I am almost 10 months post microfracture on my left knee. I had a Lateral femoral condyle (LFC) microfracture (grade 4) in my left knee along with a lateral meniscectomy in Septemeber.
I work out at the gym 3-4 days a week with 35 minutes on the spinning bike (90 cadence) and use the weight machines for leg press, leg extension, leg curls and squat machine (no more than 30% degrees). Since I had so much atrophy from the surger and rehab, I use these exercises to strenghten my quads, hamstrings, hips and VMO. I also wear an unloading brace all day EXCEPT during my workouts.
Now to the case at point. Yesterday, I used the elliptical instead of the spinning bike for some variety. I had the incline level set to 1 and resistance 1-3 during my 35 minutes workout. The pace was quick and aerobic. 1 1/2 hours after my workout, my knee started up with some pain. Not unusual. I considered using my TENS but I had errands to do and did not want to walk around town with electrodes attached to me knee. I took 2 extra strength Tylenol and some Advil. After my errands, 3 hours later, and put the TENS on for a few hours. It did not seem to help so I ended up taking some Vicoden. The rest of the day I spent on the TENS unit and taking extra strength Tylenol and Advil. About 10:00 pm, I took another Vicoden and tried to go to bed. No sleep and I took another Vicoden 3 hours later. Finally around 3:30 am my knee started calming down. A key point here is that I really try not to take Vicoden and to take three in one day is way beyond my normal.
The pain was in my microfracture area, sourounded my knee and knee cap and radiated down the lateral side of my lower leg into my ankle. It was the worst pain I have had since last December.
Since I do not wear my brace during my workouts, I guess the elliptical may allow for more weight bearing on my knee while the bike does not.
Doea anyone have insight or theories on way this happened and why the pain was so severe?
Thank you!
