| Author |
Topic: Coming Back after ACL Surgery ? |
runningfarmer
Member |
 posted Jul-19-2007 06:38 AM
  
3 months doesn’t seem unreasonable. I got the green light earlier than that from my surgeon but I just couldn’t run. Once our VMO and Quads start coming back you will be amazed at how fast things start progressing. 4 Weeks ago I was depressed – wondering if I would ever be able to run again. I couldn’t go more than 3 minutes without pain - Then it clicked - Once I hit that magic 10 minute mark (jogging) without pain everything it was incredible how fast things turned around. Each progressive run allowed me to increase distance substantially before pain kicked in and forced me to walk home. I am now running 4 miles 3 times a week and I am only 19 weeks post surgery. I hope things move this fast for you. Good luck.
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-19-2007 12:39 PM
Icor1613 - thanks for asking about my comeback. I had 2 major setbacks after ACL - a re-ripped MCL 6 mos. after surgery (another 4 mo. lay-off) ; and a femur SF 10 mos. after MCL that (another 4 mo. layoff.) The SF is a stubborn injury. It has been abotu 10 mos. since that and I am still not 100% right. In hindsight, I think I came back too fast with the miles. But I also had meniscus repair and a severed MCL (and I am older.) So.....who knows ....Good news is I am swimming more; biking more, strength training more, and overall probably in better shape (except I don't have the capacity to drink beer and the endurance you can only get from double digit LRs.) I am climbing back to between 12- 20 mpw, with some of them run/walks on the TM. I am hoping maybe to do a half-marathon in the late fall. But I am taking everything as it comes and not running through pain.I am thankful I can run at all. Maybe a marathon again someday, maybe not. I loved the challenge and the discipline. Glad I ran a few when I did. Hope you all are enjoying every step out there on the road. I just got new orthotics and they are great.
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1cor1613
Member |
posted Aug-02-2007 08:53 AM
quote:
Originally posted by skypenny:
... I had 2 major setbacks after ACL - a re-ripped MCL 6 mos. after surgery (another 4 mo. lay-off) ; and a femur SF 10 mos. after MCL that (another 4 mo. layoff.) The SF is a stubborn injury. It has been abotu 10 mos. since that and I am still not 100% right. In hindsight, I think I came back too fast with the miles. But I also had meniscus repair and a severed MCL (and I am older.) ... I am hoping maybe to do a half-marathon in the late fall. But I am taking everything as it comes and not running through pain.I am thankful I can run at all. ...
SF may be a stubborn injury, but I'll put my money on you. Perseverance trumps stubborn any day of the week. I am impressed and personally encouraged by the example you have set - getting knocked down repeatedly, but refusing to stay down. I know that this has not been a fun experience for you, and at times discouraging and frustrating; but the traits you are showing here, I imagine, have helped you succeed in other aspects of your life. Sorry to be so philisophical, but these are great lessons for us out there on the up-and-down road of acl recovery - and other up-and-down roads.
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-02-2007 05:27 PM
icor1613 - let me know how that August half goes - I have my eye on a half in October - only 2 months away - but not sure if it is too ambitious given that my longest run has been 8 miles since the last injury and my longest weekly has been only 18. I am afraid to jack up the miles too much. I would be curious as to what half training schedule you are using and and how your hip and leg feel after a LR in the double digits.
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1cor1613
Member |
posted Aug-07-2007 09:49 AM
quote:
Originally posted by skypenny:
icor1613 - let me know how that August half goes ...I would be curious as to what half training schedule you are using and and how your hip and leg feel after a LR in the double digits.
