If you have questions about the injuries or treatments mentioned in this video, or about a sports or exercise injury, subscribe to my channel and click the bell to be notified of my Better Than Ever LIVE! streams, including an Ask Dr. Geier live show I do most Fridays at 12:00 PM ET.
I got an MRI done as ordered by my orthopedic doctor. He said he does not look at the actual MRI and relies totally on the radiologist's report. The report came in and it says I have a meniscus tear and early onset arthritis. It does not specify if it is oblique, radial or lateral. My Ortho doctor has strongly suggested surgery to remove the tear- arthroscopic surgery. He is saying it is absolutely not possible to repair it as in repairing a meniscus is not even a thing, and we can only remove the tear. And I am so confused bc, now other resources in addition to this video is saying a meniscus tear can be repaired based on the type of tear. How can my orthopedic doctor determine that it cannot be repaired when he does not even know what kind of tear it is? Is the following normal? 1. An orthopedic doctor only relying on the radiology reports and not the MRI images at all and 2. the repair vs remove arguement. Thank you!
Dr. David Geier hi, i have MRI on basis of which dr. Says i have degree II miniscus tear and dr. Adviced me to have surgery to remove teared miniscus. Obviously, i need your advise to what else I should do to avoid surgery and minimize my pain. For info: i have regular pain a little bit, i dont have any movement problems of higher degree but yes i cannot run or walk for a longer period. I never do any heavyweight work or sports, please advise accordingly, thanks so much for the help
I have a torn meniscus it been going on 7 month do to the amount of pain I'm in and the amount of time that has gone by for a surgery date will there be more damage done to the meniscus I'm still waiting to have surgery
I'm in the middle of PT for small tears 8n both knees. Right knee causing much more pain. PT script is for one month. I'm still having trouble and pain when walking , getting out of the car and getting up stairs. Was told they dont do surgery for small tears and PT should take care of it. I find it hardly likely that 4 more visits to PT is going to do the trick. My guestion is, then what? I'm a young 68 year old and disgusted with the way this is going.
My MRI shows Osteonecrosis according to the nurse from my doctors (not my ortho surgeons) office. I was in a Car accident and my knees hit the dashboard. First she said I had a lot of fluid that needed to be drained. She said the impact made tiny fractures where my tibia and femur meet beneath my knee and also said there was a possible meniscus tear. I went to a few PT sessions but only felt worse. She said PT would not help and that my knee would need to immobilized in a brace to heal. There is pain on both sides of my right knee, when I walk too fast my knee buckles or I get a sharp pain on the inner side of the right knee and what feels like bulging behind the right side of my knee. Pain is only getting worse every day. I will be calling my Ortho surgeon in Monday for an appointment. Would the water in the knee distort or make a difference in reading the MRI ? How much time is typically needed for immobilization to allow healing? Does this mean losing time from work?
I have been rehabbing a medial torn meniscus that didn't protrude much past the outer third of meniscus which has some blood flow. The consistent rehab, glue, ham, quad and hip strengthening combined with a lot of hamstring stretching has got my knee back to almost 100% over a 5 month period. I am 56 years old and very active and my experience with the meniscus tear is that it can be rehabbed to the extent that you can get back to your normal life without surgery.
Hi, Alan I was wondering if you could guide me by sharing your experience and routine in detail? I had a meniscus tear over 6 months ago but due to it being neglected (mainly because of misguidance by doctors and dishonesty and lack of experience of some Physiotherapists) my pain has become worst yet I don't want surgery.
@@lazyguy4527 I have done SO MUCH RESEARCH for this and yes 90% of study says do physiotherapy first and don't jump to surgery. And try physiotherapy and observe your condition for at leat 2-3 months. There's NO harm in that and you need to take other measures along with it as well. Like ice, protect, etc.
