In mid-August, I was playing a competitive game of pickleball. I crashed the net to hit a backhand before changing directions to hit the returning forehand when something in my left knee didn’t feel right. It was almost like when you hit the brakes on your bike and there is an initial slow down but not a complete brake; sometimes requiring you to press even harder for a mild improvement. I was able to finish the game with minimal discomfort; however, my knee just felt inherently different.
Fast forward a couple weeks—I’m returning from a planned holiday, with the overwhelming thought that I may need to have surgery to repair my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
Injuries happen. I know this better than most people having been an integral part of countless patients’ recoveries as well as my fair share. I’ve rehabbed my hamstring, my back, my Achilles, my MCL, my neck, and my shoulder. They were all consequential at the time—holding me out from competitions, activities, and affecting a level of comfort while completing school. But, so far, none have seemed to hit me this hard. It might be because of the terrible timing, as I recently made the decision to start a business, or the prospect of not being able to satisfy my mind and body the way I’m used to. I’m not quite sure why yet; I’m hoping to figure it out.
After a month of uncertainty, leaning on friends and family, rehabbing my knee by myself and consulting with a surgeon, I was diagnosed with a bad sprain but no ACL tear. Thank god! I now look at my joint and ligament laxity more positively than ever! I’m not out of the woods yet, but I look forward to the process of continuing to rehab my knee. I’ll be taking the conservative route, but should be back playing in 12 weeks.
In the coming weeks, I hope to continue to share my journey in the best biopsychosocial way I know how. In doing so, I hope to connect with and educate others on the rehab process.
Until next time, ✌️
-Elaina