How long can it take to recover from a torn ligament and a Baker's cyst (which is just a fluid filled sac behind the knee)?! It's been three weeks today since I injured it. I am now able to walk on it for short distances but still unable to return to normal activities! How much longer do I have to deal with this?!
2007-05-18 01:45:32 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Baker's cysts usually require no treatment unless they are symptomatic. Often rest and leg elevation are all that is needed. If necessary, the cyst can be aspirated to reduce its size, then injected with a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. Surgical excision is reserved for cysts that cause a great amount of discomfort to the patient. A ruptured cyst is treated with rest, leg elevation, and injection of a corticosteroid into the knee.
Baker's cysts in children nearly always disappear with time, and rarely require excision.
Here are a few ways to get relief from the symptoms:
Ice pack therapy is believed to be an effective way of controlling the pain caused by Baker's cyst. Ice must not be applied directly onto the skin but be separated by a thin cloth. Alternatively cooling packs may be used, but the total application time for any product is for no more than 15 minutes at a time.
Medications bought at pharmacies may be used to help sooth pain. Painkillers with paracetamol (acetaminophen) or with the additional anti-inflammatory action (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) may be used. Stronger non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be required by prescription from one's general practitioner.
Many activities can put strain on the knee, and cause pain in the case of Baker's cyst. Avoiding activities such as squatting, kneeling, heavy lifting, climbing, and even running can help prevent pain. Despite this, some exercises can help relieve pain, and a physiotherapist may instruct on stretching and strengthening the quadriceps and/or the patellar ligament.
As for the torn ligament, it'll take at least 7 - 8 weeks at the most to heal after injury. You've already passed 3 months.
The trick is to use the injured leg as little as possible. You'll only delay the recovery.
2007-05-18 03:42:21 · answer #1 · answered by Akilesh - Internet Undertaker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A torn ligament won't ever heal on its own. It's ripped and can't repair itself. You can either have surgery, where they either take a strip of cartilage from a side of your leg or a piece from a cadaver and fix the ligament with bolts, or you can choose not to have surgery. If you don't it will feel better, but you won't be able to do things like sports or run, active stuff where you'll be putting pressure on your knee. If you accidently strain it too far, trust me, it hurts like hell. This is cuz the two bones r rubbing together. I'd recommend asking your doctor, then deciding based on your lifestyle
2007-05-21 21:47:10 · answer #2 · answered by Placebo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At least another 3 weeks, or more. Torn ligaments take a long time to heal and if you're using it now, it may be irritating the area and take even longer to get back to your normal activities.
2007-05-18 09:01:23 · answer #3 · answered by rustybones 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