I've had four arthroscopies on my knees for, among other things, torn menisci. I was in my late 40s. In my late 60s I had both knees replaced due to osteoarthritis and years of marathons. My knees feel great now and I'm in the gym every day. But no impact exercises - running, basketball, tennis, and on, which is fine. I do a lot of spin classes and love it.

My understanding is that small tears in the meniscus can eventually dissolve/resolve without arthroscopy. The best thing would be to see a good orthopedic Dr specializing in knees. He or she would know if surgery is required. Most MRIs are inconclusive.

It sounds like your knees are improving. Mine never did improve, and the torn meniscus would cause the knee to lock up from time to time. I also had a cyst behind my knee removed during one surgery.

Sounds like you may be able to avoid surgery. I'd talk to a good Dr - and that means a surgeon whose first recommendation isn't surgery, at least not without a lot of justification.

All the best!