I've been using a modified version of the Runners' World training schedule for the 1/2 M, and I am transitioning into their marathon training schedule. The modifications were to build the miles slower than the schedule (just to be cautious) - so I would duplicate three weeks before advancing. I still had problems (hip) with the speed training sessions (specifically intervals) at first, so I replaced them with tempo runs until the second half of my training. The hips felt weak and sore for a long time. I ultimately had to take about two weeks off of running and focus some strength training on that area (which I'm still doing). Until then, the double-digit LR's were tough. I still feel it at the end of the LR (which was 16 mi last Sat), but not too bad. The knees seem to be holding up just fine. I'm up to 35 MPW and they continue to feel stronger. I've even had a few days lately when I didn't notice them. Of course that could be because other sore muscles are grabbing all of my attention. Doc says I have a green light to continue to build mileage, but to stop at the first sign of any swelling. He's more concerned about the cartilage (or lack of it) than the ligaments. So far, so good. What's killing me now is the heat and humidity! I've really been struggling at the end of the LR's when the sun is fully up and the temps racing thru the 90's. I'm probably going too slow by then to do any damage to the knees. We'll see how it goes next Sat. I'm really just going to treat it like my weekly LR (if my ego will let me) But it will be a litmus for me in deciding about a marathon this fall, so I'm hoping to do well. Maybe the heat will back off a little by then. quote:
Originally posted by skypenny:
...I have my eye on a half in October - only 2 months away - but not sure if it is too ambitious given that my longest run has been 8 miles since the last injury and my longest weekly has been only 18. I am afraid to jack up the miles too much. ...
You know, as much cross-training as you are doing, I was wondering if a tri- was in your future. There seems to be a length for every taste and the conditioning sure seems to reward overall fitness. I'm not slamming the door on the half - I expect that you could do anything you set your mind to. A tri- just looks like the natural goal for the exercise regiment that you have.
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-08-2007 03:27 PM
thnask ICor1613 - you gave me some great info. and tips in your response. I am going to look at the Runners World training plan. It's funny you mention Tris because I keep coming back to that. I have a few open water races under my belt and lots of running miles - but I am sort of freaked out by the bike - I had a friend who was killed in a bike accident, and then I came upon an accident where the biker had been slammed into by a car (I had to call 911 - she lived but was all broken apart and was weeks in the hospital - helmet saved her life.) I basically ride the bike in the gym. A few weeks ago my husband, who is a big cyclist and who is sick of me complaining about no long runs, made me go riding with him on a longbike path (translate - safe - no cars) I was shocked at how in "bike shape" I was from the consistent bike gym work-outs where is it 100% resistance and no downhill. I am also kind of freaked out by how to transition from one event to the next. Good luck with LR this weekend. Wear a light colored hat to keep your head cool.
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kopp2468
Member |
posted Aug-15-2007 11:14 PM
Hey folks,
I had ACL, meniscus, and cartledge replacement surgery on May 30 and I have spent the last hour reading all of the post on this blog. I would like to note that I am younger than most of the people i read of at 21, but I also feel I have a larger demand in my own mind being a Marine in coming back soon and strong. Prior to the injury I was running my PFT run at 19 minutes for 3 miles. Tonight I went for a run, and barely completed .5 miles. I am extremely discouraged. I also fear the relapse because of the rate of my recovery which has been stagering according to my PT and OS. Any tips on what I should be doing to be cautious but productive please let me know
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tengirl
Member |
posted Aug-16-2007 05:24 PM
Hey, kopp2468. I'm one of those older, 45, people and am not a Marine. My job consists of sitting in a cubicle in front of computer. I had an allograft ACL recon with meniscectomy on 5/24 so today is my 12 week anniversay. PT released me last Friday and ortho released me on Tuesday. Ran last night for the first time since 4/15. I use the term "ran" lightly. But, I thought it was great! I've been stuck on a bike/elliptical for so long that picking up my foot and putting it back down was wonderful. Ran on the treadmill for about a mile which took 30 minutes. I think it would have been faster if I had crawled. I had no pain in my knee which I still have going up/down stairs. Felt stable as well but I was wearing a brace. Know some people that have been through this in the last few years and they weren't running until 4 or 5 months out. They say that the strength and endurance will come back pretty fast once the running starts. As young and fit as you are, you should be back in no time.
