Knee Ops

[Skipper]

Has anyone got any experience of cycling following knee ops (of any kind).
My left knee clicks a lot, particularly first thing in the morning, loud enough to wake the neighbours. Secondly, it doesn't flex a smoothly as the other one, and if I push fingers onto it then I can feel it grating. Thirdly, and perhaps most significant, is that there's some pain when I put pressure on it occasionally, maybe going from standing to sitting. I think maybe the ligaments or tendons are inflamed (but I'm no doctor!). Funny thing is that I can ride as hard as I like with no pain.
In short, I think I'm on borrowed time with it, and might need a scrape out, or cartilege sorted, over the next few years.
So I'm just wondering what cycling life is like after minor knee ops?

 

[PK99]

Can't answer your question as I've never had a knee op. But on the basis of the symptoms you describe, book a session with a specialist sports injury physio - it will be the best value £50 you ever spend.

GP's are useless for such things, specialist orthopod surgeons are just that surgeons plus the NHS wait list is still long for minor stuff, what you describe is everyday meat and drink to a sports physio. Mine did wonders for my knee after a smidsy, I hobbled in for one session on a walking stick, scarcely able to move the knee the pain was so great. He observed, prodded and poked, stuck on two pieces of tape to move a tendon around to stop it chafing the knee cap while the atrophied muscles recovered and i walked out pain free with the walking stick tucked under my arm.

 

[vickster]

I had two ops on my left knee in 2010 and although the damage is still there to the articulate cartilage, it doesn't stop me cycling. One thing to consider is that knee ops, while often the only solution to a mechanical issue or to repair a torn ligament or broken bone, tidy ups often aren't a long term solution.

Pay to see a private physio. Surgery isn't the solution for a minor niggle. Could try some supplements like cod liver oil or chondroitin if think is down to arthritic changes. There are two types of cartilage, meniscus and articular. I knackered both

 

[Paulq]

Yep had a couple of serious knee injuries resulting in 3 ACL reconstructions and numerous stages of cartilage removal from both knees.

The best advice I can give you is to get them looked after by the best people. Find a surgeon that specialises in knees and, preferably, sports injuries. I see the guy who looks after many of the Premiership and Super League teams and it's good to know I'm in good hands.

Take advice from your physio about managing pain and listening to your body. I know when my knees need rest and also when they are going to swell - once you learn that it's half the battle.

Good luck.