7 WEEKS after microfracture

I'm 6 months post MF on a quarter sized piece. Also had a partially torn ACL and a second minicus tear. I was non weight bearing for 8 weeks. I was very active, prior to surgery, particularly playing competivie tennis. I am still not back to regular activity. It is very depressing. I specifically feel the most discomfort with any effort to run or even jog. It is worse when I try to push off on that leg. Has anyone had this problem? Is it something I just need to work through? I am religious about riding the recumbent bike and the eliptical machine and doing my quad and hamstring exercises..but mentally/physically I need more!

Wassup everybody!!

First of, let me make it clear that I am no expert nor a specialist on microfracture. I am certainly not YOUR DOCTOR! Everyone goes through a different experience, different healing process and certainly different procedures. Therefore, don't expect to have the same result, as your case is totally different then my. That being said...I can tell you guys about my recovering process.

I had my mf on 1/18. I was non weight barring on it for 7 weeks, and took my first few steps after 7 weeks was up. It was very rough at first. My leg was weak, I was shaking, and at times it felt like it was going to buckle. By week 9 I was able to walk fairly normal with minimal limp. Keep in mind that the swelling was still there until week 12. Of course it decreased as the week passed by...nevertheless it was still there til week 12 (3 months out) From week 13 to 20 all I did was walking, elliptical and running in the pool. I always iced afterwards. I also did tons of leg lifts with 5 lbs ankle weights to strengthening the quad. I stretched my hamstring and quad daily. During those weeks, I felt a minor burning sensation at the surgery site, however it decreased over time. My range of motion was probably at 132 during the earlier week and got to probably 140 degree with flexion (meaning when bending the knee) Ever since I hit week 20 til now, I have been running 2 miles and lifting weight every other day at week 22.

Monday - run 2 miles; Tuesday - weight lifting on the knee; Weds - rest; Thurs - run 2 miles; Friday - weight lift; Sat and Sun - rest

To sum it all up. Be patience! Don't do too much too soon. Swelling will be there until at least 3 months out. Don't focus too much on flexion neither, your range of motion will come back. The minor pain, burning sensation will be there. That's normal...I still feel it once in a blue moon and I'm 5 and 1/2 month post surgery. First 3 months should be focused on quad strengthening. That means lots of leg lifts and tighten the quad, hold it for 5 seconds. 3 to 5 months should be walking, elliptical, and stationary biking is the best for your quad! 5-6 month start to be a little bit more aggressive, light jogging/light running. Once that 6 month mark is reached....the sky is the limit. I'm thinking I will start doing squatting and heavier weight lifting on the knee.

One final note....lose some pounds! I considered myself to be fit, I played sports year round. I'm 5'7 and weighed 160lbs beginning of the surgery. I decided to drop 10 lbs just to see if it helps with the knee. Since 1 lb dropped takes 4 lbs of pressure off your knee during the cutting and stop movements when playing sports. My knee feels great and I think it may have promoted faster healing at 150 lbs.

I hope this helps and I apologize if it seems like I'm rambling on and on...It's also 2 am so I apologize if it doesn't make any sense. Good luck! If you guys have any specific questions you can email me at w.g1016@gmail.com

Hi...

I had a setback at week 10, and my doctor ended up giving me Mobic to help me work through the inflammation and pain that I was feeling. It has helped tremendously (I'm going into week 12), and I feel so much more mobile. I don't know if you want to talk to your doctor or not about possibly getting something to help work through your issues with your knee at this time. I know it helped me, but I'm learning that every case is so different. I wish you the best of luck!

Little Angel

Thanks Stakro. I have the wear and tear issues as well, so its good to hear from someone with the same background. I'll follow everything the ortho says. I hope you get some relief from the pain and eventually get many quality seasons in before they consider knee replacement. Thanks again and good luck!

Hi all,

I'm an 18 year old rower who spent 2-3 hours a day rowing, up untill 3 days ago. Now I do the same only on a bike. I have mircrofracture surgery on the "femoral condile?" next friday. I had a procedure last March to remove pieces of cartilidge floating around the same knee. I think I may have rushed the recovery last time, which explains the need for this procedure. It sounds being in shape going into the surgery would be a help. Any tips/advice before going into the procedure?

