UPDATE PAGE 2- Knee injury...... Med Students? General thoughts here?

 
Guys,

Two weeks ago i had a sharp pain while back squatting in my left knee... I immediately pushed up with opposite leg and threw bar.

I can walk and bend knee fine.. Only hurts with lateral movement / squatting

-DAY 1  DR #1 says IT band sprain
- DAY 7 DR #2 says lateral meniscus tear
- Day 12 Physical therapist says a bone may have popped out and back in (tibia
or fibula .. cant remember)  
- Day 13 Took an X Ray... Negative, no fractures
-  Day 16 Physical Therapist is surprised that the pain still feels exactly the same and says it may be a cartilage tear

The pain strikes where the Fibula meets the Tibia and like i said Only hurts with lateral movement / squatting.. I can jog lightly... Fully extend and flex leg/knee with no pain.. no pop/locking etc.. 


I have to go through 4 weeks of physical therapy before my insurance will approve an MRI (SO WACK) 

If there is anyone here who works in the field i would appreciate any thoughts.

thanks all. 

I'm a physical therapist.

1. Where in the left knee do you have the pain?
2. Did it start to hurt on the descent of the squat, or that ascent?
3. Does it hurt when you extend or bend the knee?
4. Have you had this injury before? Have you had a previous hip, knee, or ankle injury and/or surgery?

So far, it sounds tendinitis of the lateral hamstrings where it connects to the top of the fibula.
1. Where in the left knee do you have the pain?

around the area where the tibia meets the fibula 

2. Did it start to hurt on the descent of the squat, or that ascent?

descent

3. Does it hurt when you extend or bend the knee?

not really, after doing an hour of PT yesterday yes it hurt to bend for the rest of the day... the 2 weeks prior i have been been able to bend and have FMO

4. Have you had this injury before? Have you had a previous hip, knee, or ankle injury and/or surgery?

no injuries
 
If there isnt any "popping" or "locking" it's safe to say there isnt a meniscal involvement because if there was, you would have a "catch" with walking or pain with full flexion of the knee.
2. Did it start to hurt on the descent of the squat, or that ascent?



descent


This also leads me to the lateral hamstring tendonitis because on the descent, the hamstrings are the main stabilizers of the knee with athletic movements. Pain from tendonitis will occur when stress and strain is placed on the tendon as mention by you ie lateral movements and squatting.


Reasons for it can be due to various reasons. I havent examined you, so I can pinpoint and say "X" is the contributing factor. However, poor hamstring flexibility and quadriceps flexibility are usually the main factors.
 
If there isnt any "popping" or "locking" it's safe to say there isnt a meniscal involvement because if there was, you would have a "catch" with walking or pain with full flexion of the knee.
2. Did it start to hurt on the descent of the squat, or that ascent?



descent

This also leads me to the lateral hamstring tendonitis because on the descent, the hamstrings are the main stabilizers of the knee with athletic movements. Pain from tendonitis will occur when stress and strain is placed on the tendon as mention by you ie lateral movements and squatting.


Reasons for it can be due to various reasons. I havent examined you, so I can pinpoint and say "X" is the contributing factor. However, poor hamstring flexibility and quadriceps flexibility are usually the main factors.
I just sent my DR a note requesting an MRI.. will any of what you said be called out with an MRI? 
 
 
I asked him to see a specialist and an MRI 
Insurance companies really make sh hard for patients and doctors. They probably think dude just has arthritis or tendinitis and are hoping therapy will fix the problem and save them money. Based on his symptoms if they actually reviewed his chart he obviously needs an mri.

Lol at the thread title, you don't want advice from med students man trust me.
Wasn't sure if there was actual Docs here...  
 
Insurance companies really make sh hard for patients and doctors. They probably think dude just has arthritis or tendinitis and are hoping therapy will fix the problem and save them money. Based on his symptoms if they actually reviewed his chart he obviously needs an mri.

Lol at the thread title, you don't want advice from med students man trust me.


Actually, his symptoms are consistent with tendinitis.
 
