Botox in hamstrings update
2 weeks ago I got Botox in my hamstrings. This was down under anesthesia and I had 6 injections into my hamstrings. When I was under, the doctor checked my measurements before injecting the Botox. Apparently I relaxed right away and I was at 0 extension and 148 flexion. No mua or anything just seeing where i was. So apparently the implant is fine. The mechanics of it is sound. It’s muscle guarding.
I’m 4 months out. I have tried electrical stimulation on the quads, pressing down to get it straight during pt etc etc. but nothing seemed to help. right off the bat after the Botox , I gained 8 degrees in extension. I was at -13 before and I’m at -5 active extension now and -3 with pt pushing down. I can drive for 30 mins and my knee is at the same extension and I don’t have to work in pt to straighten it. I’m getting fitted for a splint to help with it too.
My flexion is still difficult because I have one spot my hamstring will guard till its last breath it seems. I can work on my flexion and can get really far when I go to the pool and swim for a bit.
The big revelation is how incredibly weak my quads are. I cannot go up stairs without holding the railing because my quads cannot lift my weight. When I do my exercises at pt and home I have to scale way back because my quads barely have any strength. According to pt I’m finally finally using my quads to walk. And I can walk for a full extent of 2 to 3 minutes before my quads are screaming in pain. But I guess this is how they get stronger. Pt tells me I was massively compensating for my quads and that’s why I wasn’t getting into extension. And once my quads get stronger my hamstrings will ease up too and not prepare for battle every time I move my leg.
Just wanted to update so that it might help someone in the same situation.