The Tale of an Unstable Knee
At E4 Physio, we encounter a wide variety of cases, some of which are particularly intriguing. As a specialist in knee, back, and shoulder pain, we've seen countless knees throughout our years of practice. Last month, we had a particularly memorable case involving a young lady with severe knee pain following a slip while hiking.
The Patient's Initial Experience
The patient reported pain when going up and down stairs, sleeping, and even when fully extending her knee. After her injury, she visited her local A&E and was informed it was merely "soft tissue" damage, with advice to rest. However, with an active job and little capacity to fully rest, she decided to book an appointment here, at E4 Physio, for further assistance.
A Thorough Assessment
When she arrived at E4 Physio three days later, she had limited information about her injury, knowing only how it occurred. Through careful and thorough questioning, combined with a detailed history, we were able to understand the demands on her knee, her expectations, and the underlying issues.
Diagnosis and Immediate Action
Within just 10 minutes, we were able to identify a complete ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) rupture and an MCL (medial collateral ligament) rupture, later confirmed by MRI. Recognising the severity of her injury, we immediately started her on a basic strengthening program to prevent quadricep muscle atrophy. Additionally, we utilised a COMPEX machine to promote quadricep and hamstring recruitment.
Progress and Continuing Care
In just a few weeks, the patient was walking normally and without pain. We continue to work with her to restore strength and stability as she considers whether surgery will be necessary. In the meantime, her progress highlights the importance of prehabilitation ("prehab") - building strength and stability before any potential surgery.
The Importance of Early Intervention
This case is a clear example of how early intervention is key to managing ligamentous knee injuries effectively. With the right care and treatment, significant improvements can be made even before deciding on surgical options.
Conclusion
If you’re suffering from a knee injury and need expert care, please don't hesitate to contact us at 07946 000 327 or book an appointment through our website by clicking here. Early intervention could be crucial to your recovery.
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