Thread: Partial MCL tear - new gimp

Crashed skiing on Saturday, accompanied by a "pop" from my right knee and lots of cursing from my mouth. Minimal pain, small swelling, basically achy & stiff with an occasional zinger when moving my foot/calf laterally.

After this morning's orthopedic doc visit (Dr. Tom Fyda at Alpine Bone & Joint in Reno, for any locals who are looking -- has an excellent reputation, and a genuinely nice guy), the diagnosis is: partial MCL tear, no surgery needed, no ACL damage, no physical therapy.

Have to wear a Donjoy brace for 3-4 weeks, or until pain symptoms subside, whichever comes first. Damn brace keeps slipping down my leg, and I'm not too sure it's even helping to stabilize my knee.

I'm not allowed to ski or ride (road or mountain) outside; I can ride a stationary bike inside, and have to do some exercises to keep the muscles around the knee strong.

It could be a lot worse, so I guess I'm happy with the diagnosis. I was holding out hope for "it's just sprained, go ahead and ski," but oh well.

-Karl

Tighten the DONJOY up and enjoy the ride through "look don't touch" ski hell.

AAAAAARGGGGGGGGGGGG

Update: doc visit this A.M.:

I'm cleared for biking, no skiing/running/impact sports for 1-2 more months -- doesn't matter, my summer activities are hiking & biking, hate running anyway. The MCL is healing nicely, just a bit of tenderness in certain movements, and extension is almost 100% back to normal (not limping noticeably).

Going riding this afternoon!

-Karl

In the same boat, Karl.

I'm currently going through 6 weeks of PT (2-3x a week) to work on a previously injured MCL (grade 2 laxity) and possible meniscus damage from a previous injury as well. Inconclusive MRI, so they figured try PT first, see if the meniscus symptoms get better, then scope if they have to. I tried skiing on it with a brace (with doc's ok), but it was just too painful and I skied like shit - not trying that again.

Lots of biking in store for this summer - in fact, I've gotta find a used road bike now for myself to keep up with my wife!

Anyway, good luck with it!