Anybody ever have a Meniscus Tear in their knee?

I walk for a living and everytime I walk, I get pain and it gets worse as the day goes by.

I feel like I've been sent to hell as payment for some past crime. But I must work.

 

MM- funny I should come across your post at this time. I'm scheduled for surgery on Wednesday to have my MCL repaired (right knee). This is the second time I've torn it in the right knee. First time there was no incident that actually caused it that I can think of, they say it can just happen sometimes. But this time I slid on wet grass when taking the dog out for a walk and felt it go. I've been wearing one of those neoprene sleeves on it which seems to help but hopefully the surgery will be successful. The only thing is, I remember after the last surgery, it took a couple months for the pain to stop. Had to go to physical therapy and stuff, but it eventually felt better. Good luck with yours.

 

Wow, I can deal with the pain, I just want to start running again. From the way it sounds this could be a recurring problem for me. Thanks for the information.

 

How did she tear it?

 

Had my surgery on Wednesday. All went well and they repaired the tear. I go to see the Dr. next week. In the meantime I have to keep it wrapped and dry. Hurts like heck today but they gave me some pain medication to help. This cold damp weather doesn't help any either! If you have a tear I don't think it's something that will repair itself. I think you're going to have to get it surgically repaired. If you don't, I don't think you'll be running. I would think it could even make it worse if you kept trying.

 

I hope you recovery is quick and not too painful. My doc said I need arthroscopic surgery. But may need more than just repairing the meniscus.

I hope she has a speedy recovery also. I know I've put on some more weight just in this last month from not running. I feel like crap...

 

I didn't have knee surgery, but I had surgery on both my lower legs (muscles) and I can only mention to not rush the recovery, take your time and follow the doc/therapists advice. I had my surgery while I was on the police department, so I rushed. I had complications after surgery that put me out of work then on light duty for about 2 months, I had to enter my 2nd training academy 3 months after surgery and I'd been unable to do anything for 2 months, so I forced my therapy and was running before the therapist had estimated I'd be back to walking. Well I ended up injuring the supporting muscles from overuse/compensation from the injured area and in the end had to leave the PD permanently. I was young and determined and lost everything I was working for. I know you want to remain active, but do not force/rush your recovery. I wish you well in your surgery and recovery, keep up posted.

 

Hot T glad your surgery went ok and you are on your way to recovery....its winter anyway, you'll be ready for the nicer weather this way!!

MM -- did he schedule you for your surgery? Yup going in is really the only way they really know unfortunately but the scope is less intrusive & makes healing faster, less trama on the joint! It took me awhile to adopt different exercises like the elliptical or stationary bike instead of running. The elliptical is close but none are the same. I miss running too.

 

I hate to break the bad news to you, but at 47, you will have the torn part taken out. There is no chance of healing that thing. This is not necessarily a bad thing. If your knee is not locking up and getting stuck in a certain position then, you can get a steroid injection and see how that does. If your knee is locking up then you need a scope and the torn part taken out. It doesn't mean its the end of the world. You could start weight-bearing right away. It will stay swollen for a couple weeks at least after surgery. I would not use any narcotics for pain control. Ibuprofen is the perfect drug to take.

 

I had a knee scope done back in November for a medial meniscas tear and to clean up the knee(had the same surgery 11 years ago)
It's pretty close to being worn out according to my doctor,it still hurts a lot of the time,gives out on me and stiffens up a lot.
I used to run about 5 times a week,2-3 miles each day but now i think i need to invest in a bike or an elliptical.
I do building maintainance for a living lots of walking,up and down ladders,kneeling and squating.so that probably contributed to it.
I do pt exersises,ibuprofen and lots of ice I've found a knee brace helps a lot too.
The 1st time i had it done the recovery was much faster,i guess old age is kicking in! lol
Good luck with your surgery!

Denis

 

A meniscus tear is a somewhat common injury for runners. I developed a radial tear on the outside of my left knee from running too fast downhill. When I went to the Dr. he told me an uncut knee is always better than a cut one if it can be avoided. I took a year off from racing and iced it after every run. I gave up running about 5 years after that because of foot problems. Now I swim laps at the pool for exersize. Running is a very compulsive sport and it is hard to give it up. I understand what you're going through. Cartilage removal from the knee will almost guarantee some kind of artritis later on, but if it can't be avoided give it plenty of time to heal and ice after every workout.

 

I am actually surprised they repaired it. Usually unless your an athlete and young there is little benefit to a repair. Plus, the recovery is alot longer. I am at eight weeks after they trimmed my meniscus. I still have a little pain but it is nowhere near as bad as it was. I tore mine about 10 months ago and have been living off of a cortizone shot every two months.

After surgery I iced and kept it elevated for three days and then I was out working on my truck after that with periodic icing. I probably should have went a little easier on it but I'm stupid that way.