Thanks

coloradodi, I don't want to discourage you or say your recovery is not normal, but if you have any concern that the healing is not happening properly I'd see your OS ASAP. And I would force him to do MRI, or in the next couple months a knee scope.

I took the approach that the pain was normal and actually ended up having blood clots. Due to a failed recover I can't walk without exteme pain. I was not liek this prior to MicrFX. I still believe my haste is not forcing my OS to address my concerns post-Op led me to be in this condition.

Note, I am 1 year, and 1 month post-Op.

quote:

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Originally posted by: stakro
Hi there,

I had microfracture on my medial femoral condyle and in the groove of my patella on Feb 25. So, I am about 14 weeks post op and am getting really frustrated with my recovery. I'm still getting a lot of swelling, pain and am limping a lot. Not only that, but it is affecting my other knee and I'm getting a lot of pain in the top of my feet. My main issue though is that I cannot straighten my knee out when I'm standing or walking, which makes it really difficult to have any type of normal gait when I'm walking. Anyone experience anything like this? I see my ortho surgeon for another followup on June 17 and can't help obsessing that I need to see him sooner since I feel like I should be walking better at 14 weeks post op. Reading the prior posts here, I am thinking I need to take a deep breath and relax. I have a ways to go yet, huh?

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Be patient stakro. I to had my medial femoral condyle done. I'm not sure how long you were on crutches but once I got off (6 weeks non weight bearing) my body from the lower back on down was out of wack. It took me over 2 months or so to be able to walk some what normal. I was told that it is 9-12 month recovery process and that it can be slow for the first 4 then it picks up. Patients my friend, be patient.

Hi there,

I had microfracture on my medial femoral condyle and in the groove of my patella on Feb 25. So, I am about 14 weeks post op and am getting really frustrated with my recovery. I'm still getting a lot of swelling, pain and am limping a lot. Not only that, but it is affecting my other knee and I'm getting a lot of pain in the top of my feet. My main issue though is that I cannot straighten my knee out when I'm standing or walking, which makes it really difficult to have any type of normal gait when I'm walking. Anyone experience anything like this? I see my ortho surgeon for another followup on June 17 and can't help obsessing that I need to see him sooner since I feel like I should be walking better at 14 weeks post op. Reading the prior posts here, I am thinking I need to take a deep breath and relax. I have a ways to go yet, huh?

Hello to everyone! I am new to this site and have been reading the various stories. Today I am at my 6 weeks since microfracture surgery and will see the doc later today. I was told it was in bad spot and measured 17mm by 12mm. They already harvested my cell for the Carticel procedure if necessary. My big issue right now before I go off the crutches is my other knee feels like the surgically repaired one did before surgery and has been taken a pounding for the las six weeks. Also my ankle is swollen and sore on the non-microfracture knee. Has anyone developed these kind of problems? It seems like my whole body hurts.

I did - but only because my Othro was very positive on the
potentials for a positive outcome. Mine was an acute injury -
happened roughly 80 miles into the Vermont 100 mile run
last summer, so i was in pretty good shape going in which helps.
The time off was tricky - mentally. Physically, probably the best
thing for a middle-aged body after 12 years of punishing running.

Half-iron man's should have a really positive effect on your
outcome as well. Stay positive and start thinking about your
future race schedule.

Ultra

Greetings Angel -

at 9 weeks i was on the bike and doing PT exercises, and some walking. I started
the elliptical around 11.5 weeks, running (very slow and short) at 4 months.

My experience is that there is no normal. I've had many different sensations in
the area - from burning to tightness and tendonitis type pain. I can say that each
few weeks brought relief to one area and a new feeling of discomfort or pain to another
for quite awhile. Around 5 months most subsided and i became my own worst enemy,
pushing it too hard too early.

However, now i'm doing well, at almost 9 months. 4.5 hour run on a local mountail
yesterday, and yard work after with no problems. So - stick with it, stay positive, and
understand that patience is paramount to rehab with this surgery. Keep the joint in
motion, keep strenghening and do alot of stretching and you'll be fine.

