Sporting Knee Injury (Meniscus/Oestoarthritis)

[Rugby Dave]

Have recently undertaken (10 weeks ago) arthoscopic surgery to remove approx 30% of my lateral meniscus in my left knee. I have never had any experience of knee problems previously but whilst playing rugby in November 2008 I twisted my knee awkwardly and felt immediate pain. After a period of 6 weeks rest I started playing rugby again in January 2009 however, over the following weeks my left knee would constantly swell, be very weak and painful. I decided to seek further medical advice and after an initial consultation and an MRI scan it was identified that I had a minor tear in my lateral meniscus. Following the surgery, which resolved the issues with the damaged meniscus, I was also advised that there was mild joint damage or oestoarthritis in part of the left knee and that I should be "careful".

The problem I have is that I am in my early 30's and keen to continue playing rugby for at least the next year or two but am concerned gven the diagnosis of mild oestoarthrits in my left knee after the surgery about whether I should continue to play. My knee is still sore after the surgery but improving but I am in no rush to push the rehabilitation. However, I would really like to carry on playing for another year or two once the knee settles down but am concerned about the consequences of doing so. Can anybody advise if they have had a similar experience to mine? How did you proceed? Are there ways of minimising the risk and damage whilst still playing in the short term (1 or 2 years max)?

Any advice or guidance would be helpful. Many Thanks

[Heidi]

Hi

Osteoarthritis is something that you can't really control. It you're going to get it theres nothing you can do. Injuries can make you more susceptible to it however, as can so called 'overuse'. I also believe that most rugby players in their 30's would show some signs of osteoarthritis, even if they don't display any symptoms.

My opinion is that another couple of years of rugby won't make that much difference. There are a few precautions you can take, for example, making sure the knee is strong and in good condition and wearing a knee brace to help avoid further injury. Glucosamine Sulphate has also had some positive test results for arthritic knees so is worth taking.

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/arthritis.php

It is a difficult decision as it is a compromise between protecting the knee and staying fit and healthy, playing a sport you enjoy.

[Rugby Dave]

[QUOTE=Heidi;2750]Hi

Osteoarthritis is something that you can't really control. It you're going to get it theres nothing you can do. Injuries can make you more susceptible to it however, as can so called 'overuse'. I also believe that most rugby players in their 30's would show some signs of osteoarthritis, even if they don't display any symptoms.

My opinion is that another couple of years of rugby won't make that much difference. There are a few precautions you can take, for example, making sure the knee is strong and in good condition and wearing a knee brace to help avoid further injury. Glucosamine Sulphate has also had some positive test results for arthritic knees so is worth taking.

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/arthritis.php

It is a difficult decision as it is a compromise between protecting the knee and staying fit and healthy, playing a sport you enjoy.[/QUOTE]
Heidi, many thanks for the information. I am currently taking Glucosamine and plan to carry on doing so. However, my knee is still sore and even some gentle movements cause pain. Do you think this would be as a result of the surgery and given time the pain and soreness will subside or are these symptons of the underlying oestoartitis in my knee? Also, your advice talks of a knee brace/support, however, can you advise of a support that would meet my needs i.e. to provide support/warmth but flexable for use when playing sports (should I ever return to doing so!!!)

[Heidi]

I thinks its probably expected that 10 weeks after surgery there would still be some pain. You should find that this decreases over the next couple of months. If the osteoarthritis was only described as 'mild' then I think its uinlikely that it is this which is causing the pain.

As for a knee brace, there are many options. If you want one that you could possibly wear in the future for rugby, then one without exposed metal parts is a must, as these are often not allowed in contact sports.

Therefore, I would recommend a stabilised brace, these tend to have metal springs or stays embedded in the material down the sides of the brace to provide support and stabilisation.

Have a look at this McDavid 421. This is the kind I would advise:

http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Supports_And_Braces/Knee_Supports/md421patella

Hope this helps!