This is my first ever post and I am hoping to get an advice and support from people with similar unfortunate experience as well as medical advice from professionals who are happy to share their knowledge in treatment and healing of torn ACL and MCL ligaments.
I would be grateful for any comments or advice on the following:
1) How to cope with ACL and MCL injury:
- when is it better to start partial and full weight bearing on injured foot?
- will moving around on crutches help or prevent faster healing? Staying active VS more rest?
- how to manage coldness/numbness/change of colour of lower part of injured leg?
- are there any medicines/creams/vitamins which will support healing of torn ligaments?
- how often shall I visit my physiotherapist? Initially I have been recommended twice a week visits then to be reduced to once a week.
- how long shall I wait for 2nd MRI scan to check the progress of MCL healing and any change to torn ACL?
2) What are estimated recovery periods for MCL and ACL injury?
- when I will be able to walk on both legs with crutches (currently I am non-weight bearing)
- when can I expect to walk without crutches?
3) ACL Surgery - is it necessary or can I live a normal active life without it? Have you heard of healing miracles without surgical intrusions or do you know of any alternative treatment methods?
4) Driving an automatic car with a left leg in full brace and with crutches:
- can I drive once the pain settles and I am able to easily bend the knee?
- what are UK regulations and restrictions from car insurers and DVLA on this matter?
5) How to deal with a primary school pick-ups, drop-offs and afterschool activities for a mum with such injuries?
- grandparents and relatives are not around to help
- husband is working long hours
- school friends are currently helping but it is too much to ask for the next 12 weeks or until I'm able to walk/drive
6) When can I plan to return to work?
- working from home? It has been 13 days since the injury and I currently find it impossible to sit uninterrupted with a computer due to pain, regular exercises and leg positioning. I was recently issued with a Not Fit To Work certificate by my GP for the next 4 weeks with promise to extend. Is there a hope to be able to start working 5-hours-day from home earlier than 4 weeks from now?
- returning to the office (traveling by tube involving line changes and then walking 15 mins)?
Here is my story:
13 days ago I had a skiing injury in picturesque Alps during a group skiing lesson - it was my first day in an intermediate level group, surprisingly there was no initial skills assessment and the instructor opted for a high slope on a high speed, hardly waiting for a greater part of his class to catch up. During my 2nd fall ski binding didn't unlock...
I heard loud cracks with sharp pain and unsteadiness on attempting weight bearing. I had further click and agonising pain while trying to get back on skis as per instructor's request (he knew of my pain but asked to try skiing down the slope again!!!) and I was eventually taken to base with ski-do and then ambulance.
I was assessed in resort ER but not X-rayed as I was in early stages of pregnancy. The knee appeared very loose, full tear of ACL and MCL was suspected and I was given a full leg brace and crutches. The miscarriage in two days after a skiing accident made me even weaker physically and emotionally.
On my return to London I have seen a recommended specialist and had MRI & X-rays scans which confirmed a full tear of ACL & MCL with bone bruising. I was referred for urgent and regular physical therapy with restoration of knee/lower limb control and motion before any further treatment can be determined.
I have just had my 2nd physio appointment and am doing regular exercises as instructed. Ahead are longest ever 4 weeks before I can see my doctor again to assess the progress of physical therapy and another 2-3 months before repeated MRI scan to check resolution of bone bruising and better ACL ribbon contour. Currently I am on seek leave from work and am hoping to be able to start working from home before getting fit enough to return to the office. All depending on the length and course of treatment. On the top of it, I am a lucky mother of energetic 8-year old boy who needs to be taken to school and numerous after school activities.
I cannot wait to take off my newly acquired robocop gear (AKA brace:) and go back to a normal happy life! Please get in touch if you know any answers to the above, have a similar story or can support with advice. Many thanks for reading
![Smiley :)](./images/smilies/smiley.gif)