More knee pain

[kane08]

Hi

I recently posted regarding a knee injury I suffered by hyper extending my leg. I have since been to see a specialist who gave me a cortisone injection on the inside of my knee due to the inflammation and tenderness and that seems to have worked. The other problem that I mentioned and still seem to be having now is on the lateral side of my knee.

Basically I can run in a straight line at a certain speed ok however when I try and sprint for example the lateral side of my knee feels like it is going to give way and have a really sharp pain for a bout 5 seconds which eases off. I get a similar pain when I squat but then when I straighten my leg it eases off again although this pain is easing slightly day by day. I have been told it is more than likely a sprain of the LCL as some certain twisting movements of my knee do not hurt which would rule out a complete tear. I then asked the question whether or not a steroid injection would be required for the lateral part of my knee as well but was told that because there is no inflammation or swelling that was not necessary. I was wondering if you think this is the right diagnosis and if this is the case how long would the sprain take to heel as I have been inactive now for 5 weeks resting? Luckily it seems as though I may not require surgery due to the amount of mobility I have in my knee which is the reason the doctor suggested it was a sprain of the ligament although I am booked in to go for an MRI scan to rule any other possible injuries.

In your opinion does this injury seem like it is a sprain & how much more rest would you recommend?

Thanks again.

Kane

[Heidi]

Hi

LCL is a definate possibility and probably the most likely cause of your pain. Obviously it is impossible to say for definate what may be causing the problem. The only way you can do this is by having the scan.

But for now, treat it like it is. Rest from anything aggravating. Stretch to maintain full movement at the knee. Gentle strengthening exercises if you can do so painfree.

I would agree that you should avoid cortisone shots if possible. They tend to only be a short-term fix anyway.
As for how much rest - this depends of the severity of the injury. Generally 6-8 weeks is a good guideline. But if it hurts to do something still, then don't do it! Pain=damage!

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/ilateralligament.html