Hi, I've been through sort of a meniscus tear also. I tore mine in April-2011 (couldn't walk without crutches for 3 weeks) And then wore a knee brace for 2 months…. After that I was able to walk normally but not run ( I didn't take any pysiotherapy)
Id say depends how much of a tear you have the longer it will take. To this date I can run, but not without feeling a slight pain when I finish running.
Hi, I've been through sort of a meniscus tear also. I tore mine in April-2011 (couldn't walk without crutches for 3 weeks) And then wore a knee brace for 2 months…. After that I was able to walk normally but not run ( I didn't take any pysiotherapy)
Id say depends how much of a tear you have the longer it will take. To this date I can run, but not without feeling a slight pain when I finish running.
Thank you for your reply. I made a mistake doing squats with heavy weights and moving down all the way to the ground. I should have made the squats much shallower, and now I no longer do them. I used to do a lot of bicycling and now I have cut that in half. Every day I use cold therapy after I bicycle and it helps a lot with the pain. Like you, I had to use crutches for a couple of weeks, now I can bicycle again, but the pain is not over yet. I heard that such an injury could take six months to a year to heal...
Hi, I've been through sort of a meniscus tear also. I tore mine in April-2011 (couldn't walk without crutches for 3 weeks) And then wore a knee brace for 2 months…. After that I was able to walk normally but not run ( I didn't take any pysiotherapy)
Id say depends how much of a tear you have the longer it will take. To this date I can run, but not without feeling a slight pain when I finish running.
Depends how bad but probably 6-8 weeks just to get back to walking and fairly normal routine. Active release techniques will help loosen he surrounding areas like quad, ham, Lcl, petelar tend, even some tensioning that would happen in the lower leg that needs to be released so there is less torque on the knee. If you have any questions about this you can email me at asher@ashersportstherapy.com
Hi everyone I am dealing with a meniscus tear which I have surgery scheduled for Feb 9th can’t wait. I have been dealing and working with the discomfort for a good year but while I was out with peroneal tendinitis in my right foot weeks in a walking boot (off) my foot for 6 weeks then finally did ultrasound therapy it’s been 9 weeks and tendinitis finally at bay however I was using a knee cart between rooms so I could still cook but unfortunately that is my bad knee that needs the repair so it got worse Dr says easy surgery in out I’m not one to sit around so I’m constantly standing and walking on it that aggravates it a lot Can’t wait for surgery
I have meniscus tear . I am 75 years old . Need to make a decision to have surgery or not…Would like to hear about your surgery and recovery. God Bless .
I have meniscus tear . I am 75 years old . Need to make a decision to have surgery or not…Would like to hear about your surgery and recovery. God Bless .
A meniscus tear can almost always be removed through arthroscopic surgery. Recovery time is reasonable if you do the required PT.
A small tear may eventually dissolve without surgery. Ask your surgeon. It really depends on how much trouble it is causing you. If the knee is locking up frequently, and this does happen temporarily, then it probably needs surgery.
I wouldn't rush it. Ask the Dr if it might resolve on its own. A good surgeon will always use surgery only as a last resort.
I have meniscus tear . I am 75 years old . Need to make a decision to have surgery or not…Would like to hear about your surgery and recovery. God Bless .
At age 72, I suffered a seriously nasty fall onto concrete floor in a warehouse store in June '21. In addition to other damages to left side of body, I incurred meniscus tears (yes in the plural) to the knee along with tendon damages and what the orthopedic specialist called "a bone bruise." The pain was incredibly off the scale (like a 15 out of 10!). Really tough since I have serious reactions (hallucinations, night terrors, vertigo to name a few) to a number of usually prescribed pain medications.