Ultraman

Ultraman,

Now that you mentioned it...I'm starting to notice the clicking when I try to straighten it. Yeah, I absolutely don't want to rush back. I can't believe you're logging in 50 miles a week, that's just nuts! But more power to you man, I couldn't even do 50 miles a week even if I want to....haha. Continue to do well Ultra...I'll check in again with you in July.

Hello everybody,

I'm checking back here once every month or so.

Sheefa, I do apologize I don't know much about MF on ankle because I had my MF on my knee. Maybe someone can provide insights and share their experience with you on MF on the ankle. I am more then happy to tell you my experience with MF on my knee though if you'd like. Read some of the old link that ultraman provided, he has helped me gage my recovery process.

Ultraman, it's almost 4 months out and I'm feeling great! No pain at all walking up and down the stairs. My doc is really careful, he hasn't even release me to run on it yet. I've been using elliptical for 30 mins once or twice a week though, no swelling. I have been running in the pool as well. I feel as I am ready to run on it, but will take his advice and take it easy on the knee. This is my third surgery after all on the same knee. I do have a question though, sometimes I feel a little bit of burning sensation at the site...the pain is kinda like a scrape wound that you get from falling on asphalt or concrete. I don't know if that make sense? Should I be worried? Anyhow, let me know how you are doing and I'm hoping to be able to log some mile on it like you've been doing.

Arizonza cripple, I'm sorry that your recovery isn't going so well. You gotta seek help from another OS. I truly hope you can get the best help soon.

Hi all,

My name is Greg, 25 yr old male and always been physically fit and healthy. Was in training for RAF Regiment when I badly sprained my ankle over a year ago. Did physio etc etc and nothing worked.

Had an ankle arthroscopy on 5th April which revealed a tear in articular cartilage on the talus. Microfracture surgery performed and been NWB for 3 weeks. Starting to partial weight bear this week.

Still experiencing pain guys, is this normal? Ankle feels quite stiff and tight too.

Hoping this is going to be a success.

Thanks and good luck to all.

Greg

that stiffness and soreness sticks around for awhile as well. Don't get discouraged. at 6.5 months i'm doing 2 hour runs in the mountains. It will get better. I'd say that it took a good 6 months for my hamstring and calf to begin to feel normal again. Even at 6.5 months there is still the occasional "catch" and "Click" - but it's not painful, nowhere near as deep and doesn't cause any swelling.

Better days are on the way - stay positive!

No problem wolfman - always here.

For 6 months i've been looking for a timeline - trying to figure out if my
situation was normal. Best info i've found has always been from SanDiegoSteve.

So - i'll keep ya posted on my situation - understanding that except for the one
defect the rest of my knee was perfect. I'm sure that makes a difference in
recovery time. As i've said before - i won't give up the dream of continuing
my ultra-distance running and neither has my OS. It's possible. So keep the
faith, stick to the plan, understand the timeline and get those little things in your
life done so you can get back to the big things once the healing really begins.

Ultra

Wolfman -

congrats on making it past the crutches. i went pretty much cold-turkey off the crutches and i think i developed a bit of patellar tendonitis as a result. Or maybe it was there anyway. Regardless, don't discount the amount of atrophy your muscles have experienced for not being used. It took me about another month to get to the point where i felt my gait was quasi-normal again. And until roughly 3 months before stairs and downhill didn't bother that tendon any more.

Did my first run at 4 months - inter-spersing some walking for around 2 miles total. At 5 months the knee was stable enough to do some uphill running and very gentle downhill. Still - even at 5 months, there was a good amount of throbbing and at times discomfort.

Just hit my 6 months last week and i finally feel as though i've turned a corner. Gone is that persistent throb and i've ceased to think about it constantly. Up to 30 - 35 miles of running per week and running up and down a local 2500 foot peak here outside of Seattle. Will take a lot longer to regain lost muscle strength but it's progress.

The point is it just takes time. The clicking and catching you experience was there for me as well. it's gradually abated to the point where it feels almost normal again. My OS was very encouraged by this. As the muscles get stronger and stabilize the patella things get back to normal.

So - just hang in there - do your PT and stretch the hams alot. It's very true - patience and persistence are the keys to rehabbing the knee after a microfracture. But - it will happen. So start planning those late summer activities!!!

ultraman