@@rojeanmarklopez7023 Sending good wishes your way. I really hope physiotherapy helps you. It only takes time and patience, if you manage to keep that, and God wills, you will recover. You can start as small as doing just one or two stretches a day and then slowly move forward. Meanwhile rest as much as you can, ice and take an anti-inflammatory as well. Follow a proper routine. I couldn't do physiotherapy initially because of how bad my knee was, I only started physiotherapy after two months of complete rest, I walked with support. Then I started v lil exercises and surprisingly they helped v quickly, but I'm still v gentle because no need to rush. I'm no physiotherapist and a good physiotherapist can guide you well. But if you have any questions or just want someone to talk to, feel free to ping me.
Lynn thanks fir your honesty I've been doing the same thing this mtfk hurts so bad today was my mri can't wait till Monday for my results I've been in pain forever 😢💔due to working at the hospital dr office appt kept getting rescheduled due to staff n covid 19 smh anyway im comment on your pg because u said for 3yrs thinking it would go away and that's what I've been doing but it never did...good luck to u ...smiles
I recently had a complete torn right meniscus surgery. I am a 70 year old male in excellent health. I am recovering nicely. It's been 3 weeks & I have no pain. I have some stiffness in my right leg below the knee. No swelling just black & blue from the tourniquet. I try to keep it elevated as much as I can, especially at night. I am walking without a cane or crutches. I am trying to be as careful as I can while walking & still have a slight limp but I guess that is part of the healing process. Thank you everyone for your time & I hope this helps.
GLOBAL SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION RADIO & MEDIA GROUP There is alternative treatment for meniscus tears orthopedics make money from surgery. My meniscus was torn locking and giving way. Physio gave up and said I needed surgery. MRI confirmed a partial tear. Orthopedic wanted to do a partial meniscectomy. I refused and saw an osteopathic physician who gave me osteopathic knee hip foot manipulation and then Dextrose Prolotherapy with HGH hormone and testosterone. He injected intra-articular 3 Times with 2 week gaps. Just told me to do aqua rehab and normal walking. I’m completely pain free within 8 weeks after 3 years of Physio.
I was diagnosed with a longitude tear on my medial meniscus. I am 68 and an avid golfer. The symptoms were pain when playing golf, bending and just general walking. I was told I needed a knee replacement due to arthritis and the tear. I took a round of anti-inflamatory drugs and used ice and heat in intervals to reduce swelling and mainly resting the knee. After about 3 weeks, the pain eased up and I began therapy--what I found on RU-vid and started using an inversion table to take pressure off the knee for about 15 minutes a day. After about 4 weeks, I started walking to build up the muscles in the leg to support the knee. The first week, I was walking about a mile a day. 2nd week I moved to 2 miles. 3rd week I went to 3 miles. I am up to 5 miles a day---I walk 2.5 in the morning and 2.5 in the evening. I do wear a brace on the leg to reduce lateral movement but I am not having any pain. I dd still have a "click" every so ofter but it is nothing I can't live with. I have played golf with the brace and it helps. At 68, I do not want surgery. It will be last resort!
@@photobuf1 Well mine was verified by another MRI by the same Internist who listened to my complaints. I am sure that since you do not have any problem and pain it healed on its own. That is how mine did with minor intervention (ie intense physical therapy and supplements that focus on repair of cartilage). These surgeons don't want you to know this. The body can and will heal itself.
I am 60 yrs young. I had a meniscus tear with arthritis. I toughed it out for 1yr and had 2 steroid injections. 1st 1 gave me a solid 6 months pain free. 2nd 1..nothing. I opted for surgery 3 months ago. It is still painful but so much less. I can now walk down stairs and resuming chasing grands, gardening, horseback riding and gentle yoga. My pain scale is about a 4 now...pre surgery was easy 9. I do hope I recover more as even a 4 is a drag...but, I am hopeful.
I wonder how you doing. It took me over a year to get back to perfect condition after who I think was a subpar surgeon did a partial meniscectomy. I had one 15 years earlier that was fine.
I had the same surgery done at 56. I experienced the same pain after as well. It took about a year and a half for my knee to be pain free. I had to stop playing sports and my knee slowed me down at work. I renovate houses so it’s physical work. My other knee started in and with limping my repaired knee started to feel a small amount of discomfort, very little, but I was scared to re-injure it. I actually just had my other knee done this morning. It was so painful I couldn’t even walk. I had a torn ligament as well. The point of my story is to share my experience and hope for you that you won’t feel pain and your other knee is fine.
