u/Gergman2004

5.5 months PO from ACL reconstruction/MCL distal repair. I'm doing fine with rehab, no real issues. Running on treadmill, jumping, probably close to 80% strength of my good leg. Was out duck hunting, walking through some marsh/uneven terrain.i was going slow, taking my time. Stumbled in a deeper hole and went down, heel to butt in the process of falling. No twisting motions or sudden movements came into play, just stumbled and went down slowly. Since there was no solid ground to grab and stop me from sitting down, I ended up bringing my arse down to my heel. No popping sounds heard. It hurt, not going to lie. Stood back up and hiked the rest of the mile out fine with no real pain or issues, just hurt when it happened. I do feel a bit tight in the kneecap, but not painful. Now every time I bend my knee I hear cracking/popping. To be fair, I hear it a little in my good leg. I'm 45 and have led a bit of a rough and tumble life, so my joints are not well oiled machines anymore. I'm not really concerned, I actually had my 6 month doc visit yesterday (2 weeks after incident) and he said I probably performed my own 'manipulation'. I guess I'm wondering what people's legs feel like after MUA. It feels tight, and consequently different/weird, but not painful or unstable. I didn't and don't have any real swelling. Hasn't stopped me from doing anything or changed exercises.

Hey Everyone-

I'm approaching 8 weeks PO from ACL reconstruction and MCL distal repair. I'm currently free of the brace/crutches except when I'm doing yard work, on the production floor at work, or somewhere the terrain or situation may be uncomfortable (I use a compression sleeve with light bracing on the side for these situations). I'm not huge into sports but I am very active around our hobby farm and with the family. Physical therapy says I'm doing great, I'm at or beyond where I need to be. My walking gait is fairly normal, good flex (over 120) and extension is normal. The thing I'm struggling with is stairs (i.e. a normal stair motion, not the one step at a time) and was wondering if people had suggestions for strengthening the muscles required for this. I can go upstairs somewhat normally, but I need to go slow and can feel it in my leg lifting my weight up to the next step. I'm fine with this knowing it will get better with use. Going down is the weird feeling. When I bring my good leg down to the next step and leave my operated leg on the upper step, it gives me a jerky feeling like it wants to buckle forward. Not a very smooth operation. At PT today, he had me on a 4" step and wanted me to keep the operated leg on the step and to bring the good leg down and heel touch the floor. This was difficult and jerky. I grant that it is early in the recovery and I'm expecting too much at this stage, but so far everything else has been going well and this seems to be the struggle at the moment. Thus, any leg exercises to help with this that others found beneficial? Thanks!