Here it is February '24 and I am still dealing with the aftermath. Have had countless PT, twice which I had to discontinue due to the pain during the sessions and the consequences afterwards. Had an injection into the knee, which had to be repeated 7 months later. Pain under patella, sides of knee, behind the knee (along with visible swelling), down the leg and into thigh. Went for second opinion and that sports medicine specialist ordered another MRI. She emphasized no more PT and ordered a different type of injections (3 in total, spread 2 wks apart), followed by 3 wks of letting the injected material "settle" within the joint, and then PT for 2 months. I went to a different PT center for that round of therapy and it made all the difference. While the pain was not eliminated, I was taught exercises that strengthened the muscles in that leg, particularly around the knee, and that made such welcomed progress for ambulation. But stairs are still a bit of a concern since there is residual pain within the knee. At the post PT checkup last week, my doctor ordered yet another round of the 3 injections. Will probably have PT again after that series, but I am more than happy to avoid surgery altogether.
My body does not respond well to anesthesia so that coupled with my age (now 75), having osteoarthritis in both knees AND fibromyalgia, I am still not interested in surgery. Our daughter had a meniscus tear surgery and she had weeks of followup along with therapy. At the time she was a teen, so definitely more "repairable" than me at this stage in my life!
Waiting for approval from insurance (as happened with the other injections). The shots are a bit painful but I can take it. What I can't take is the thought of all that would be involved with surgery aftercare and great possibility of trading one somewhat tolerable situation for one that could involve more than I want to deal with.
BTW: I do the learned PT knee exercises at home, to maintain the progress that was made post injections last year. I no longer cry when trying to rise from a sitting position (due to the agony of the pain in and around knee) but I do encounter a level of difficulty. Considering all the factors, my age, and pre-existing health issues, I don't have false hopes of making anything resembling "a full recovery"....it is what it is🤔 And I am grateful for my present doctors!
Well you are remarkably resilient and positive for all you've been through.
With all that damage to the meniscus, has your Dr. suggested a total knee replacement? I know, that probably sounds horrific to you, but it seems like you are a candidate. Also, did you tear or do damage to either your ACL or PCL?
I'm 69 y/o and had no meniscus left in either knee. I had them both replaced and feel absolutely great. Now I did not have the other complications you have.
I just suggest you discuss this with a good knee surgeon with experience in TKRs. (My surgeon also used the Stryker/Mako robotic assistant in my knee replacements.)
On a positive note, you are seeing some relief from PT, although I understand that has been in fits and starts. Good for you and please keep that up. I did PT before AND after my knee replacements and it was very helpful.
And in a TKR, the ACL and PCL, if they are intact, are removed.
Well you are remarkably resilient and positive for all you've been through.
With all that damage to the meniscus, has your Dr. suggested a total knee replacement? I know, that probably sounds horrific to you, but it seems like you are a candidate. Also, did you tear or do damage to either your ACL or PCL?
I'm 69 y/o and had no meniscus left in either knee. I had them both replaced and feel absolutely great. Now I did not have the other complications you have.
I just suggest you discuss this with a good knee surgeon with experience in TKRs. (My surgeon also used the Stryker/Mako robotic assistant in my knee replacements.)
On a positive note, you are seeing some relief from PT, although I understand that has been in fits and starts. Good for you and please keep that up. I did PT before AND after my knee replacements and it was very helpful.
And in a TKR, the ACL and PCL, if they are intact, are removed.
Joe, so nice of you to respond!😊
No, ACL and PCL are both fine👍🏼. Surprising, considering the tremendous impact onto the concrete floor...My doctor has not indicated that any type of surgery is indicated. I am also dealing with osteoarthritis in both knees, which colors the picture. Plus the nerve damage. And did I mention that polymyalgia rheumatica and fibromyalgia keep me company as well?
I so relish days when all of those little demons stay in the background ---those are what I call "good days"!!
As I wrote in previous post, I'm looking to avoid any surgery. My system unfortunately REACTS horribly to anesthesia. (and pain meds)..last time I had it (in 2009), I passed out (in my hospital room, in bed) after asking my husband why there was a giant black spider making its way from the far wall to the ceiling..later I developed a whole-body itch, confusion, and a nasty headache. And there's enough going on with the nerve damage in that leg, so Im' not looking to aggravate anything. I'm willing to follow what my sports medicine doctor has been doing. So much more intelligent approach and involvement than what previous doctors (from the medical group that I altogether left) did and did not do. She earned my trust with the plan that she effectuated to release me of the rotator cuff and ulnar pain that was inflicted on the left should from the same fall that affected the lower part of my body. Before seeing her, my life was just total agonizing pain. Have had no pain in arm/shoulder since 2022!