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Gman
Member |
posted Aug-17-2007 01:06 PM
I'm also one of those older people, 49. Also at ACL post-op week 12. I've been unning 3 times a week since week 10 and am now up to 5 km. I really notice the difference in surfaces: the knee feels tender on dirt roads and boardwalks but still short of painful; asphalt makes it sore within a kilometer; and concrete is only a matter of a few steps before I stop. Can't run two days in a row yet. It sure is nuce to be running again though!It could be my imagination, but I think some of my discomfort is comming from the patellar graft harvest area. Anyone else feel this? quote:
Originally posted by tengirl:
Hey, kopp2468. I'm one of those older, 45, people and am not a Marine. My job consists of sitting in a cubicle in front of computer. I had an allograft ACL recon with meniscectomy on 5/24 so today is my 12 week anniversay. PT released me last Friday and ortho released me on Tuesday. Ran last night for the first time since 4/15. I use the term "ran" lightly. But, I thought it was great! I've been stuck on a bike/elliptical for so long that picking up my foot and putting it back down was wonderful. Ran on the treadmill for about a mile which took 30 minutes. I think it would have been faster if I had crawled. I had no pain in my knee which I still have going up/down stairs. Felt stable as well but I was wearing a brace. Know some people that have been through this in the last few years and they weren't running until 4 or 5 months out. They say that the strength and endurance will come back pretty fast once the running starts. As young and fit as you are, you should be back in no time.
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Luckey
Member |
posted Aug-20-2007 06:41 AM
Hello just a quick question I am 19yo had a Full Knee reco last december, full recovery and have been training with my football team till last week. I heard a crunch in my knee training for cricket at the inoor nets last sunday, bowling on the hard surface i didnt fall over nor collapse down but my knee felt really weak after that and stoped training to put ice on it. Slight swelling appeard below my knee cap around 6 hours later and lasted for 2-3 days. The swelling was no where near like my previous knee injury which balloned out and couldnt walk for 2 weeks. Either side of my knee felt weekish for around 4 days , but my knee is feeling really strong again as i am able to run again and can kick the footy. A couple of days later i was joggin and felt some sort of pain in behind my knee, but it has cleared up now and can't feel the pain anymore. Do u guys recon it is just muscle/tendon damage, or maybe a slightly torn acl or even new injury on the same knee i had my knee reco on. I am able to run kick the footy (8 days later) now etc, but im not 100% confident on it atm. (btw i have seen my doctor and he said it is hard to tell wat i did till i get the MRI results back to him- end of the week) Thanks for listening and look forward to your replies. [This message has been edited by Luckey (edited Aug-20-2007).]
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1cor1613
Member |
posted Aug-21-2007 01:14 PM
I'm happy to post that I completed a half-marathon race last weekend - 17 mos. post ACL surgeries. And although I'm quite sure that the race leaders never felt threatened, I was very happy with my performance. I beat my goal time by 20 minutes, had a pretty good kick at the end, and (most importantly) thoroughly enjoyed the race without any knee pain!Saturday made all of the ups and downs of this recovery worth it. I am now setting my ambitious sites on a November marathon.
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Aug-22-2007 09:05 AM
icor16.... how many mpw were you logging in prep for the half ???
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1cor1613
Member |
posted Aug-22-2007 12:47 PM
quote:
Originally posted by skypenny:
icor16.... how many mpw were you logging in prep for the half ???
I progressed from 21 to 34 mpw over a 16 week period. My LR's went from 8 - 16 mi in the same period. My MPW's will increase to 49 mi in prep for the marathon - God willing!
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notsob23
Member |
posted Sep-28-2007 11:50 PM
Hi all! I am 24 years old and had acl re-construction surgery and both my meniscus worked on back in 23 Jan 07. I have started doing some sports and agility drills such as raquetball and cutting drills but I am afraid to go back to basketball. I have couple questions:1) How long does it usually take before you can play basketball again?
2) Right now, I am running pretty normally but there is this constant clicking in my knee whenever I extend it. When does that usually stop?
3) Are there any supplements that I can take to help strengthen the knee? Thanks all in advance, good luck and take care all!
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1cor1613
Member |
posted Oct-03-2007 01:56 PM
quote:
Originally posted by notsob23:
1) How long does it usually take before you can play basketball again?
2) Right now, I am running pretty normally but there is this constant clicking in my knee whenever I extend it. When does that usually stop?
