The Dreaded Topic

[EBondo 233]

Tonight I popped my kneecap out for the 8th time in five years (combined knees, not just one), on top of a torn ACL I had in the past as well. This is actually the second time in a little over two months that it's happened to me, on the same knee. So now as I'm sitting here with my knee the size of a small basketball, I'm trying to think if now might be the time to give it up, for the sake of me being able to walk correctly for the rest of my life. I'm trying to see if there is a sort of surgery that could possibly correct my bad knees, or if giving up the sport is the safer thing to do. Also on my mind is just taking a few months off and then getting back into it slowly, and only playing every other ten-game session. I really don't want to give up the sport, it's been my life for eleven years. But the pain is almost making it not worth it anymore.

Any advice?

[junior 1]

I don't think you should give it up. Think of the cardiovascular benefits of playing a sport that you love. You'll never get tired of it and it will keep your heart strong. To address the knee situation, I think you should take some time off for recovery and slowly get back into it. I don't know your exact situation, but I would consider surgery if available. Muscle training to strenghten the leg muscles that support the knee will help prevent further incidents. I hate to say this, but you may need to adjust your game and intesity to accomodate your weakened knee. Hope this is helpful and encouraging.

[fatwabbit 93]

Sorry to hear about that Erik, hope you recover.

Had similar issues with knees before... Torn ACL, strained MCL... not from hockey but combination of army training and soccer. My left knee has gone thru 2 x reconstructive surgery, and I spent 6months in rehab getting everything back up to scratch... all for the love of playing hockey and soccer again. I started wearing knee braces a few years ago, and now I wear them whenever I play, regardless of whether its drop in or league. If I forget to bring it, then I dont bother to suit up at all. I might be getting another recon done in a few years time, but till then I'll enjoy what I've got. I still need to rest and ice my knees after every game, but the joys of playing regardless of the scoreline is what pushes me to play.

One thing you need to do is to go to a knee specialist to check out what is the main reason that you're getting these issues... maybe it could be a misaligned knee or something (sorry, not a medical professional). Whatever the case, you still need to have it looked at and find out whats going wrong. The knee is prone to injuries.. you can get out of bed and slip and have issues as well.

You'll need to bear in mind that you will have to get some strength back in the legs. There are people who dont have functional ACLs (some have it completely torn) but because they have bulked up on the leg muscles, it is still manageable. The doctor should be able to recommend a good physio (preferably a good looking one as well). Stick with the exercise routine, and push yourself to the limits with the end goal in mind: that you WILL get back to an active lifestyle, and you WILL be able to do what you want to do.

To be honest, it will be very tough, and very emotionally draining. The process is long and hard, but like all things it works out in the end. Make sure you keep the physiotherapist beyond arms reach when you do the exercises, as I was going to strangle mine as he kept pushing and pushing me to my limits.

Also, once you do decide to get back into it, take it slow before playing in soem games. Maybe start refereeing some games to get the legs going again, and do some leisure skating with a gf or wife or whatever... it gives you a chance to work the muscles again, and gives you the opportunity to decide whether you want to play hockey... whatever you choose, I wish you the best mate!

Edit: I agree with junior's comments above about adjusting your game to suit you. I went from being the second fastest in my team, usually a leading scorer in goals and assists for tournaments, to being someone who now isnt as fast, but is able to make the right passes. I might not be the fastest anymore, but I can still dig the puck out of the corner against guys half my age. I play more defence now, but can still score a few from the point.

[K9 Unit 1]

sorry to hear it man, i would use the time now to think rather than make a rash decision you might regret (prolly heard this before) :) best of luck

[Chadd 916]

Playing at a high level is probably over if you're having problems like that. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may be able to play at a lower level for fun. In the end it is something you will have to discuss with your doctor and decide for yourself. Just remember that there are many levels of being able to play. In any case, sorry to hear about the knee.

[gxc999 7]

I think a prolonged rest might be the best idea to preserve hockey for the future. I know it's hard, but maybe 9-12 months off would do the trick. 

[usahockey22 0]

This is another instance where you need to consult a doctor...probably a specialist in sports medicine and/or orthopaedic surgery could help you. Find out what kind of damage you could do if you continue to play without treatment, or discuss treatment/surgical methods that could help. Then weigh your options and go from there.

[EBondo 233]

Thanks for the advice guys. Icing and rest has helped somewhat, but I'm still feeling a lot of discomfort. I don't think my knee ever fully healed from the last one (little over two months ago, happened on the pond). I need to make an appointment with my orthopedic doctor I've been going to. Seems like I'm starting to become his number one patient, with as many times I've gone to see him.

The good news is that the knee is finally starting to feel a little better.

Chadd - thing is, I haven't played at a high level in a long time. I'm playing A-division men's league roller hockey right now, which I thought I'd be fine with for now. Unfortunately I was wrong.

We'll have to take it day-by-day.

[kovyperron5727 0]

Ebondo, I am so sorry to hear about this. I know exactly what position you are in, I recently had my competitive days end in the blink of an eye after a nasty back injury that led to back surgery. My advice to you if first off get a doctors opinion. Look into the surgery and see what can be done. . Hockey has also been my entire life for 11 years. I got 3 opinions and they said that if I wanted to lead a normal life hockey is a no. In the end though, you sort of come to accept it. My lifes dream was to play pro, and I had two college offers come in, which I will always be proud of myself for. Thing is though, like with your knee, one blow to my back could turn it into a jigsaw puzzle and then you go from having an injury to praying that you live normally again.

Even though Im done playing competivly, I'm still involved with the game but playing pickup now and then(when the back permits), playing street hockey and of course going to games and posting here. :)

But like previously mentioned think about all of our options, and make what you feel is the best decision. I'm sorry this happened to you dude I know what your going through and please keep this thread going and update us. Good luck to a recovery!

[raganblink 82]

I think a prolonged rest might be the best idea to preserve hockey for the future. I know it's hard, but maybe 9-12 months off would do the trick. 

+1

a couple months for doing that shit to your knee is why you keep re-injuring it. while injuries might feel fine in a couple weeks or months, typically the same amount of time spent recovering to that point is need for you to TRULY be ready to perform with no real risks of messing it up again. This is why you see all of those pro athletes take whole seasons off - while rehabing it during it - because it can't handle the same stresses it used to get so quickly.