I do thank you for making time to post your info. Your situation is clearly very different. I'm happy for you that you again have the use of your knees! I'm adjusting to the guidelines of how to do activities and which ones to delete altogether. I've always been a prolific baker and love to cook. Today, I baked gluten free brownies (rich in protein, using almond flour and adding hemp seeds), and made roasted butternut squash soup. I take my time, and sit as needed at the kitchen table or island. I double most recipes so that there's always something to heat up on days that I'm especially not well. I've accepted using a cane when we go out but just can't wrap my head on the idea of a rollator. Perhaps in due time, but just not yet....
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Hi, I've been through sort of a meniscus tear also. I tore mine in April-2011 (couldn't walk without crutches for 3 weeks) And then wore a knee brace for 2 months…. After that I was able to walk normally but not run ( I didn't take any pysiotherapy)
Id say depends how much of a tear you have the longer it will take. To this date I can run, but not without feeling a slight pain when I finish running.
Just my two cents, and experience.
Thank you for your reply. I made a mistake doing squats with heavy weights and moving down all the way to the ground. I should have made the squats much shallower, and now I no longer do them. I used to do a lot of bicycling and now I have cut that in half. Every day I use cold therapy after I bicycle and it helps a lot with the pain. Like you, I had to use crutches for a couple of weeks, now I can bicycle again, but the pain is not over yet. I heard that such an injury could take six months to a year to heal...
Riding a bike also causes me some discomfort and pain... but thats only when going uphill on flat surfaces I can manage.
As for squats, I try to avoid those completely, anything over 15kilo's and me bending my knees will be discomforting.
Depends how bad but probably 6-8 weeks just to get back to walking and fairly normal routine. Active release techniques will help loosen he surrounding areas like quad, ham, Lcl, petelar tend, even some tensioning that would happen in the lower leg that needs to be released so there is less torque on the knee. If you have any questions about this you can email me at asher@ashersportstherapy.com
Hope you feel better
Hi everyone I am dealing with a meniscus tear which I have surgery scheduled for Feb 9th can’t wait. I have been dealing and working with the discomfort for a good year but while I was out with peroneal tendinitis in my right foot weeks in a walking boot (off) my foot for 6 weeks then finally did ultrasound therapy it’s been 9 weeks and tendinitis finally at bay however I was using a knee cart between rooms so I could still cook but unfortunately that is my bad knee that needs the repair so it got worse Dr says easy surgery in out I’m not one to sit around so I’m constantly standing and walking on it that aggravates it a lot Can’t wait for surgery
I have meniscus tear . I am 75 years old . Need to make a decision to have surgery or not…Would like to hear about your surgery and recovery. God Bless .
A meniscus tear can almost always be removed through arthroscopic surgery. Recovery time is reasonable if you do the required PT.
A small tear may eventually dissolve without surgery. Ask your surgeon. It really depends on how much trouble it is causing you. If the knee is locking up frequently, and this does happen temporarily, then it probably needs surgery.
I wouldn't rush it. Ask the Dr if it might resolve on its own. A good surgeon will always use surgery only as a last resort.
All the best!
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1 ReactionAt age 72, I suffered a seriously nasty fall onto concrete floor in a warehouse store in June '21. In addition to other damages to left side of body, I incurred meniscus tears (yes in the plural) to the knee along with tendon damages and what the orthopedic specialist called "a bone bruise." The pain was incredibly off the scale (like a 15 out of 10!). Really tough since I have serious reactions (hallucinations, night terrors, vertigo to name a few) to a number of usually prescribed pain medications.
