How can a 24-year-old man recover from patella surgery?

Question

Hello doctor.

My 24-year-old brother pulled his patella muscle two weeks ago. He underwent surgery on it, and everything went well. Since then, he has iced his knee as needed, walked without crutches, and continued to wear his knee brace. The problem is that he is having issues with the lower portion of his leg. He has not been able to elevate his calf or foot since surgery. He can lift his thigh by flexing it, but he is unable to raise anything below his knee. He did not perform any workouts after surgery, but he has gotten up and started walking.

Is this a nerve problem, or does that muscle grow so weak that quickly?
Do you have any suggestions on what he should do?

He has had no previous knee problems or operations. Also, suggest necessary medications for pain relief.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Muscles do not generally get weak so quickly. However, if you claim he is unable to lift below the knee, then he requires an in-person examination of both nerves and pain management. It would be ideal if you could contact your surgeon. In the event of non-surgical abnormalities being seen after the assessment, guided physical therapy should be beneficial.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.