Update: a year later and I am 100%. So glad I had surgery. Purchased and ebike and ride without much power assist. Walking as often as I can. 100% successful surgery. Would not hesitate to have again. Meniscus tear was super painful.
I had my first meniscus tear about 6-7 years ago. I asked my doc back then and he said its a minor tear and it will heal by itself in about 5-6 months. It really did. My second tear was little bit over a year ago on my right knee. This time I did had a surgery because the piece of the meniscus was going inside of my knee and it was cosign too much pain. I fully recovered in about the same 5-6 months. Now I have a tear again in my left knee and will try to heal it without the surgery. The bottom line is: its all depends on your tear and the level of pain. You can always go to the surgery if in some time you don't feel better. Don't be afraid of the surgery, its common and its fairly easy to recover after if you play it smart. I'm over 40 and do martial arts.
Also over 40 doing bjj. How would you explain the tears keep coming? I thought with proper exercises it can be prevented to happen again. Currently considering having surgery. Which way is faster? I want to be back to training asap.
Two years ago I tore my meniscus while lifting a heavy suitcase up some stairs... The worst part was that I did nothing to address the issue for two months and I finally had to have a partial meniscectomy... Afterwards the surgeon recommended a regiment of exercises to strengthen the quad muscles and within two months I was feeling as if it never happened... to the point that three weeks ago, I foolishly braved to do the same thing (lifting a suitcase up a stairwell)... and I got the same painful sensation on the right knee!... This time my surgeon suggested that I immediately start applying ice, get lots of rest, do some exercises to strengthen the quad muscles, take ibuprofen and also Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin tablets... I saw a great improvement and perhaps I am going to avoid surgery...
Same happened to me with luggage going down the Madrid, Spain, train station moving sidewalk. Instead of escalators with steps, they have a smooth "walking sidewalk" that goes down and up and a great angle. I had started down with my large suitcase in front of me and it started rolling on down! I had to grab and try to pull upward while holding my other bags in the right hand and I felt (heard!) a "POP" in my right knee. The rest of my trip was hobbling in pain or in wheelchairs in the museums... one month later I had the operation for meniscus tear. Three days into recovery and doing great--- hardly any pain, no pain meds needed. I am grateful!
shchristy1000 yikes!! No more suitcase travel for you! Jk 😊 I hope all heals for you I do know folks that have torn same knee or knees twice. 2 surgeries. ☹️
Thank you for this video. In September 2019 I was walking from my car to the grocery store and I suddenly got pain in my knee. I waited to see an orthopedic surgeon. He examined my knee and the pain was severe. He said the x-ray looked ok but he was sure I had a torn meniscus, he ordered an MRI and it showed a torn meniscus. I am scheduled for surgery 11/08/19. He said if I changed my mine just call and cancel the surgery. I have difficulty dressing myself, putting on shoes and other garments. It is painful to squat or bend over. I am only concerned about the problems with walking after the surgery and wonder if I will have the same pain I had before surgery. I am 80 y/o and know I won’t have easy recovery as a younger person. I just don’t want to have the same pain I am now. I understand the surgical pain and expect that, I just don’t want additional pain to deal with. Any suggestion?
I had surgery for a torn meniscus 4 weeks ago and my knee feels better than it has in years. I put it off for a long time. I am 39 and it got to the point where it affected everything I did. I would absolutely recommend it. It has made my quality of life so much better. We tried therapy and shots and meds. Nothing worked the surgery helped me so much
How was knee bending and returning back to normal after surgery? I had my surgery 15 days back and I hv problems with knee bending. There is still swelling and pain.
@@saurabhsalimkumar364 it's so much better. Do physiotherapy rehabilitation for a month atleast. It will get better with time. Pain is gone n I feel surgery was really needed.