Here it is February '24 and I am still dealing with the aftermath. Have had countless PT, twice which I had to discontinue due to the pain during the sessions and the consequences afterwards. Had an injection into the knee, which had to be repeated 7 months later. Pain under patella, sides of knee, behind the knee (along with visible swelling), down the leg and into thigh. Went for second opinion and that sports medicine specialist ordered another MRI. She emphasized no more PT and ordered a different type of injections (3 in total, spread 2 wks apart), followed by 3 wks of letting the injected material "settle" within the joint, and then PT for 2 months. I went to a different PT center for that round of therapy and it made all the difference. While the pain was not eliminated, I was taught exercises that strengthened the muscles in that leg, particularly around the knee, and that made such welcomed progress for ambulation. But stairs are still a bit of a concern since there is residual pain within the knee. At the post PT checkup last week, my doctor ordered yet another round of the 3 injections. Will probably have PT again after that series, but I am more than happy to avoid surgery altogether.
My body does not respond well to anesthesia so that coupled with my age (now 75), having osteoarthritis in both knees AND fibromyalgia, I am still not interested in surgery. Our daughter had a meniscus tear surgery and she had weeks of followup along with therapy. At the time she was a teen, so definitely more "repairable" than me at this stage in my life!
Waiting for approval from insurance (as happened with the other injections). The shots are a bit painful but I can take it. What I can't take is the thought of all that would be involved with surgery aftercare and great possibility of trading one somewhat tolerable situation for one that could involve more than I want to deal with.
BTW: I do the learned PT knee exercises at home, to maintain the progress that was made post injections last year. I no longer cry when trying to rise from a sitting position (due to the agony of the pain in and around knee) but I do encounter a level of difficulty. Considering all the factors, my age, and pre-existing health issues, I don't have false hopes of making anything resembling "a full recovery"....it is what it is🤔 And I am grateful for my present doctors!
Hi Delia,
Well you are remarkably resilient and positive for all you've been through.
With all that damage to the meniscus, has your Dr. suggested a total knee replacement? I know, that probably sounds horrific to you, but it seems like you are a candidate. Also, did you tear or do damage to either your ACL or PCL?
I'm 69 y/o and had no meniscus left in either knee. I had them both replaced and feel absolutely great. Now I did not have the other complications you have.
I just suggest you discuss this with a good knee surgeon with experience in TKRs. (My surgeon also used the Stryker/Mako robotic assistant in my knee replacements.)
On a positive note, you are seeing some relief from PT, although I understand that has been in fits and starts. Good for you and please keep that up. I did PT before AND after my knee replacements and it was very helpful.
And in a TKR, the ACL and PCL, if they are intact, are removed.
All the best. Joe
Joe, so nice of you to respond!😊
No, ACL and PCL are both fine👍🏼. Surprising, considering the tremendous impact onto the concrete floor...My doctor has not indicated that any type of surgery is indicated. I am also dealing with osteoarthritis in both knees, which colors the picture. Plus the nerve damage. And did I mention that polymyalgia rheumatica and fibromyalgia keep me company as well?
I so relish days when all of those little demons stay in the background ---those are what I call "good days"!!
As I wrote in previous post, I'm looking to avoid any surgery. My system unfortunately REACTS horribly to anesthesia. (and pain meds)..last time I had it (in 2009), I passed out (in my hospital room, in bed) after asking my husband why there was a giant black spider making its way from the far wall to the ceiling..later I developed a whole-body itch, confusion, and a nasty headache. And there's enough going on with the nerve damage in that leg, so Im' not looking to aggravate anything. I'm willing to follow what my sports medicine doctor has been doing. So much more intelligent approach and involvement than what previous doctors (from the medical group that I altogether left) did and did not do. She earned my trust with the plan that she effectuated to release me of the rotator cuff and ulnar pain that was inflicted on the left should from the same fall that affected the lower part of my body. Before seeing her, my life was just total agonizing pain. Have had no pain in arm/shoulder since 2022!
I do thank you for making time to post your info. Your situation is clearly very different. I'm happy for you that you again have the use of your knees! I'm adjusting to the guidelines of how to do activities and which ones to delete altogether. I've always been a prolific baker and love to cook. Today, I baked gluten free brownies (rich in protein, using almond flour and adding hemp seeds), and made roasted butternut squash soup. I take my time, and sit as needed at the kitchen table or island. I double most recipes so that there's always something to heat up on days that I'm especially not well. I've accepted using a cane when we go out but just can't wrap my head on the idea of a rollator. Perhaps in due time, but just not yet....