Surgery on my right knee

Hi,
Just under 2 years ago, I had surgery on my right knee after tears to my ACL
(hamstring graft) and Meniscus (football/soccer). Along the recovery road, I
encountered various sensations and at one point even thought i had heard and
felt the same pop that i did when tearing it the 1st time, however all seemed
ok.

I finally built up the courage to play again, but since the surgery i have
gained an alarming amount of weight (almost 3 stone), so me and my coach
decided one 45 minute half would be fine to ease myself back in, and that i
would sit in the midfield and avoid sprints which i did and all felt
great…until i got home. My knee had swollen, it felt as though the fluid
was back and i struggled to straighten my leg. Its now 3 days after and the
main route of the pain is now at the back of the knee and i am struggling
with stairs.

Should i be worried about this? Or is this a result of not using these
muscles for a long time? Apart from physio of course.

Thanks in advance

Hi Liam

No, I don’t think so.

You can’t (didn’t!) recall any movement which was rapid and twisting and looks as if the swelling was immediate – so all good news.

But, it does sound as if you’ve done far too much, too soon – your knee lost you load capacity due to increase weight and lack of loading/running/preparation/activity.

You need to let you’re knee settle down – all the swelling needs to go (get icing), then respectfully build up your load tollerance and plyometric endurance.

This is a pretty good place to start http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/49/9/577

The Guru