Today I got the results of my ultra sound, and have had a Bakers Cyst confirmed, with possible meniscal tear. Now have to wait to see the orthopaedic surgeon, and get an MRI to decide what to do.
The knee and leg is very swollen and painful, and I've been told to elevate the leg as much as possible and to avoid weight bearing exercise.
I've read all I can find about the cyst, and I get that now, but no one says how much rest is rest! As every step is weight bearing, am I OK walking round the house, (please say washing up is bad) taking the dog out, running marathons. Any one got any ideas?
2007-06-01 17:38:46 · 5 answers · asked by Cowgirl 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I think I've found yet another language barrier.
Washing up is UK term for doing the dishes, it's great being an immigrant
2007-06-01 18:14:03 · update #1
Rest = inactivity.
No walking if you don't have too, no taking dog out, etc.
Sit down with your leg up.
And, you can bathe and do dishes sitting down - just be creative!
2007-06-01 17:57:16 · answer #1 · answered by Nurse Susan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Knee problems with meniscal tear, the DOCTOR is the one who needs to tell you. However, here are a few tips & tricks I learned when I injured my knees:
Pool time is a great way to work on strengthening the muscles after repair without bearing weight. It is summer, hit the pool. That might also help the washing up thing.
I would NOT walk around the house or walk the dog or run a marathon for a while. Washing up can be important if you have any surgical wounds that need to heal.
If your leg is in a cast, this can be particularly problematic. Get to know about sponge baths. As for daily living activities, ask your doctor for an estimate of how much elevation time you need. This will give you a good gauge of how much you need to stay in bed.
If you live alone, call in some friends for a little help. If you live with family, ask for a little help. Personally, I was on my butt for at least four straight days with no leaving the couch before I began to move. That was how long it took the swelling to go down.
Usually the size of the joint is a good indicator of how messed up it is. Doctors told me to wait until the swelling went down, and then gradually try to move a little bit at a time. They also gave me a PT schedule which I followed very strictly, and I always tried to make sure to take good care of the stretching before and after, but ASK YOUR DOCTOR!
2007-06-01 17:51:47 · answer #2 · answered by Glenn J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Weight bearing activities:
running
Hiking
Walking long distances
climbing anything (step stool, ladder etc)
showering (you should really soak the knee in the bath)
My suggestion is to keep that leg active through physical therapy or swimming because if you don't, you will regret it.
2007-06-01 17:53:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a scooter. Set up a pully system in your house that connects from your bedroom to the kitchen. Invest in a bedpan. Camp out.
2007-06-01 17:56:33 · answer #4 · answered by T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say anything that elevates your heartrate would be a no-no. Other than that, take it easy and go about your normal day as much as possible.
2007-06-01 17:43:13 · answer #5 · answered by odmayhea611 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