I have a grade 2 MCL tear that i did 4 weeks ago. I can now walk pain free but it still hurts to run or twist and the joint feels more unstable compared to my other knee.
I am wondering about when to start riding again and whether a brace will be needed? Appreciate others advice for similar injuries.
I start physio tomorrow, ill ask his advice also.
I did the same thing riding a strapless surfboard, I don't know what grade mine was though and I haven't worn a knee brace.
From memory I went back out in the water once I could walk and run with out pain, I would still get this weird feeling like my knee would twist or slip out a lot when I ran though, but I didn't have this feeling when I was on my surfboard as my feet were pretty much planted.
I think I went out 2ish weeks or so after I did it (I have a feeling it was closer to 3-4), my physio told me not to jump or use anything with straps. I did try a jump on my TT though and it felt weird and kind of hurt.
I didn't use a knee brace at all and just took it easy on my surfboard, I don't think I rode toeside because I was scared my knee would slip out and I think it also hurt a tad.
You know the feeling you get when you run, like your knee is going to twist and give way, well swimming does this but it's much worse so just body drag using your kite.
Just ride a surfboard and don't use any straps and you should be right.
Give it a break for a few weeks to 4
U need to strengthen your qauds guts eta with static exercises empasising the medial side of ur knee. I held a squat position against a wall for 30sec periods 4 times per day ensuring knee was online. I hope this is helpful. It nothing to worry about but can get worse
I did a stage 2/3 a few years back, I kited about a week later with a nice knee brace... it sucks not having that inner strength
Thanks guys, i know I've got to build it up. I'm bored and want to ride though (still don't want to trash it though!) Figured if i were to get a brace id get out earlier but its a lot of outlay if i don't need it down the track.
Do you still use your brace Sunny?
Kiteboardingexercises.com
Dr Sarah Ellis has put a great site together
Pre and post op, your physio can do a test to access your condition
Building those muscle groups certainly helps, as mentioned ski squats are great for strengthening, IMHO braces assist with injury but also aid muscle waste
I am just getting over a grade 1 MCL tear, that I did 5 weeks ago in a wakeskate crash. I was told 3-6 weeks to full recovery and it's back to 90% now. When I did it, I negotiated with my physio so that I was able to kite a week later (no wakeboarding), but I had to take it easy and only ride the strapless surfboard, so that if I fell I would fall cleanly. Definitely no jumping was allowed. I didn't use a brace. Your physio will be able to test the stability, and assess risk. Hopefully they will concede to gentle strapless riding. Fingers crossed for you 
Hey Nick,
Did mine last November, grade 3. Riding strapless, went to do a big carve at the end of a 2 hour downwinder, wax was soft and worn, foot skidded off board, hyper extended knee, ping. Felt like I'd smashed my knee into the board.
Took around 8 weeks before I got back on the water. Wore a brace for about 6 weeks, gave good support. Still got some twinges when i first got back into it but they gradually eased.
Like Cauncy said, do lots of excercises, these really help. Also I did a lot of stretching, to gently work the joint and stop it from stiffening up
If you want to try my brace for size you are welcome to
Good luck.
