Cathe - running and ACL reconstruction?

[Stebby]

Cathe, I was reading your reply to Cindy S.'s post on knee surgery and was very intrigued by your comments about being cleared for running. Do you run? If so, how often and how far, and do you have any nasty symptoms? Don't worry, I am not trying to use your experiences as a model for my own situation (I know we all have different issues); I just want to know what others' experiences are.

I had an ACL reconstruction in June 1999 and my physiotherapist told me running was not a good idea and I would probably never be able to do it again. So I haven't tried. I don't know whether her recommendation was for me specifically, or for ACL reconstruction patients in general. That's why I'm curious about your experiences with running. If it is not a general recommendation for everybody, I'm going to go back and get more information from my doctor/physiotherapist, and see if I can find out if there is a possibility for a running program in my future.

My current exercise routine consists of Spinning classes 3X per week, your tapes or the FIRM or a weightlifting workout at the gym 3X per week, and yoga a couple of times a week. Sometimes I overdo it and my knee gets tender and a little swollen, but I've learned that when that happens I need to STOP everything I'm doing immediately, get into an icing routine, and then it's OK in a couple of days.

If anyone besides Cathe has been down this road, I'd love to hear your story too!

Thanks.

 

[Debra]

After diagnostic surgery, my surgeon told me that I could run again but preferably on a track. My knee wasn't reconstructed because they determined that I had a least 50% of the acl. I'm not an avid runner but do add it to my routine once in awhile. I run on dirt roads & trails with my dogs which is kinder to my joints but tougher footing.

My knee can "cramp" on long hikes or bike rides. I seem to do better when I keep moving rather than taking breaks (which makes me an unpopular hiking partner). I've tried stretching during breaks but that inexplicably seems to make the cramping worse. Tennis is hard, I have to be careful to add court time slowly.

And I still keep Dixie cups around to make ice cups.

Debra

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Stebby! You sound like you have mastered working around your knee issues. When you wrote..."Sometimes I overdo it and my knee gets tender and a little swollen, but I've learned that when that happens I need to STOP everything I'm doing immediately, get into an icing routine, and then it's OK in a couple of days.", it sounded like me to a "t".

As long as you train smart like this and continue to listen to your body, you'll be fine.

As far as running, I have not had any problems. As a matter of fact two weeks post surgery my surgeon drained some fluid out of my knee made me stand up jog the length of the rehab center, OUCH!!! One thing I have learned from ACL rehabs is that every doctor has their own treatment philosophy. I'm certainly not in the position to say who is right and who is wrong, but all I know is that as grueling as my 9 month rehab was, I was pleased with my comeback.

I enjoy running but don't have the time to devote to it like I used to. So now I only do it a couple of times a week for a couple of miles(while I push the jog stroller).

Good Luck!

 

[Stebby]

Thanks, Debra and Cathe. It is truly helpful to learn how you are dealing with your limitations (and minimizing them, which I find so inspirational!). I think I will go back to my doctor and find out why I was told not to run!

 

[lynnesq2]

You know, I THOUGHT I saw an ACL scar on Cathe's left knee in her bodymax video. I had ACL reconstructive surg. Aug of 1999. Tore it playing tennis (which is what I do when I'm not doing Cathe's videos!) My dr. was very progressive w/rehab: I only had physical therapy for 8 weeks, and was back on the tennis court after 3 months (just baseline hitting, no quick lateral movements).
He then, after 5 months said I could basically do whatever I wanted as long as I felt comfortable. Of course, I couldn't wait to go back to my step/Cathe videos. Even almost 2 years after surgery. my knee gets sore when I overdo it. (I'm 36 and have been physically active all my life).
Debra, do weight exercises for your quads and hamstrings; i was told by my Dr. that keeping those muscles strong helps the knee.

I also need to add that I absolutely LOVE this forum, and am the biggest Cathe fan around. I brag about her to everyone. Don't know what I did b/f Cathe!!
lynne