I tore my posterior horn of medial meniscus twice in 2014 and 2021. Both Time it healed on its own after doing RICE and lots of knee strengthening exercises. Didn't run or play any sports in between and avoided stairs as much as possible
Just got surgery today! Partial menisectomy on left knee, feel no pain and immediately was able to put weight on my knee without discomfort, I will post again within a month after physical therapy, to see how I feel afterwards
I have a tear on the left knee. I have tried all other options and surgery is the only thing left. I do suggest trying any alternative methods that your doctor thinks may help before surgery. Of course if the doctor wants to go straight into surgery I would ask why they would want to skip any other possible avenues and get a proper answer. Remember, it is your body and you need to ask questions to make sure you are receiving the best care possible.
Erin H There is alternative treatment for meniscus tears orthopedics make money from surgery. My meniscus was torn locking and giving way. Physio gave up and said I needed surgery. MRI confirmed a partial tear. Orthopedic wanted to do a partial meniscectomy. I refused and saw an osteopathic physician who gave me osteopathic knee hip foot manipulation and then Dextrose Prolotherapy with HGH hormone and testosterone. He injected intra-articular 3 Times with 2 week gaps. Just told me to do aqua rehab and normal walking. I’m completely pain free within 8 weeks after 3 years of Physio.
I made the mistake of having a repair surgery. Worst decision of my life. There was basically no pain before the surgery but they said it was torn very bad. I want my old legs back
I do a lot of pt exercises and I've avoided surgery for over 9 mths. So far so good and Ive been able to exercise well and with high impact. Holding out as long as possible.
@@toddshaw2554 I'm still jumping around and running on and off. I have been feeling pain here and there behind the knee. Still trying to be active while remaining surgery-free. In my mind cutting my meniscus away is equal to cutting away at my knee cushion. I was told I have almost no arthritis and I have good cartilage so that could also help with my being able to continue my high intensity workouts. I'm sure eventually it may come down to getting it done, but I'm still going to work hard to avoid getting cut. So far the pain isn't intolerable. Good luck to you.
I had a slight tear in my meniscus the last week of march (not knowing at the time). I rested it but a month later it popped and I discovered I had a medial tear. I was going to get surgery but decided to try strengthening the muscles as I would in rehab (if I did decide to have the surgery I figured the recovery would be easier). 10 weeks later my knee is much stronger and still making flexibility gains regularly. Still pain w/ some usage and positions though. My surgeon's advice: if it inhibits your life or is too painful have the surgery. If not than don't, you can always come back and get it done. Good Luck to all.
My situation is similar to yours. I have 2 tears in R knee and had scheduled and canceled surgery twice. I’m doin the exercises PT gave me and I’m sorta hanging strong. I’m doing well with jumping jacks, burpees and most exercises that use both legs at same time. Coming down on one leg is tricky part, but I’m going to continue to strengthen leg and hip muscles to see how I do. I feel some pain with certain activities but not enough to do surgery (yet). I’m a very active 50s and move better than most ppl my age or even younger and with no tears. Trying to avoid surgery as I hear it an increase arthritis and so far I have almost zero in knees. I’ll be praying for all of you. Injuries are rough, frustrating and painful.
I slipped and fell while running, Didn't notice it. But favored my of knee after work elevating. Then sleep with pillow under knee for comfort. Lots of symptoms. Aching, tender to walk on. Feels like I'm mashing something inside. Surrounding .muscles are cramping up. What do you think?
I didn't have surgery after my meniscus tear and it got worse. I damaged my knee more than normal and I eventually had a meniscus repair surgery three years later. My knee used to pop and lock up like crazy. I can no longer jog or do high impact sports or the things I used to love prior to injury. Good advice.
I have had my left knee surgery for a partial menisctomy 12 weeks ago and my right knee the same operation just a week ago both very different in pain after surgery. I had an injury and fell over my mothers stairlift in the dark and had 3rd grade tears in both knees and a bakers cyst on the right knee. I was in so much pain before both the surgeries as it took so long to get an MRI to prove the tears. I am so thankful even though they are not fully healed as the pain was really bad before. I will keep you updated on the following healing over time.
