Rider Knee injuries and return to riding any experiences?

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chestnutx

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I have just had ACL reconstruction to my left knee and I am desperate to get back riding. I should be able to get back on in 10-12 weeks. Has anyone else had this done and returned to riding? Or has anyone damaged their ACL or any other parts of their knee and returned to riding OK?? I need some PMA to get me through!!!
 
I haven't had ACL reconstruction - but I have had major knee surgery. I have always had a problem with dislocating patellas
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. 4 years ago, I got pulled over by a horse and dislocated my left knee - it would not stop dislocating. I had 8 weeks in plaster to stablise it, followed by surgery, followed by 9 months in a knee brace and 1 year of phyio. I couldn't drive for 8 months. I managed to get back on a horse a year after the accident. I still walk with a limp, but ride pretty much as I always have done and don't find it affects my knees at all, although I do use wide tread, flexi stirrups. With your surgery, there is no reason at all why you shouldn't be back in the saddle soon. My advice is to really do the physio's exercises - I did and I got an orbital trainer which was fab. Good luck - I'm sure you will be absolutely fine.
 
I buggered the ligaments in my right knee (but had history of arthritis) but never had surgery, as they wouldnt let me, and convinced mother it wasnt necessary...

I was riding straight away, as I didnt really know what Id done and didnt want to miss out, which most likely didnt help...

I cant have short stirrups, and have to take painkillers every day if I ride, which isnt ideal, but i can live with it..
 
I am afraid I don't remeber the technical terms but maybe this will help...

I have had two knee operations following problems after I was kicked several years ago and damaged the muscles. This meant I was not centrally supporting the knee cap and joint. This had led to uneven wear and tear coupled with uneven muscle development.

Prior to surgery I had physio to retrain the muscles which helped but did not cure it. The first op was a simple keyhole to trim the damaged cartilage and flush the crap through in the hope it would clear up the pain and problems. I walked out the same day and suffered mild discomfort for around 4 weeks and was back riding within 3 weeks following physio

It didn't work, so 9 months later they cut the ligament and again trimmed the cartilage as again it had frayed and flushed it through.

This time I was in hospital for two days, had more intensive physio and was in more discomfort than previously but I had more done so this was to be expected. I was back riding within 4 weeks. I did mainly hacking (staying away from trees!) and walk work in the school as it was quite jarring to start with.

I found jump seat and canter work tough for a while, I also found my knee was stiff, especially when it was cold and found using a support helped to keep it warm over the first winter.

I try to dismount onto a mounting block as jumping down is quite uncomfortable and jars the joint.

My knee will never be the same as it was and I need to be careful about sitting in one postion for too long as it locks

I think what helped me was that I couldn't wait to ride, previously I rode with a plaster cast on my right leg and 2 weeks after my appendix was removed!

My advice is be sensible and listen to your body, a slight twinge is normal. I kept adopting the riding position to test the weight-bearing ability of the knee before getting back on. I think my YO thought I had lost the plot but it gave me a good idea of whether I was up to hopping on. Goes without saying that I rode my older horse for the first couple of weeks as he was Mr reliable.

I have rambled on but hope it helps and good luck - stay positive.
 
I haven't even got an ACL anymore, having got rid of it snowboarding
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I haven't yet had it repaired (can't face the recovery period) but i'm riding between 4 and 8 horses a day fine with no ACL at all!!! so am sure you'll be fine with a repaired one!!
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As with all injuries, DON'T rush back, take it easy and listen to your body (or your knee at any rate).
 
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