3) Are there any supplements that I can take to help strengthen the knee?Thanks all in advance, good luck and take care all!
1) Recovery seems to be all over the board for people recovering from ACL surgery. Age, procedure, PT, etc. all play a role. A return to basketball (recreational) was one of my stated goals when I started PT, and my therapy included agility and balance drills to gear my recovery toward that goal. I was playing again at about 9 mos. (46 yrs. old; both knees). 2) I've been told that the "clicking" is associated with the weakness around the joint that follows surgery. Anyway, it goes away as you get stronger (or at least mine did). 3) I'm taking a supplement containing glycosomine, chondroitin, and MSM. It seems to help, but that could just be a mental thing. I hope this helps. As you can see from all the posts, there are many different ways that people have successfully returned to their respective sports after ACL surgery. For me, leaning hard on the Physical Therapist for help was the most help. I really used them like a personal trainer. As a matter of fact, when I was released from PT, I continued to go to them for personal training (it was still cheaper than the local fitness center). Having an expert control what I did, how much I did, and when I did it, kept me on a focused path to recovery. Without it, I most likely would have done too much, too soon and set my recovery back by months.
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notsob23
Member |
posted Oct-03-2007 07:17 PM
Thank you so much for the reply! All the posts on this board has been very helpful and encouraging. Right now, I'm still not confident enought to play basketball yet as to me the clicking in my knee is telling me that the knee is not ready yet. By the way, what type of agility/cuting drills did you do to prepare for basketball? Any good suggestions? I've been doing some quick sprints, jumping jacks, and moving left/right quickly (I don't know the professional term for that). Again, thanks for the reply!
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1cor1613
Member |
posted Oct-04-2007 08:42 AM
PT invloved a combination of movement, strength training, balance and agility drills every session.So agility was never a stand-alone session, but was incorporated into the session. Without the other elements, and without the proper timing, agility training will produce little fruit. I say that not to avoid your question, but to re-empasize the importance of a professional therapist. It wasn't so much what we did, but when we did it and in what progression we did it. Agility training was started when it was determined that I could handle it, and the progression went from eay to difficult as I demonstrated my ability to do the former. One drill that I did almost every session was to lay out two ropes in an X pattern and jump on the injured leg (I started using both legs) from square to square. I went clockwise, counterclockwise, and diagonal and tried to increase the amount of time I could keep doing it. Another drill was to tie a rubber band around my waist and the other end to a secure object. I would leep forward, producing tension in the band, and land on one foot; pause long enough to get my balance on the one foot; then leep backwards to my original position. This was great for strength, balance, and agility. I also stood on a balance ball on one foot while someone threw a wighted ball to me in a manner that would make me reach in all different directions to catch. I'll stress one more time to get professional help. I still use a personal trainer and refer to my PT with questions. Oh, and just a personal observation from my experience. I was tentative on the b'ball court until I took my first good fall. I was OK after that. It was kind of a head game with me.
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rccola
Member |
posted Oct-11-2007 04:09 PM
question for you all, I just torn my ACL last week. I am considering waiting until after the new year to get surgery due to insurance.
Have any of you waited that long post tear? 3 months?has anyone heard of any problems waiting that long?
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-12-2007 08:09 AM
rcola - I ripped my knee apart 2/21/05 and had the surgery 5/3/05 because: 1) the doc was booked 2) even if he could have cut earlier, he woudl not have operated on my knee until it was out of trauma 3) he wanted me to kick butt at PT to get strong and ready for the surgery - so I did that for the 2 1/2 montsh between injury and surgery.
I also had totally severed meniscus that he was able to repair at the same time (it is done via microfracture surgery - in and of itself a major deal) The meniscus is more easily repaired in an acute context as opposed to chronic, so it is good I didn't wait too long. Based on my experience, I think 3 mos is probably perfect - just get into PT and the gym to get some monster quads before you go under the knife. And don't reinjure it by doign something dumb. I am really glad I had the surgery now that it is behind me. Good luck !