Deborah Walton There is alternative treatment for meniscus tears orthopedics make money from surgery. My meniscus was torn locking and giving way. Physio gave up and said I needed surgery. MRI confirmed a partial tear. Orthopedic wanted to do a partial meniscectomy. I refused and saw an osteopathic physician who gave me osteopathic knee hip foot manipulation and then Dextrose Prolotherapy with HGH hormone and testosterone. He injected intra-articular 3 Times with 2 week gaps. Just told me to do aqua rehab and normal walking. I’m completely pain free within 8 weeks after 3 years of Physio.
So basically, if you're active regardless of age (I'm 37 tore it in jiu jitsu) you should more than likely have surgery than not. Why do doctors feel less likely to perform surgery based on age?
@@omstygomsty cartilage is avascular but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get nutrients and doesn’t have the capacity to heal. It does and this has been shown by researchers. Pentosan sulphate has also been shown to heal cartilage by Japanese researchers. So yes cartilages can heal and repair but it is extremely slow and cartilage turnover rate is 120 years so for example it might take 10 years to recover from 1 injury. In that instance you might be better with surgery. Surgery is last resort imo and should always be aware what can go wrong in surgery and think of worst case scenario first.
I've been experiencing pain in my right knee and the result from my MRI concluded that I do have a meniscus tear and have an appointment with an Orthopedic surgeon. They tell me that it's a 4 to 6-week recovery time. I just want to get back to my everyday activities. I enjoy going to the gym 5 days a week. This is my first injury to my knee. I'm 74 years of age other than having a hip replacement last year, I have been healthy my entire life.
Hi David, in 2008 I had a workplace molten metal burn to my right knee. Most of my right leg ended up getting severely infected (golden staph) and I had two operations on the knee within 3 days. Because of this, I had no feeling in that knee to this present time. On 20th August this year, I crouched down and felt a tearing sensation but no pain in that knee. Where the scar from the operations is, it went as cold as ice. 5 days later, the knee was painful and throbbing. I had an MRI and the report came back as "Medial meniscus body/posterior horn junction undersurface undisplaced complex tear extending approx 8mm anteroposterior". I'm seeing an orthopaedic surgeon on the 10th September but I am interested in others' views. I realise you may want to see the injury for yourself, but I'm in Australia and it's a long way to travel. Cheers Daryl.
I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, September 13, when he'll be live on RU-vid at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team
Your video is great! I had right knee arthroscopy with partial menisectomy 9 weeks ago and currently going to Physical Therapy. Meniscus damage is no fun!!! Even after surgery it takes months.... for it to get better 😪
Wow! Months to get better in terms of what? I need to get an idea of when I can return to work being able to bend the knee to lift 20 plus pounds off the floor. Can't currently bend R knee but also have the bakers cyst behind that knee with the large meniscus tear.
Shirley Glenn did u end up having surgery? I’ve had ppl say 2-3 mths recovery to a full year to feel “normal”. I think it depends on how active and how much impact you expect. Running, athletic, plyo moves are going to require longer recovery time I’m guessing. I think age, strength and activity prior to surgery may impact healing. I hope all turned out well for you. I liked this video. 👍🏻 squats and stretching really important I’ve found.
Last April 2024 I tore my left lateral meniscus while playing softball. It was an acute twisting injury. My MRI showed a radial tear of the left lateral meniscus. One orthopedist recommended partial meniscectomy. Another recommended PT, but not surgery. Another told me I could try PT, but it was very likely I would need surgery, as the meniscus would not heal itself. I did PT for two months and had significant improvement. At no time was I unable to walk or climb stairs and my knee never locked. I was not in pain. I started golfing again without a problem. I returned to pickleball and did well for a period of time. Unfortunately my knee swelled and I needed to have fluid removed. After that, it was better and I again returned to activities. My knee has again swelled and I will have fluid removed again. I am 70 years old, in great health and my MRI and x-rays showed no evidence of arthritis. It has been almost five months since injury and feel now that surgery is the best option. However, I am wondering if I go back to complete rest for a period of time, will my knee heel permanently. In other words, maybe I did not give it sufficient time in the first place. I feel that my symptoms are not necessarily bad enough to warrant surgery, but not good enough to return to full activity. It is conundrum and very frustrating. If surgery is the best option, I just want to do it and get moving with recovery.
