How I Tore My ACL
I'm 15, and I started to have issues with my knee five months before I actually had my surgery. I was at soccer practice, and I went to pivot like I've done hundreds of times before. But this time, my knee popped in and out of its socket. It felt very unstable, so I decided to go to an urgent aid center. They said it was a minor injury and I should be fine after a couple days to a week of rest. I had a lot going on at the time, so I went back to running cross country and playing soccer as soon as I could. I felt fine for a couple months, and then I was tripped during a soccer game and my knee became aggravated again.
What Happened?
I went to a new doctor who told me I had torn my lateral meniscus. It didn't seem too serious, and he said after about a month of physical therapy I should be fine. I took the month off and went to physical therapy twice a week, but my knee was still swollen, which caused some concern. I went to get an MRI after this, and I found out a lot more was wrong. My ACL was completely torn, and I had tears in both my medial and lateral menisci as well. This was a shock to everyone since I was in NO pain whatsoever. My family and I consulted with my doctor and he said the best option would be an ACL reconstructive surgery, and he would repair my menisci as well. After that was complete, he came to the conclusion that the reason I was in no pain was because my leg muscles had been so strong. That explains why I had NO IDEA my injury was so serious.
Lessons Learned
- Swelling = BAD!
- Get an MRI as soon as possible, I waited a couple months since I didn't think one was necessary. If I had gotten one earlier, I would have gotten surgery earlier and I wouldn't have to use my crutches in the icy Chicago weather.
- Make sure you're doctor checks for the worst case scenario when evaluating your injury just to be safe.
- When you're told to take time off, take it off. It will benefit you in the long run.
- Stay optimistic. The situation you find yourself in may suck, but things can ALWAYS be worse. Make sure you look towards the light at the end of the tunnel.
