Support Needed for Knee Recovery (M24)
Hello, it’s M24 reaching out. Back on December 16, I received a diagnosis of Patellar and Quadricep tendinosis along with a sprained PCL, which recommended a rest period of six weeks. Seeking further guidance, I consulted another doctor on January 17, who reiterated the initial recommendation but suggested an adjustment to extend my rest for an additional 3-4 weeks. Now, as I enter the fourth week of recovery, my knee continues to feel swollen and lacks stability, although I have noticed a significant decrease in pain. At this point, I find myself at a loss for what to do next. Engaging in physical activities serves as my primary form of relief, and I fear that my mental well-being may have deteriorated even more than my physical condition. I would appreciate any guidance you might have to offer. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 6:30:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're reaching out for support during your recovery. You're experiencing symptoms consistent with your diagnosis—swelling and instability in the knee are common, especially after an injury like yours. While the decrease in pain is a positive sign, the ongoing swelling and instability indicate that you may need to take some additional steps to aid your recovery and mental well-being.
Key Points
- Rest and Activity Modification: Continue to prioritize rest to allow healing, but begin gentle movements if you can do so without pain.
- Strengthening and Stability Exercises: Gradually introduce exercises focusing on strengthening the muscles around your knee.
- Mental Well-Being: Consider ways to stay engaged mentally and emotionally while managing your physical recovery.
Explanation
Patellar and quadriceps tendinosis, along with a PCL sprain, requires a careful balance of rest and gradual re-introduction of movement and activity. Swelling often indicates that the body is still healing, and while some discomfort is normal, you want to help reduce inflammation and improve your knee's stability. Addressing your mental well-being is equally vital, as feeling physically restricted can impact your mood.
Next Steps
- Continue to Rest: Follow your doctor's advice and don’t rush back into full activity. Allow your knee more time to heal.
- Gentle Range of Motion: If pain allows, start with gentle range-of-motion exercises to keep the joint mobile. Simple movements like gently bending and straightening the knee can be beneficial.
- Ice and Elevate: Apply ice to the knee for 15-20 minutes multiple times a day to reduce swelling. Elevating your knee when sitting can also help.
- Begin Isometric Exercises: Once you are comfortable, try isometric exercises, such as tightening the thigh muscle (quadriceps) without moving the knee, to maintain strength without putting too much strain on the joint.
- Engage in Mental Wellness Activities: Find activities that nourish your mental health. This could be reading, light stretching, meditation, or connecting with friends. Keeping your mind engaged will help mitigate feelings of frustration.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting how your knee feels each day and any activities you do. This can help gauge your progress and inform future decisions regarding rehabilitation.
If you notice significant changes in swelling or new symptoms develop, or if you're feeling overwhelmed mentally, do consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for strategies and support.
Remember, each small step you take is progress! Feel free to ask if you have specific concerns or need more details.
