Pain 11 weeks after patella fracture: Wear a brace?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

11 weeks ago had a nondisplaced vertical patella fracture and level II MCL damage.

* Doctor said no surgery was not needed.

* Wore a plaster splint (weeks 1-3), then a hard cast (weeks 3-4), followed by    a knee brace locked at 90 degrees(weeks 5-8).

* Took the brace off at week 9.

My recovery has been mixed. Now I'm still feeling lots of tension and some pain and swelling. Feel like the knee is not stable. Would it be a good idea to put the knee brace back on? I feel like I need to try walking naturally without the brace at week 11. Maybe I've been walking too much (6000 to 10000 steps per day, taking one flight of stairs only when necessary).

Also, would an open patella slip on sleeve brace be beneficial?

Want to start building up my quads too, but worried that quad extensions might exacerbate the problem. The isometric straight leg exercises with ankle weights help some, but I'm not really gaining any muscle or strength doing them.

Or, maybe my recovery is normal after 11 weeks but I'm just expecting too much?

2

What does your doctor say? He or she should answer your questions. Good luck!

3

Well, I'd like to hear the experiences of other patients with a similar condition. Of course anyone with a question could just ask their doctor,

4

You are in a marathon, not a splint.

Safe-T-Sport knee brace...Amazon

RICE...rest, ice, elevation

5

I want to start doing leg extensions using light weights.  The info I've read says it's okay after 10 weeks.  Anyone with any experince

6

too soon...maybe your physician will give you the go ahead at week twelve