This video is great. It helped me with my fears. I don't have pains I am not taking any pain meds. I am 45 years of age. Doing my physiotherapy and icing. Thanks for helping me understand .
I’m 48yrs old. Was having off and on pain/discomfort on my right inner knee for quite sometime. Then last end of July 2022 the pain came back and decided to stay in which I couldn’t walk, sleep,stand up I mean nothing couldn’t ease the excruciating pain/discomfort I was experiencing, I kid you not I’d rather have labor pains than this one. Went to two different ER Hospitals in which all I got was X-ray and nothing wrong with my knee. Saw my primary doctor referred me to the orthopedic in which he ordered an MRI and there it was a medial meniscus tear. Had surgery went well started not long ago with therapies but still having some issues with it, I was told I’m starting to develop some arthritis in my knee and that can be a factor of the issues I’m having in which I’m having still somewhat of a hard time dealing with pain/discomfort. I will be going soon to see the orthopedic surgeon again soon in which I’ll be addressing it to him, ugh!…. Not sure if I’ll be able to go back and feel like before this incident or if by me developing arthritis will make it worse? So many questions, insecurities, emotions and concerns I’m having that I do worry and just like to know or hear the right answers. If a orthopedic surgeon/doctor reads these any second opinion or advice will be truly appreciate it.
If you are able, join Dr. Geier here on Friday’s Ask Dr. Geier Live! show at Noon ET, on January 20. He would be happy to discuss this. Also, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team
Over 40 dont have knee surgery. Surgeons say you'll be fine but it's not that easy to recover from meniscus surgery. I had acl repair and meniscus at age 41 and I'm not better 1 year later. I'm actually a lot worse now. Before surgery Icould not kneel all the way on my heels but i could walk 10km without pain and now after surgery I can k eel but I cannot walk without pain everywhere in my body and my knee swells and is inflamed and it's very painful. Now I have plantar fasciitis and shoulder problems and cannot run or walk much. Stairs cause inflamation and I still cannot play my sports so what was the point?! My doctors and physios made alot of money off me but I'm not better. I'm worse and they don't care. They make more money now because I have to keep trying different things but nothing they have suggested aside from light biking and rest has helped.
Really appreciate your knowledge and not immidietly jump in to surgery, I am waiting for my MRI and my symptoms are the ones you describe.Thank you Ingrid Rubinoff
So refreshing to hear a doctor say that you may not need surgery... I got my meniscus tear when I was 13... long jump... I’m now 50. All the doctors I’ve seen over the years said that I need surgery but I never did. I jogged and ran and did aerobics till about 35, then stopped. My knee got bad to worse. Pain and swelling every time i would climb stairs with a heavy bag or something. Every sudden twist motion of my knee would also trigger the pain and swelling. I couldn’t even run anymore. Ten years ago I learned to swim. 3 times a week... to be honest I still can’t run or jump but my knee doesn’t hurt or swell as it used to climbing stairs and such.
Yes, I have a meniscus tear diagnosed by an ortho doc. My symptom is only significant pain when I get up from kneeling and my right knee "locks up". I cannot straighten my leg. Too much pain. I resolve it by pointing my toes outward, pressing on the side of my knee, and "relaxing" the muscles. Also I have found that fully bending the knee helps. I am torn in making a decision to have surgery or not. Thanks for the video. Look forward to an up date.
Hey brother have you had surgery yet? You’re describing exactly what I going through right now… I have scheduled surgery a week from now and I would love to hear the rest of your story if you’d had surgery or if it healed over time….ive had this problem for about 5 months now thinking it would go away by itself although it has not it has definitely gone down in pain
I had a meniscus tear 6 yrs ago on my right knee. I went for surgery and I did great. I was 66 yrs old. Now I’m 72 and my left knee has a tear and I’m waiting to schedule the surgery next week. It’s too painful to not correct it.
