u/Conscious-Award7667

I injured myself 6 weeks ago and since week 2 or so the pain has remained the same.

I got an MRI and my doctor said to come back if there was pain in 4 weeks.

I scheduled a PT and have gone to one appt. Have laser treatments weekly and rehab exercise routine.

Some days I feel no pain while walking and then others I get a sharp squeaky feeling pain. I assume it’s the meniscus. The level of pain is the same as it was on week 2.

I just wonder what other people’s experiences are with healing. If it was linear? And how long it took with PT?

Hey everyone, looking for some insight or advice from anyone who has dealt with a similar knee injury combo.

I’m a 36F, pretty active (gym 3x a week, boxing once a week, plus a job where I’m on my feet all day - documentary photography). I also have pretty bad knee alignment naturally, where my right knee tends to cave inward.

The injury happened 5 weeks ago at work from a sudden squatting and twisting motion. Here is how it's been progressing:

• Week 1: Rested completely, stayed off it, iced etc. the pain was never terrible but it was noticeable and persistent.

• Weeks 2-3: Pain went down, always have had full range of motion. Dr gave me anti-inflammatories and ordered an MRI.

• Week 4: MRI showed a Grade 1 ACL sprain, Grade 1 MCL sprain, and a medial meniscus contusion.

• Week 5 (now): Fully back at work walking 5k+ steps a day. Wearing a knee sleeve and avoiding squatting entirely.

Overall it feels mostly fine, but about once a day I get a lingering pain in the upper inner kneecap area that just hangs around for a while.

My doctor didn't recommend physical therapy, which surprised me. Right now I'm just doing basic rehab at home: heel slides, leg raises, and resistance band clamshells. Though I know strengthening will be very important moving forward. I just don’t want to re injure or further injure while strengthening.

A few questions:

1. For anyone who had a Grade 1 sprains and/or a meniscus contusion, did you get that daily nagging pain on the inner side of the kneecap? How long did it take to completely clear up? Any tips? Should I wait until I get no pain before strengthening??

2. Any specific rehab strengthening exercises you recommended?

Honestly I’m just going a bit crazy resting so much with no change.