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how to regain full use of knee (without surgery) after meniscus tear
Hello: I am a 70 year young male in generally good health. 3 months ago while playing pickle ball (BTW a great game that I really enjoy), I made a twisting movement and my knee stiffened up on me. Long story short, a post injury MRI showed a complex degenerative tear involving body and posterior horn of the medial meniscus. No prior knee issues or surgery and all ligaments in knee are fine with only a little osteoarthritis. Following the injury I had 3 months of PT concentrating on strengthening quads and hips and trying to regain full ROM of knee. After 1.5 months, I reached a plateau from which I have been unable to make progress. No issue sleeping. I can walk just fine and even hike but when hiking downhill I favor the affected knee. Indoor cycling feels really good with no pain at all in my knee. When I use the knee in question, pain is quite minor (but I have been unable to resume pickle ball). Orthopedic surgeon (who does 20 knee surgeries every week) suggests meniscotomy to trim meniscus or suggests steroid injection. My internist advises not to rush to surgery and suggests I consider steroid injection with more PT. I am generally with him--reluctant to have elective surgery or to inject stuff into my knee. But I like the idea of more PT. Would love to hear about how anyone similarly situated dealt with this and about your results. Many thanks
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When they perform meniscus surgery they remove the piece(s) that are unattached. They don’t remove all your meniscus during surgery. I’m guessing you’ve developed arthritis of the knee which is aggravating the issue too. The one thing about PT the exercises you receive from them you shouldn’t ever stop doing and keep up your walking.
My husband who just turned 80 and is in perfect health just had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He had a meniscus tear on both sides. The orthopedic practice we go to has different surgeons specialize in different things. The surgeon that did the surgery only does arthroscopic surgery not complete replacements. My husband is 6 feet tall 220. He still runs his commercial real estate company. He had his surgery on Thursday and went to work on Monday. Didn't even take a Tylenol. He even walked two miles yesterday. No PT was necessary. The surgery was last month. You could try injections but if you do you can't have the surgery for a few months after.