garethzbarker

I've been having pain in my knee for a year. A doctor told me I tore my muscle. Today I went to a new doctor and ordered an MRI. The MRI showed I have a slightly 'worn' ligament in my left knee (behind the kneecap).
The doctor said I can bike but moderately. He said I need to scrap any plans for distance riding I had. He also said this will never heal fully and I'm going to have to just deal with it. He said I can still do my ride across KOrea this summer but don't be suprised by pain. Anyone have a problem like this? I don't hammer by the way, pretty sure this actually all started way back when I did floor construction out of high school.

Neil_B

I summoned the powers of Google and searched for "knee worn ligament." I'm not finding a good description or treatment for the problem. Does your doctor mean you have a tear? Or is it cartiledge that's worn? I suffer from the latter, and if you have it, it's irreversible, but treatable.

RVH

I am assuming that when you said "behind the knee" that you are referring to the ACL. Rarely do ACLs heal themself. Only the MCL in the knee heals itself. I tore my MCL as part of my knee replacement rehab and in eight weeks it was healed.

I've had knee issues for thirty years and have never run across the term "worn ligament". You might ask your doctor for a more precise explanation. In my experience, even people with torn ACLs who opted for not having the surgery have had good luck in getting back by getting lots of exercise, including the bike. I'd want to know why he said to scrap the long distance rides. Is it only about pain? Or, does he think that you can damage it any further. Ligaments don't wear out like knees/cartilage.

My surgeon is very good about answering questions by email. If you have an email address for him/her then ask for a more precise explanation. Also, ask for a copy of the radiologist's report from your MRI. You won't understand much of it, but even the little bit you do understand will help you.

Bob