Grade 1 Medial Ligament sprain???

[David Farrington]

9 weeks ago I got kicked on the front of my knee playing soccer. It was sore but I played on. A mild pain remained though on the inside of my knee and I visited a NHS physio. I was diagnosed by an inexperienced student nurse who kept having to ask her superiors to help answer my quesitions. She said that the injury was not ligament damage just muscular, and that I would make a full recovery within 8 weeks. I asked her if it was okay to start jogging (this was 4 weeks after the injury) she said yes.
I thought it better to be cautious and rested my knee for the full 8 weeks. Last week I went jogging and it felt okay. This gave me confidence so I tried doing 10 minutes of interval training on a treadmill at a reasonable speed. This was 5 days ago and my knee has been sore since. It hurts most when in bed and I roll over on it, this causes shooting pains to the inside of my knee.
Is the injury more serious than first diagnosed? How long do you think I should leave it before jogging again? Any help would be much appreciated!

[Canuck Physio]

After 8 weeks of immobility? Are you weaker since then?

If so the muscle function would considerably decrease in this time. The form of activity was too low to maintain or prevent loss of function. (unrelated to pain).

Pain now may be a result of altered biomechanics, underlying tissue adhesion, soft tissue abrasion. I can't tell without diagnosis.

Nonetheless, proper rehab will get you back to 100%

[David Farrington]

Ok thanks. The pain did not cause immobility, I simply avoided putting any excessive strain on my knee for 8 weeks, ie. jogging or playing soccer. I did cycle in the gym and use the cross trainer as I thought these activities would exert less impact on my knee. I am concerned because I was told that I would make a full recovery within 8 weeks but the pain remains exactly the same. The physio said it was definitely not ligament damage just muscular, but would muscular damage not have healed by now?

[alophysio]

Hi,

When you say you got kicked on the inside of the knee, it is likely that someone got you on the insertion of the hamstrings (pes ans area). The medical collateral ligament also has a presence near there.

As for rehab (remember that i have not assessed you - please seek advice in person), i would recommend that you ensure that your hamstrings and other leg muscles are working properly and get strengthened. Also, use ice (cold, frozen water, not drugs!).

Good luck!