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dl7265
Member |
posted Oct-14-2007 01:33 PM
Hello,I am M/39 and tore my ACL/MCL on 9/7. I am 2 weeks post op. I Had a PT graft. I seem to be having much more flexion difficulty that I've read here. It takes an hour or so of careful increase to get to 80-90% in the CPM, or when my PT cranks on it (OUCH!) . I also have a knot on my outside thigh, right below where the scope incision was scar tissue? fluid ? . My OS is highly recommended and the team Doc for the Texas Tornados Hockey Team. I am getting frustrated by the knee stiffness. Is it too early to be concerned? It seems yall with Hamstring and Allograft are having no problems at all. Thanks,
DL
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skypenny
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-15-2007 09:33 AM
dl7265
2 weeks post op is way top early to expect anything except getting off the CPM machine, hobbling on crutches to PT, starting PT, and saying good bye to those weird pain killers. Continue to ice when you cac. You will get your flexion back, but it takes time. Just be religious about the PT. Each PT will have a diff. approach so you may want to go to a few if your PT practice has more than one. I did that and got a good variety of moves. Regarding the knot - I had a big one right on the incision - it is probably scar tissue - rub it all the time and over time and it will disintegrate. Regarding pain - it is going to KILL to get that knee back to full ROM. There is no way around it. But you just suck it up (sort of like the last 6 miles in a marathon) and then it wil be over (the pain doesn't linger after they stop bending the knee.) and then you will forget about it until next PT sessions. Good luck. You will do fine.
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dl7265
Member |
posted Oct-15-2007 03:54 PM
Thanks Penny, I had my 4th session today, they said i got to about 90 degree's today (while they were cranking while i was on the table) it so little by little. They also started trying the ultrasound where i was complaining about the knot. They picked up the CPM today, so it's up to me to keep it up. The PT said long as i was improving, not going back to not be so concerned. I appreciate your encouragment!
DL
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Karl Markeset
Member |
posted Oct-29-2007 10:44 PM
A question to everyone who has had ACL surgery? I ruptured my ACL two weeks ago playing soccer and I'm trying to make the best decision regarding which type of reconstruction option to choose. Like many of you, I want to (have to, actually) get back to participating in my sport, so I am curious what your experiences have been with each type of surgery (patella, hamstring, cadavear)? What do you recommend? There is so much conflicting info. out there on which is the best approach. I'm 38 and a male. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks! quote:
Originally posted by skypenny:
Who out there there has had ACL replacement and gone back to running ? (I used to run a lot.) Surgery was last May - ham graft, medial meniscus repair and partial lateral menisectomy. Reinjured MCL in Sept. from coming back too fast. Now I am back on treadmill again (walk/run - short increments.) I do lots of PT and lots of cross training so still quite strong and in OK shape. But I need some encouragement - or else a reality check. Would like to get back to double digit runs on the weekends and my annual marathon. PT thinks bad idea. I have not really run any serious miles since my injury last February.(Also, I am kind of scared to run outside because I might fall and rip my leg up again....) What's your story ?
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[This message has been edited by Karl Markeset (edited Oct-29-2007).]
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dl7265
Member |
posted Oct-30-2007 08:06 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Karl Markeset:
A question to everyone who has had ACL surgery? I ruptured my ACL two weeks ago playing soccer and I'm trying to make the best decision regarding which type of reconstruction option to choose. Like many of you, I want to (have to, actually) get back to participating in my sport, so I am curious what your experiences have been with each type of surgery (patella, hamstring, cadavear)? What do you recommend? There is so much conflicting info. out there on which is the best approach. I'm 38 and a male. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!
Sorry to hear that Karl. I also tore mine in Soccer,Im 39. I am 4 weeks post op from a PT graft,.I would say to return to soccer PT is going to be top choice. Look at what most professional's have. Having said that my co woker had a cadaver in the same week and his rehab has been much smoother. If you want to ride a desk and quit soccer then maybe cadaver is a better choice ( plus increased cost for the donor) . What does your OS recommend ?
Good luck in your decision,
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Gman
Member |
posted Nov-04-2007 07:42 PM
Six months and six day post surgery - first half marathon. Not fast, but I know I'm back!Good luck to all of you who have gone through the same.
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