strange knee spasms--stretched PCL

[Mary_Ellen]

Hi everyone,

I fell very hard on a rock two years ago. An MRI and a visit to the orthopedist showed a stretched (but not torn) PCL. I could still run, walk, climb..etc. However, about three months ago I started experiencing short but intense spasms. The only way I can describe it is that I am merely strolling along and suddenly it feels like someone grabs my knee very hard and then lets it go. There is pain and sort of a shocky feeling. There is no buckling or instability. Sometimes on other occasions there is general achiness along the kneecap.

I went to a surgeon and Xrays and examination showed no tears, just a bit of arthritis. He feels that perhaps there is a rough surface under the kneecap and occasionally there is rubbing along that surface which causes these spasms. However he was in general mystified.

I lead an active life and this is distressing. His only solution was to have it scoped. So far I am living with it. It happens for no rhyme or reason-not related to any type of activity. I should mention that I had loose cartilage in the other knee and had arthroscopic surgery with success in 2007. Since then I have been building up my quad strength in the gym.

Hope someone can help with this. Thanks!

[Heidi]

Hi

I think your Doctor may be right, an arthroscopy would probably be beneficial to clear out the joint and determine if there are any major problems.

If you are wanting to avoid this at the moment (which I can understand) all you can do is to make sure the knee is in good condition (strong and flexible) and possibly resort to wearing a knee brace. There are lots of different types available - but probably a stabilised one with a patella buttress would be the most suitable. Have a look at www.return2fitness.co.uk (or www.return2fitness.net in the US)

[Mary_Ellen]

Thanks Heidi. I was hoping that there would be a clear answer, but for now I suppose I will let pain be my guide. Having had surgery before, I know I can't go into it again without knowing that it is the only option.

I looked at the site, but was overwhelmed by all the braces. I want one that is not too bulky and my fear is that by using a brace I may actually be weakening that leg and letting the other one take over. Is that a real fear? If you could steer me to a couple of choices, that would help. My doctor at the initial injury recommended a huge contraption that cost $800 US.!

Thanks!

[Heidi]

Hi

It is absolutely fine to wear a knee brace and it won't 'weaken' your knee provided you adhere to whatever rehabilitation program you are given and that you do not wear it 24/7! It should only be worn for any kind of activity that causes pain or discomfort. In fact, if wearing it enables you to take part in certain activities that you couldn't do without it, then it could even help to strengthen the knee!

There are a lot of braces that are suitable for your injury. If you want a slimmer one, then a stabilised brace would be better than a hinged on. Have a look at the McDavid 425:

http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Supports_And_Braces/Knee_Supports/md425knee

This will provide a good amount of support for your knee and should be quite comfortable too.