days and last a while.  Helps the healing as an anti-inflammatory.  If it's something more serious like a tear, the doc will advise you on the next step.  All depends on the exam and imaging.  Again...definitive diagnosis is your goal.  That will determine the type of treatment you will need.

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