My uncompleted story fits well with this video / topic. I don't know when the meniscus tear occurred (right knee) but it revealed itself with intense pain at age 55 after a normal, non-trauma day involving sports. I'm 6', 185 lb, active in sports (tennis, jogging, volleyball, softball, hiking) in good shape. Had an MRI, it showed a tear. No surgery. With rest and reduced activity, after about 2-3 months got back to 100% pain free activity. Fast forward 3 years to age 58, where I've pretty much forgotten all about the issue, and the day after a 2.5 mile normal jog, again with no trauma, I woke up with intense pain in the same knee. This time, using the same rest and reduced activity approach, the pain is not going away. Another MRI, still shows the tear. 6 months later and my ability to perform the activities I love is still hampered. It's not going like it did last time. I don't like it. The orthopedic and I believe a piece of the tear is not re-aligning itself and instead remaining in a nagging position. For me 6 months of not getting better is enough. Maybe for others it would be a longer. I am scheduled for surgery in two weeks. The intent will be to remove frayed meniscus tissue along the tear and the floppy piece(s) in bad positions if any. Assuming it's all in the avascular part of the meniscus.
@@omstygomsty to be honest I don't know. The surgeon didn't really state the quantity. But It seemed like a fair amount. The main thing is I can lead a normal life again.
Well at least he is being honest. I have had two doctors, 100% of the ones I have seen recommend meniscus surgery. This was about 10 yrs ago but even then we knew that surgery leads to arthritis down the road. I have found the younger doctors less surgery prone in their recommendations. They are at this assembly line stage of their career and that is what they do if you go in with knee pain.
Perry I felt the same way after seeing a doc. 2nd opinion offered PT and see how it goes. I’m still trying to decide but for now for me no surgery. Playing it by ear 👂
Tore my meniscus in February of 2016. It was excruciatingly bad and could barely stand, let alone walk. After a few days I went to the hospital and the Doctor had me do an MRI & they aren’t he meniscus tear. I ended up getting surgery in June, 2016. Started Physical Therapy mid to late July, and was able to walk confidently without fear of hurting my meniscus by about October 2016. After that, I did Cheerleading, ran track, lifted heavy weights with no problems. About a week ago during track practice I think I reinjured my meniscus again. It’s not the same tear as last time, but walking is funky, I recently started some light physical therapy from what youtube videos and my knee feels a lot better, but nowhere near 100%. I can’t get an MRI because my Doctor said Insurance doesn’t cover it if the injury isn’t fully apparent.
I am a nurse and 70 years old I injured my leg at work one night stepping away from the bedside felt and heard a loud pop and almost immediately I could not bear weight on that leg as I as I continued to try to walk on it it just got worse so I iced it down and made an appointment with an appointment with the physician who put me on crutches and wrapped it for a couple weeks and then we put a brace on and got rid of the crutches for me to try to walk normally That kind of impeded my ability to have a natural gate with the brace on because I couldn't bend my knee that far. Saw surgeon and he recommended menisectomy. Stated I could walk right away as tolerated. Peobably able to return to normal work activity in 3 or 4 weeks.
I tore my meniscus in 2015, age 65. I tried physical therapy but therapist sent me back to orthopedic doctor because I had limited range of motion and some pain. Ortho doctor said he did not recommend surgery so I got second opinion and then surgery. I had a lot of tears and floating bodies restricting range of motion. Surgery worked. I now get hyaluronic gel shots for arthritis, which work great.
I had lateral meniscus orthoscopy 2 years ago and now I got same problem of locked knee and my appointment with orthopaedic doctor is tomorrow hope he doesn’t say surgery again 😢.
There are many methods and reasons for pain and recovery in this surgery. In my case, one doctor told me that the popping part would be trimmed off, and you would get knee degeneration in due corse. Another doctor, in my second opinion, said that we will stich the torn and put a hole in the born, so that stem cell will pour from the born marrow, and it would repair the rest of the damage. In my opinion the method suggested by the second doctor is better than the first one. But still, I do not take surgery because a third set of doctors suggested that if I have any pain after some weeks rest, I may take surgery. The fact is that the result varies due to age, weight of the patient, healing capacity, other complications like obesity sugar, etc. The better methodology is getting opinions from many doctors and then deciding whether to have operation or not.
