Corked Thigh

[Jess]

Hi,

I'm just wondering if anyone has had the same thing and can advise me what to do. Heres my story. I am an Elite Cyclist and 12 days ago suffered a severe corked thigh. I iced it and was hospitalized, x-ray, ultra sound produced severe bleeding and hematoma. After being relieved not having to have surgery, I had enormous swelling. I went to the physio 24hours later. He forced it and bent it and pushed it to get moving as he said it needed to loosen up. However on the 3rd day when I went back to him it appeared to have got a bit better. That night after that session I woke up severeal times in agony. My knee has swollen up and gone black and blue. Although the injury was to the thigh.

After 12 frusturating days although the swelling has subsided considerably I still can't get on the fixed trainer because I can't bend it enough or turn the pedal and it feels so tight its going to break. It is still very painful. I still do have a limp when I walk as well. I've tried everything accupuncutre, Physio, floation tanks, massage, numerous creams and yesterday I tried a tens machine (electronic muscle stimulation) which appears to have helped a great deal. I also elevate my leg several times daily.

I need to bend my leg and I need to get back on the bike does anyone know how long this will take? Or anything I could do?

Thanks,

Jess

[Heidi]

Hi

What did the x-ray or ultrasound show up? If there was that extent of bruising and swelling I can only imagine it must have been a severe tear to one or more muscles.

If this is the case I am afraid it is going to take time. I presume you were not given massage etc as treatment until at least 72 hours after injury and when there was no more bruising developing?

All you can do for now is gently keep it moving and stretch gently on a regular basis. A compression bandage may also help reduce swelling and bleeding.

You have to treat these injuries with respect and from a personal point of view I would not be forcing a clients leg anywhere within 3 days of a very large tear!