A week ago today I fell (in the dark) when I
stepped in a hidden hole (snow covered), my knee twisted and I fell
awkwardly. It was very painful, and I writhed around on the ground for a
minute or so before I could get brave enough to try to stand up. Luckily,
I could walk but my knee was feeling very odd. Left leg, by the way.
I've been very, very careful with it this past week, and it definitely is
better. However, it's still a l-o-n-g way from 100%, especially with
sideways motion. It's sore to the touch on the inside next to the kneecap,
it's not swollen (it never did swell), but it still hurts to move in certain
ways - to the side or turning. And, my kneecap occasionally
makes slight popping sounds, not painful when it pops, from time to time when I
walk on it. Obviously, I'm walking very carefully, and staying off it as
much as possible. But I'm not sure if that's the best thing to
do!
My question is -- should I stay off of it, or
is it better to walk carefully and gradually keep working my knee slowly,
in the movements that "hurt" -- even though it hurts? Will that help
it or hurt it? (and yes, this is definitely horse/riding/ etc.
related because I obviously can't ride or condition with my knee
hurt!!)
Guess I may have to actually break down and go to
the doctor (!) if this doesn't start improving, faster, soon. I don't
have health insurance so I'm avoiding that as long as I can. (probably not
the smart thing to do, I know)
