dvdslw

I'm kind of bummed out this morning because I had a freak accident last Thursday at work and injured my knee. I'm an auto mechanic and was walking across the garage carrying some heavy parts when I walked into an engine block that had a nice little pointy stud sticking out of it that punctured my left knee all the way down to the cap. As soon as it happened I put the parts down and didn't even want to look but I did and you could see about a 1/4in down in there and I hurt like hell. For the last couple days my knee has been really sore when I get up but feels fine after getting up and around, it's still a bit swollen and warm to the touch but today I wake up pain free and the swelling is gone so should I attempt a ride or give it some more time? I'm off either Wendsday or Thursday this week so I can get one in later or would it be good to maybe go for a short ride to keep the range of motion thing going on during the healing process? It's a beautiful 72 degree morning down here today???

Silvercivic27

I vote for day off.

datlas 

How about going for a super easy ride? And stop if knee starts to hurt.

fuel0707

Have you seen a doctor about the wound? If so, what did that person say about riding and/or exercise?

Perhaps you could split the difference on riding by setting up your bike in a trainer for a light spin. That way, if your knee does start to hurt from the exertion, you are already at home and able to quickly stop using the damaged knee.

dvdslw

Unfortunately I haven't been to see a Dr. although I probably should have. I've had several work related injuries over the years and unless I'm bleeding profusely or in too much pain to be mobile I'll tough it out and see what happens. My wife has been saying every day "Go see a Dr or your legs going to fall off" but it seems to be healing up pretty good and I think I'll just take the day off and ride later on in the week, maybe a short ride on the mtb with the kids today just to see what happens? I wish I had a trainer and I'm hoping Santa brings me one this year!

Silvercivic27

I'd take Florida winter over a trainer any day! I wish I didn't have a trainer, lol.

rangerdavid

recover from any injury is important. rest. recover. the bike will be there.

BENZ28

I had a similar injury last year. I was dumb...Ill preface the story with that. I was doing my parents a favor taking care of their dogs while they were out of town and it was pouring down rain. I was running around the back of their house to the back door(simply because it was the only door I had a key to) when I slipped and fell in the wet grass and slid into the wooden 2X6 that stick out from their deck, knee hit first. Sliced my knee down to bone. I made it inside after a few choice words, and fed the dogs and grabbed a towel and wrapped up my knee as it bled like crazy, and made my way to the ER where I got stiches. I was off the bike for almost 6 months while the muscles that I messed up in the process healed. Wound healed in about 6 weeks knee ligaments healed in about 6 months with rehab. I still have pain in my knee from time to time.

That said take your time and heal it right. The pain was deceiving. It would feel great and I thought I could begin to ride, however after a long day of work being on my feet I would be crazy swollen and inflamed. At the least you should get it X-rayed. Your doc shouldn't have an issue ordering one

surgeonstone

If it's no longer swollen and not red or inflamed and you have no pain then cycle. If it starts to hurt then stop. If it continues to then hurt then see a doc .
That'll be 50 dollars please.

leolol

you americans dont have it easy with doctors, I know. But when you have a deepish wound you should just go, they can treat it and you'll be back on the road in no time. If you dont treat it right it can take a while or heal in a wierd way.

LesterOfPuppets

If you're under 30 then go ride. Over 40 then stay home. In between, flip a coin.

3alarmer 

...I would have told him that for 20 bucks. That board certified surgeon upcharge is a racket, man. #nttawwt

3alarmer 

...I don't think I'd stay home if it was this obvious the ol' lady was pissed at me. And you know I'm old.

LesterOfPuppets

He shoulda married a nurse.

surgeonstone

You want to talk rackets? How about this....https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/us...T.nav=top-news I read this and know in a moment all that is wrong with medicine. Simply absurd, unconscionable, perverted. That any surgeon could charge 150,000 dollars for any operation stuns me.

3alarmer 

...thanks for that link. I now realize that if I drop in to assist you in one of these threads, I ought to be charging more in the neighborhood of 35-40 bucks. #grateful

Darth Lefty 

When was your last tetanus shot?

dvdslw

1999

a1penguin

I for one want to extend my riding days for as many years as possible. Hence, I believe in making sure you don't do permanent damage and vote for taking time off when something hurts. I had a barely moving tip-over due to toe overlap and somehow ended up with bruised ribs. WTF?! I took several days off, and then did a bit of riding around the block and neighborhood to make sure I was going to be OK riding.

The problem with injuries, is that that you can cause problems to other parts of your body your injury causes you to ride in an unnatural position and the other parts have to compensate.

I won't make comment about seeking medical attention. I think that people who bike are well advised to have an up to date tetanus shot; sliding along the pavement is a real threat to cyclists.

look566 rider

Ummm... Workmans comp? If you injured yourself at work, you should go see the doctor and let him tell what is going on. You should not have to pay anything.

dvdslw

As an auto mechanic I'm considered Self Employed so workers comp doesn't work for me. I do however have health insurance and still choose not to go which results in a lot of static from my wife (and rightfully so). I decided to not ride yesterday and my knee feels almost 100% so I plan to go out sometime this week for a short run to see how it goes.

WhyFi

If you go, will there be trouble?

K.Katso

If he stays, will it be double?