An athletic person getting yet another injury

[Mike03]

Yesterday I sustained an injury to my left knee. It is either simple bursitis or (more likely) a meniscus tear.

This is a question to athletes who depend on their sports to keep them happy, vibrant, and feeling good and alive.

How do you deal with setbacks and injuries???

I find this so depressing, I cannot even express it properly. It seems that just at the moment when I get back on my game, something goes wrong, either with my neck, back or knee. I'm getting so depressed.

Can anyone recommend any resources online for athletes and injuries, or just some advice in general.

It would be very much appreciated.

[mokawanis]

1. the only advice I can give

is to hang in there and don't give up hope. I tore my left knee up really bad about 15 years ago in a basketball game. I went to several doctors, including one of the best knee specialists in the US, and they all told me the knee was permanently damaged and that I would probably have to give up basketball and backpacking, two of my fave activities.

As depressing as that was, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make the best of the situation, so I joined a gym and worked my injured leg like crazy, building up the muscles around the knee. That was 15 years ago and I have been carrying a heavy backpack up steep mountain slopes every year since then. In a few months I head for northern CA for another hike, and will hopefully continue to pursue athletic endeavors for many years to come.

Give yourself time to heal, and it may take a long time, but don't give up hope.

[mitchum]

2. I have never fallen off a barstool or injured myself with a cigarette lighter

food for thought...:)

[siligut]

3. Have you heard of Arnica?

It doesn’t stink and actually works best on new injuries. It is naturopathic, but there is no denying, it works. Also, if exercise/sports is your salvation, adjust to your age because it just won’t adjust to you.

[scarpa43]

4. I feel your pain, literally

I used to be in great shape but a desk job took care of that, but i have been working out lately and been getting better.

Part of my return to fitness was joining a softball league.

Long story short, first game, first inning, first at bat, first step towards first base and my Achilles tendon decides to snap in two.

It is now 3 weeks after the surgery and i have about 3 more weeks of a cast and then 6 weeks in a boot to look forward to.

I am pretty tired of crutches and having to be taken care of.....