A different perspective... After results are in, you should go see a Chiropractor. I wasn't a big fan of them in general because of stories I've heard. There are some really good ones, and bad ones just like any other Doctor. A younger one who is familiar with CrossFit would be best. I randomly starter getting knee pains on both knees, and haven't changed any lighting patterns. Turns out my right side of my body was higer then my left. and my knee was compensating for this. After a series of adjustments, and stretches, and Orthotics(Foot Levelers), my knee pains have ceased.
 
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but acute pain that presents with what looks like an injury during squatting.....I wouldn't just chalk it up to an inflammatory process.


I'm not, that's why I asked other questions, which also correlated with my hypothesis. Also to rule out differential diagnoses that can correlate with the same signs and symptoms. Acute pain can happen with a tendonitis injury.


Things like tendinitis and arthritis tend to present more gradually.


True, but mechanism of injury can cause acute pain.
 
Wasn't sure if there was actual Docs here...  

For something like this while history is very useful a good physical exam is instrumental in making a initial diagnosis. Something like this you cant diagnose over the internet unfortunately it is just speculation to a degree. A MRI would provide the definitive diagnosis but a good exam can also be quite accurate esp is performed by someone who does them very frequently ie an orthopedist. Your PCP may also perform a great physical but ortho drs do this type of thing all day everyday.
 
see an orthopedist and get and MRI, until then it's all gonna be speculation.

Although, I would agree that without the "popping" and "locking" it doesn't sound like a meniscal tear.

I've had both my knees scoped for meniscal tears btw
 
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wrong forum, b.

The NT medical staff is located in the Sports & Training forum. More specifically, the NBA Off-season thread.

cuekobeyourewelcome.gif
 
We can, they will want the MRI and insurance companies will likely approve it if ordered by them. Studies haven't shown long term benefit for surgery in most patients, however short term it may get you back on your feet sooner. We can send the referral if you would like. Most patients improve over time and do not require surgery. I'll go ahead and send the referral for you. They will contact you in the next week or so

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Subject: RE: Visit Follow-Up Question

One more note, is there anyway to be referred to an ortho drs to try and pinpoint the problem without an MRI?

thanks
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Subject: RE: Visit Follow-Up Question

PT improvement is going to take time. Insurance companies will typically NOT pay for an MRI this early. Once you have failed 1 month of PT we have a better chance of getting it approved. I can place the order but there is a very good chance you will have to pay out of pocket if you want it done now.

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Subject: Visit Follow-Up Question

Dr XXXXXX, 

I just wanted to follow up on my recent visit, and also PT. I have been to PT a few times and still feel the same pain as it has not subsided at all. I have been talking about this daily with my Crossfit coach and he recommends getting an MRI and or seeing a knee specialist. How would I go about doing one of those two things? I am 100% that it is still very unclear as to what is causing the pain and with stretching/resting/icing I see no changes at all. 
 
Your doctor sounds like a real pile, I'm sorry. "Studies haven't shown long term benefit for surgery in most patients." FOH with that. Nobody asked about surgery. You just want to know what's wrong with your knee. He's not looking out for your best interest, I'd see a different doctor for sure.
 
Your doctor sounds like a real pile, I'm sorry. "Studies haven't shown long term benefit for surgery in most patients." FOH with that. Nobody asked about surgery. You just want to know what's wrong with your knee. He's not looking out for your best interest, I'd see a different doctor for sure.

Exactly
 
 
I was recommended a patella strap by my PT but i dont want to go the rest of my life using one  
Good luck. My left patella bone's been sore for months and I'm finally seeing a doctor next week. Mine only hurts though when I squat or put heavy weight on it. I've tried plenty of rest and when I play bball, I wear that patella strap and I always ice it after, but the damn bone is always just so sore when I touch it.

Used the foam roller on my entire legs too and still no pain relief
mean.gif
I hope its nothing too crazy.
Same here. This all started after a heavy front squat. My right knee hasn't been the same and mostly the kneecap/bone is always sore. Now when i'm sitting for a while in a chair for example my knee starts to hurt for no reason and i have to extend it to relieve the pain. Going to see an ortho but i really need an MRI. My PT friend is convinced it's patellar tendonitis but for some reason i think its a tear. So frustrating since it's been months. I still do squats (not smart) but will prob lay off that once i get a good opinion. I use a patellar strap sometimes but don't think its that helpful. I rock rehband sleeves when i wod and think the compression does a better job. Still i should probably be avoiding any type of squat movement but it's hard especially since squatting was a strong movement for me. 