Related Questions
Concerns Surrounding Recent Liver Ultrasound Results
As a 26-year-old woman, I recently underwent both abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds. The following day, I had a consultation with my doctor due to some unusual findings related to my liver. The ultrasound revealed mild fatty infiltration, indicating that while the liver remains a normal size, the radiologist also identified two nonspecific hypoechoic lesions, measuring 3.7 x 3.6 x 2.7 cm and 1.9 x 1.5 x 1.9 cm, respectively. The report emphasized that malignancy should be considered and recommended a multiphase abdominal CT for further assessment. The findings feel quite ambiguous to me, as there wasn't much elaboration on the liver's condition beyond the existence of these lesions. My blood tests—including ferritin, ALT, ALK, and bilirubin—are all within normal ranges, without any elevations, and the ultrasound report did not raise concerns about any other areas. This situation has caused significant anxiety for us regarding what these results indicate. For background, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, underwent a mastectomy, received radiation, and continue to take mar-letrozole. The urgency of the ultrasound report has prompted us to seek a CT scan through the hospital at the earliest opportunity, in light of my medical history and various other considerations. If anyone has knowledge or insights regarding the implications of these ultrasound results, it would be greatly appreciated. Should we be alarmed about the potential for recurrence or the possibility of metastases? My latest blood levels are as follows: Ferritin: 149 ug/L ALK: 105 U/L ALT: 26 U/L Bilirubin: 15 umol/L
Popping Sounds in Ear and Jaw Locking Issues
Hey there! I hope this isn’t a major concern, but it’s certainly bothersome, and I’d appreciate some expert insight before rushing off to the doctor unnecessarily. I’m a 19-year-old female who smokes and doesn't take any medications. Lately, I've noticed a peculiar popping or crackling sound in my right ear whenever I chew. It raises the possibility of an earwax buildup, but this is also the same side where I experience some jaw locking. There are times when I find it hard to open my mouth straight; instead, I have to shift my jaw to the right to unlock it. This situation can be quite frustrating, especially during meals when it forces me to chew in a cumbersome manner. I can’t even recall how long this has been happening—it's been a while now. Although I don't feel any severe pain, I do experience a bit of discomfort if I try to open my mouth too quickly, leading to stiffness. In contrast, my left ear and jaw seem completely normal. Upon researching the popping noise in my ear, I discovered that it might be associated with earwax or nasal congestion, although the sound persists even when my sinuses aren’t blocked. The jaw locking aspect caught my attention too, leading me to wonder if there's a link between these two issues. I also have this growing concern that the locking may eventually diminish my jaw’s flexibility. I apologize if my explanation is all over the place, but I’m feeling quite lost on how to address these problems, as my online searches haven’t provided much clarity. Does anyone have any advice?
Concerning Eye Redness Following Laser Treatment
Greetings, everyone. I am seeking advice from an ophthalmologist. I’m a 30-year-old woman weighing 53 kilograms and in good health, with the exception of significant myopia. On Saturday morning, I underwent a laser treatment (argon, green) for a minor retinal tear in the peripheral area of my left eye. The procedure was somewhat painful, and I felt faint a few times during it. Shortly after, I noticed severe redness developing on the affected side of my eye, even though I had been using NSAID drops. This morning, I contacted my doctor about the situation. After examining me and confirming that he properly sealed the tear, he prescribed cortisone and antibiotic drops, instructing me to return on Friday. I’ve applied the drops twice and continued with the NSAID drops, but the redness persists without any sign of improvement. Is this a typical reaction? Would it be advisable to seek a second opinion?
Persistent Staph Infection After Completing Antibiotic Treatment
F23. I was given a prescription for cephalexin at a dosage of 250mg, to be taken four times daily for a week due to a skin infection located at my belly button, which was later diagnosed as a staphylococcus infection two days later. I completed the entire seven-day antibiotic regimen on Friday. While I did notice some positive changes, such as the cessation of oozing, the area remains red, peeling, and itchy. I reached out to my doctor for advice and was informed that "healing takes time." However, I'm uncertain if they realized that I have already finished the antibiotics. Is it likely that this situation will improve on its own, or should I revisit the doctor? I’m unclear about whether I should expect to be completely healed after completing antibiotic therapy, or if lingering symptoms are a common occurrence.
Unusual Swelling in Armpit
I'm a 31-year-old male, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds. I use a vape for cannabis but do not take any medications and have no previous medical issues. Currently residing in the USA. For approximately the past three months, I have noticed an unusual and at times painful swelling in my left armpit. Initially, I mistook it for an ingrown hair, as it would appear and then disappear before returning with increased intensity. Right now, it has developed into a somewhat firm mass that can be tender upon pressure. What troubles me is the sensation of "strings" extending from this mass; I become aware of them particularly when I lift my arms. It's akin to the way your skin feels slightly elevated after a light scratch, except this occurs beneath the surface. I apologize for the low-quality images; there seems to be a peculiar filter on imgur interpreting skin as inappropriate content. The most concerning aspect is that I can consistently feel the "lump and strings" whenever I stretch or elevate my arms. Any tension causes it to pull under the skin. I can't shake off the worry that this could be cancerous, although I also find it incredibly bothersome.