When is the right time?

[OpusArmstrong]

Hello and thank you for reading so far.  In 2007, I slipped on a piece of pecan pie and tore my ACL and did some other damage intermittently.  In May 2011, I had arthroscopic surgery.  My knee continues to slip out of place, but I can pop it back in.  Also, I cannot walk very far without being down for a few days after.  I saw my ortho surgeon yesterday.  He recommended Aleve 2 X per day.  My PCP prescribes 30 hydrocodone per month.  I am happy to have them because they help, but honestly, its not enough to make it bearable for me to clean my house, shop for groceries, walk the dog.  
I have an appointment with my primary care physician on Thursday, and I could ask her for a referral, but I am afraid to ask for a referral to pain management.  I don't want to be left with nothing and the pain management clinics are not always reliable.  If I got a referral from her, that would mean the end of that script and I'm not sure of the validity of the pain clinic (or how long I would completely without).  What would you do?

[Totie]

Did you do your PT after surgery? I had surgery back in Mar 2012 for this. I had intense thearpy 2 x weekly for about 2 months.

I have my full range of motion BUT like you my knee cap gets off track & I have to jerk my knee back in a quick motion or try to maunevere it until I can hear the pop. It is called an unstable knee cap.

Look on line for knee excersices you can do to strengthen your knee muscles & ligaments & even the knee cap.

You need thearpy, not pain management. My knee still swells from time to time & I can't do inclines or stairs like I used to, but I continue to do my knee strengthening regiments to keep it strong. I manage my pain with advil

Ask for PT if you haven't done so. Pain mgmnt is not going to help, unless they know about knees. Or you just want pain medication, but that is not really going to solve the issue of your knee.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!

An injury to anterior cruciate ligmament (ACL) and other knee injuries can be managed conservatively. If at all you need referral, it is to a sports injury center or to an orthopedic specialist.

Usually conservative management includes knee braces while walking and physical therapy. You should rest the knee as much as possible and apply ice packs every day for 5-10 minutes, twice a day. When you sit or sleep, elevate the leg. Avoid prolonged standing. All these will help reduce the pain and you can manage on the medications prescribed by your doctor. Take care!