I was wondering there for awhile. Wednesday was just as bad, if not worse, than Tuesday. But my doctor has evening office hours Wednesdays, and I got in to see him.
The verdict: No meniscus tear, but rather, a “frictional effusion.” In other words, fluid on the knee caused by rubbing. That’s what made it impossible for me to bend my knee.
The prescription: A “steroid blast.” Prednisone, in large doses last night, the same amount spread out over the day today, then declining amounts over the next four days until the pills are used up. That, combined with heat.
So I took the big Prednisone dose last night, and wrapped my knee in a heating pad. What a difference! By the time I was ready for bed, I was able to walk with almost a full range of motion in the knee — not limping with the leg held out stiffly.
It ain’t perfect. I did the heat wrap again this morning before leaving for work, and it was good. But a day on the job — walking around, up and down stairs, which in some cases are unavoidable — took its toll. I’m stiff-legged again.
But I’m home, with the heat wrap out again, and tomorrow is my easiest work day of the week. So I’m looking forward to a good day.
But the bummer is the weather. Spring has decided to come to Texas. It was 68°F (20°C) today, and the forecast looks equally good over the weekend. But I’ll be off the bike. I’ll make the sacrifice now, in order to be able to ride on my schedule for the rest of the year. It’s driving me nuts.