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| Lilacs a month early |
Well, the doctor visit on Thursday evening was almost useless. He took some x-rays and said nothing is broken (I already knew that), and suggested that I use the RICE method to heal up (that's Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). I've been here before a time or two and have done it all. There's little to no swelling, but pain right under the kneecap. I was hoping he'd refer me to a specialist, but he said that would the next step if it doesn't get better on its own.
I learned enough online to be able to diagnose what happened when I stepped down on my sore knee and it sort of gave out with rather excruciating pain. It was either the medial ligament (not likely) or the medial meniscus that tore, so for now I have figured out that if I keep it taped up and walk with a stiff leg, much like Chester in the old Gunsmoke series, it doesn't hurt. Chester was played by Dennis Weaver, and I have learned that he found it so hard to walk that way he had to take yoga lessons! My knee bends just fine without pain when I'm sitting and there's no weight on it. I can ride the exercise bike at the Y without pain, so I went there this morning to take the place of walking with the ladies on a sunny Saturday morning.
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| Our neighbor's apple tree is in bloom |
I'm still going to attempt to get a minimum of 10,000 steps every day, even with this injury, but there's no doubt that I'll be unable to hike or do any fast walking for awhile. My stiff-legged walk is slow but gets me around, and if I try to hurry it up a little I'm reminded by a pain from my kneecap that I just can't do it. There's nothing to keep me out of the garden, though. I'll just take it easy and enjoy planting and watering it. So even though I'm down, I'm not out of commission. Just need to change things around a little and adjust my attitude.
:-)
How I love your attitude, that your poor sore knee is an inconvenience, and that it will not stop you. How long before you can see a specialist?
ReplyDeleteSore knees are not pleasant, but I'm thinking a little rest and TLC might put you back to rights.
ReplyDeleteGet well soon dear.
~Jo
Injuries are a lesson in patience for sure. When my calf was injured and I was out of commission for nearly a year, I became quite pouty. Hope you can get back at it soon, but take it from me - don't rush it or you'll be out longer than you like. Sending sympathy hugs your way. - Kim
ReplyDeleteOh DJan! Somehow I missed yesterday's post. I'm so sorry to hear about your knee! I do admire your attitude about the whole thing. But listen to Kim, don't rush the healing process. Take care. Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteTake it easy, Chester. I hope you aren't out of commission long.
ReplyDeleteBe careful....don't over do DJ!!!
ReplyDeletelaughed at the chester reference. :) simpler days...
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you are getting along and adjusting. I am glad you don't have pain...at least not until you walk too fast. Chester was quite a character:)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you need time and rest and this will clear up. I hope you recover quickly.
ReplyDeleteI think you are doing the very best treatment on your own. 10,000 steps may not equal rest, but I'm sure you will rest when you have to do so. Take care, Chester. ;)
ReplyDeleteDang! Sorry about your knee! Hope it heals quickly so you can get out on the trails again.
ReplyDeleteI have often wished I could get the same diagnostic procedures that a professional athlete gets. Letting it get better on its own doesn't always work so well and just delays the treatment or surgery that should have been done in the first place. But then the old workhorse doesn't get the same treatment as the race horse.
ReplyDeleteYou just take good care of that knee!
ReplyDeleteDon't push yourself too hard, but I remember when I hurt my knee a few years ago the doctor said the stationary bike was a good way to exercise it. So it sounds like you're on the right track.
ReplyDeleteGood grief! This is sounding more and more like mom's knee. We iced it, but we had her rest the knee and we kept her in the wheelchair for a couple of weeks when there was a lot of walking to do. She did walk, but we made sure she didn't push herself. Please be careful, DJan and if it keeps hurting, you should go back to the doctor and ask to see a sports specialist doctor.
ReplyDeleteAw, I wish you'd had a better experience with the doctor. I think you are right since it is coming from under your knee cap. I do think you should get a referral. Doctors really put us through the mill these days. No one knows anything outside of his own specialty. Grrr. Take it easy friend and be well soon.
ReplyDeleteGo for the RICE and gardening sound like a wonderful cure!
ReplyDeleteWell, I am glad nothing is broken and I hope your method of treatment works.
ReplyDeleteI hope it heals with the RICE method. Not that you know much about resting--LOL! :)
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