Football Related - Please Help

[jonno]

Hi there, this is my first post - I hope I am posting in the correct part of the forum!

Whilst playing football about 10 weeks ago, I was running about fine, and enjoying it. The ball was in the air, I went to strike the ball, hard and quickly, and the sudden movement of my leg in the air, suddenly made something tear in my knee. it was just to the left of my left knee cap, going downwards towards my leg. I couldnt walk very well on it, and it was bad for a week, then after 2 weeks it recovered, so I tried to play again.

Unfortunately within half an hour, again I tried to hit the ball firmly, hard and quickly, and as soon as I did that, I felt my leg go again in the exact same place. I have rested it for 8 weeks now hoping I can return to football this week. Just to clarify this is by no means done by the ground, ie - I havent got any studs caught in the grass and twisted my knee or anything, this was done in the air!

Please help, any thoughts at all are welcome!

[Heidi]

Hi
Possible lateral ligament damage, possible quad insertion tear. I would think they are the most likely from what you said. Obviously it is difficult to tell though.
My advice would be to only go back to playing a match once you have done a few training sessions and gradually built up the intensity. i.e. start with jogging and just passing drills, nothing to intense or at full pelt. Gradually build up running speed and kicking power until you can do everything at full power without any problems.
Make sure you stretch the quads and hamstrings regularly and thoroughly and warm-up well too.
If you still get problems after this much rest then I think its time to pack yourself off to see a physio!

[jonno]

Thank you for your advice.

I have since been back to the doctors and she thinks it is Lateral Collateral Ligament damage. I am going for a tissue scan to see how bad the injury is. Hopefully a bit of physio will sort it

Thanks again

[jonno]

The NHS is taking the mick.

I have had an X-Ray, havent been able to see my doctor for 4 weeks because of there not being enough staff. Now i've phoned to book in and they say I am no longer registered with this practice, so they told me to come down and fill some forms in, then I could book an appointment. I turn up, they have no forms till Thursday, its just taking forever. IF I manage to re-register, book an appointment then wait for my appointment, if I then get to my appointment, they will only tell me that there is no damage to my bones. Its ligament damage and its taking the mick.

What private options are there?

[Heidi]

Hi

That does seem pretty crazy and extremely unorganised. And you may be right that they might not find anything on the x-ray as it is more than likely soft tissue damage, but it is definately worth being patient and getting your results before opting for private treatment.

If you decide to go down this route, there are several options available. Bupa and Nuffield are two big private hospital companies, but obviously I don't know anything about their prices/appointments etc. I'm sure you could find this, including their hospitals local to you, on their websites.