The patello-femoral joint :

Thing's don't feel right - - Posted by lb573 (lb573), 3 April 2004

Hi all.  I am nearing the 4 month post-op mark from my lateral release.  I was supposed to have cortizone/draining a couple weeks ago, but my OS changed his mind, which didn't hurt my feelings any great deal.  Anyway, the last week or so my knee has not felt right.  I don't know how to really accurately describe it.  I have not had any major accident or anything that would have caused problems, but a couple minor slips on the ice(didn't fall).  At times when i am walking i can feel my knee sort of slide on me(i can't think of any other way to describe this).  There is extreme pain on the lateral side, presumably where the release took place?  Also have had some pain in the front of my knee below the kneecap.  Also, i have been trying to sleep on my stomach, and it hurts!  It almost feels as though my kneecap will slide off with just the slightest move...i have decided that my back is better to sleep right now.  I am not sure what is going on, but it has been going on for just over a week.  I have been icing quite regularly, and this is helping with the swelling.  I would appreciate any advice or ideas on what may be going on.  Thanks,
Leah
Posted by Linds (Linds), 3 April 2004

Hi Leah, you might want to check in with your physiotherapist to ensure that everything is still going as it should. But I can say that it was a good 10 months before my knee felt somewhat normal after my LR and here it is 2 years post op.. and.. it's better but it still has it's issues. Not to scare you or anything.  I had complications post op though, with some severe bleeding and subsequent hematoma and required further surgery. So I'm not a good one to judge by.  
Take it easy on the knee... takes time to heal from surgery.
But all the same i'd check with someone.

Goodluck in your continuing recovery
Hugs and Hope
Linds
Posted by Tery (2soreknees), 4 April 2004

Hi Leah

I'm 11 months post op TTT/LR on my left knee and I still have pain in the LR site every day most of the time.  My Physical Therapist has given up on this site because everything he has tried has not worked or made it worse.  My knee does not feel right either but it doesn't slip it just feels wierd.  They have done a 2nd MRI and said there was some swelling and had me doing some ITBS stretches hoping that would help (it hasn't)...now I am at  that "live with it" place.

I would go back to your OS and tell him/her what is going on maybe you just need to strengthen some specific muscles

Yeah I haven't been able to sleep on my stomach for a year (both knees complain when I do)  I have trouble finding any position that feels good for sleeping...usually I opt for my side with a pillow between my knees.  

Keep asking questions, you are your best advocate.

Keep us posted.

Tery
Posted by gillian (gillian), 4 April 2004

I have had almost exactly the saem problem since I had a meniscus repair 10 months ago.  Pain below the knee and my kneecap feels all bent off to the side.  Maybe it is a result of surgery, but not a particluar type of surgery, from the incisions or something??  Anyway, mine keeps getting worse so I have decided to go and see a acupuncture/massage doctor and an osteopath.

I'm seeing a new OS too but I figure I will try to eliminate the possibility of soft tissue adhesions first.  

I've had good results in the past with deep tissue massage so I'm hopeful they can help.  Acupuncture kind of bothers me but I figure if I just don't look at the needles I should be OK....    I'm going to ask him to concentrate on the ITB, hamstring and patella tendon area, but I'll see what he says.
Posted by lb573 (lb573), 5 April 2004

Thanks for the replies.  I think i am going to pop in and see my PT to have him check things out.  I have avoided doing anything really strenuous the last week, and will continue to do so until i can see my PT.  It was suggested that i get a knee sleeve, and i haven't gotten one yet.  Would it be worth it in the long run?  And another q, how long was it before people were running, on average?  I am hoping to start working out with a friend this summer, but don't want to push things to quickly.  This would likely be a q for my PT and/or OS i guess.  Thanks for everything,
Leah

This old Forum was so valuable that we have kept it as an archive. It is just for reference. If you want to ask questions or offer advice, there is also a current Bulletin Board which you can access from our home page.

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