Hope it goes well for you. Keep us updated. 
 
 
 
I was recommended a patella strap by my PT but i dont want to go the rest of my life using one  
Good luck. My left patella bone's been sore for months and I'm finally seeing a doctor next week. Mine only hurts though when I squat or put heavy weight on it. I've tried plenty of rest and when I play bball, I wear that patella strap and I always ice it after, but the damn bone is always just so sore when I touch it.

Used the foam roller on my entire legs too and still no pain relief
mean.gif
I hope its nothing too crazy.
Same here. This all started after a heavy front squat. My right knee hasn't been the same and mostly the kneecap/bone is always sore. Now when i'm sitting for a while in a chair for example my knee starts to hurt for no reason and i have to extend it to relieve the pain. Going to see an ortho but i really need an MRI. My PT friend is convinced it's patellar tendonitis but for some reason i think its a tear. So frustrating since it's been months. I still do squats (not smart) but will prob lay off that once i get a good opinion. I use a patellar strap sometimes but don't think its that helpful. I rock rehband sleeves when i wod and think the compression does a better job. Still i should probably be avoiding any type of squat movement but it's hard especially since squatting was a strong movement for me. 

Hope it goes well for you. Keep us updated. 
Just bought two Rehbands (pricey), also bought a Patella strap.... Too the patella strap to PT this morning and my PT put it on and i saw no change in the pain when squatting..... Waiting to see a Ortho specialist and then hopefully an MRI shortly after... I feel like a bum just working out upper body. 
 
 
Just bought two Rehbands (pricey), also bought a Patella strap.... Too the patella strap to PT this morning and my PT put it on and i saw no change in the pain when squatting..... Waiting to see a Ortho specialist and then hopefully an MRI shortly after... I feel like a bum just working out upper body. 
Going to the Ortho specialist tomorrow ( FINALLY ) hopefully i can get an MRI out of this. Orthos are booked like MONTHS in advance its crazy, luckily someone cancelled and i was in line to take 'Any" opening. 
 
Nice, good to hear man. Hopfully you get that MRI and get this figured out soon
 
Hope everything goes well OP. Had a knee pain when running about 2 months now. Didnt swell up but i could barely put any weight on it for 2 weeks. Bought a knee brace. Slowly rehabbing it. PT and stretches. There was a point wherre i can only jog half mile before getting that pinch pain (left side) in my knee when i bend. Took my time didt push it. Now i can do 5 miles easy. I still wear the brace when i exercise.
 
Just got the results back from the MRI

Double lateral tear of the meniscus...

My specialist has sent me to a specialist

anyone have any experience here?

Thoughts?  
 
Just got the results back from the MRI

Double lateral tear of the meniscus...

My specialist has sent me to a specialist

anyone have any experience here?

Thoughts?  

I've gotten scoped twice (once each knee) for meniscal tears. At this point it just depends on how bad the tear is. if it's minor tear you can have a meniscectomy which has a recovery period of a few weeks. Or you can have the meniscus repaired which comes with a lot longer recovery time.

I had both of mine repaired and had a 4 week non weight bearing period followed by another 4-8 week recovery period.

they both have their ups and downs. with the meniscectomy the recovery period is quick but you have a batter chance of developing arthritis in the knee. With the repair the recovery is obviously a lot longer. Plus you have to deal with muscle deterioration from the non weight bearing period.

Have a long chat with the orthopedist and figure which will suit you better. Best of luck fam
 
Just saw this thread. NT actually has a good number of docs that are members. I think one of the guys actually madE a list of our specialties. Please don't ask for advice from med students. Glad you got your MRI. With meniscus tears sometimes you need surgery and sometimes you don't. Will keep an eye out for this thread. Hope you are better soon.
 
had a knee scope today, outpatient procedure... in and out. Knee is sore but they gave me a ton of meds so i should be alright. 

just wish i couldve jumped right into a surgery instead of jumping through tons of hoops because of BS health insurance. 
 
hey, at least it's taken care of and you're on the road to recovery. hope you have a speedy recovery, man
 
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