Should I get surgery?

[atmiller]

If you tried to let it heal itself and it didn't fully, have the docs look at it again.

You're too young to have knee problems, especially with kids. I had football injuries to my knee and shoulder; the knee needed surgery (screws) and the shoulder healed on its own, but the shoulder took over a year to heal fully. Three years later my bench press is just now getting back to what it was. But others had the shoulder surgery and were worse off afterwards than before.

Give it a chance to heal naturally, but if it doesn't, find a very good doctor to look at it.

[mermaidchaser]

If you opt to not have the surgery, you really should be wearing a good custom brace for your knee whenever you do any kind of stressfull activity since you are missing the the major stabilizers for the knee joint. Any possible reconstruction or repair is easier closer to the time of injury, rather than months or years later. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[StrykerDM]

Originally Posted by scooterj

Ligaments aren't like muscles, they don't heal.

+1

this is also true...

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by StrykerDM

+1

this is also true...

Yes but only technically. Scar tissue does form over ligaments and although only has about 60% of the strength of the actual ligament the ligament is reconnected via scar tissue.

[atmiller]

After my knee surgery, I quite playing semi-pro ball. I have been able to keep up with my weight-lifting. The stresses on the knees are better controlled in the gym.

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by atmiller

After my knee surgery, I quite playing semi-pro ball. I have been able to keep up with my weight-lifting. The stresses on the knees are better controlled in the gym.

Why did you quit? Pain? Level of performance?

[atmiller]

All told it took about a year of surgeries to get my leg fixed. They had to go back in after the initial surgery and take the screws back out, because they had come loose.

Several things came together to cause me to not continue playing ball.

1. My leg is as good as new now, but it has taken a while to build it back up. I realized how lucky I am to not have any permanent damage. I have 2 young children, so I didn't want to risk not being able to play ball with them in 10 years.

2. I also powerlift, so I have another sport to compete in. Guys powerlift into their 60s, so I'll be able to stick with it as I age.

3. I had the opportunity for a promotion at work, but I had to move to Tennessee. This is probably the biggest reason. My salary has doubled since making this move, so it was a fantastic opportunity.

If I were in your shoes, I'd have a doctor check it out and tell him your playing football. My doctor gave me the green light on playing ball, but he did want me to wear a brace that would restrict the lateral movement of my knee. Be safe for your kid.