I'm getting my MRI tomorrow but this video really was no help at all...if someone has a torn meniscus and you say some people don't have to have surgery, how in the world world it ever get better? I pray to God I get surgery because I can't take this pain anymore..
43 years old and for the past few years my knee would lock up if I squatted for any extended period of time. I would have to slowly squeeze it and extend before it would pop and go back to normal, two days ago while playing with my daughter it got stuck and I can’t extend it the doctor thinks it’s my maniscus. Scared about surgery but I think it’s gonna be my only choice thanks for the information!
Dr. David, Thanks very much for your advice. I am 60 years old. I am a hiker (20 to 30km a day). I do gym 4 to 5 times a week. The only thing I have stopped doing is running. I suspect a left lateral meniscus tear. Minor symptoms. Only occasional catching and comes good after a few minutes and pain is minor if any when it happens. For the most part, no probs doing lunges, squats etc. It's clear to me now that I should stick to the Glucosamine and Fish Oil tablets and not be tempted to have surgery. Thanks again.
I had a meniscus tear two months ago. Using some medicine and physical therapy I am recovering very fast. No more knee locking and pain but still popping sound is there.
There is alternative treatment for meniscus tears orthopedics make money from surgery. My meniscus was torn locking and giving way. Physio gave up and said I needed surgery. MRI confirmed a partial tear. Orthopedic wanted to do a partial meniscectomy. I refused and saw an osteopathic physician who gave me osteopathic knee hip foot manipulation and then Dextrose Prolotherapy with HGH hormone and testosterone. He injected intra-articular 3 Times with 2 week gaps. Just told me to do aqua rehab and normal walking. I’m completely pain free within 8 weeks after 3 years of Physio.
Had similar, could not walk more than a few hundred meters with out the damn thing popping (kind feels like someone takes a nail gun to under the knee.. Then, it goes away) Had to stop training.. Did a session of AMIT (advance Muscle Integration Therapy) and have had around 5 Ozone injections in there.. Okay I can't run on it.. But damn, it is more or less pain free..
Ive had a meniscus tear for 2 YEARS they told me I was "growing" which of course I believed it. Recently I went to a bone specialist and they made an appointment for an MRI. After I got the MRI they told me that my meniscus has been torn. So they made an appointment for a Surgery which is in 2 days Im finally going to get rid of this pain
II NoVa II There is alternative treatment for meniscus tears orthopedics make money from surgery. My meniscus was torn locking and giving way. Physio gave up and said I needed surgery. MRI confirmed a partial tear. Orthopedic wanted to do a partial meniscectomy. I refused and saw an osteopathic physician who gave me osteopathic knee hip foot manipulation and then Dextrose Prolotherapy with HGH hormone and testosterone. He injected intra-articular 3 Times with 2 week gaps. Just told me to do aqua rehab and normal walking. I’m completely pain free within 8 weeks after 3 years of Physio.
@@sammorshedy1118 mine turned out to be synovial chondromatosis so I had no choice but to get surgery. My meniscus was perfect. I’m 4 months post op and in decent shape but my knee can’t handle what it used to...but at the same time my arthroscopy included a full synovectomy so that’s a bit more involved.
I’m 47 years male. Tore medial meniscus in left knee in 2018 in a skiing accident. Tried to rehab it for 1 year, without much success. Had partial meniscectomy in 2019. Left knee is 90-95% back to where it was prior to injury. This summer I tore medial meniscus in right knee and still trying to rehab it. Time will tell if I will opt for another surgery.
So old video, however, I have torn meniscus in both of my knees, first tear was done in 2013, second like 3 years later. None of them were treated with a surgery, until now. The first one got a little better over time, but it's still uncomfortable when it gets in the way. The second one was much worse, that went under menisectomy first, a week ago. I think it was not that big, I can stant and walk almost normally already, with full motion. Once it will be healed, I will go with the other knee as well, hopefully it will be the same result as I want to start doing sports (injuries were without any sports and were a result of years of having issues with knees) Yeah and doctor told me I don't need surgery, just supplements...tried it, he was wrong
I had a root tear of my medial meniscus. Tendon was torn from bone had to be suture back on. You should always consult professionals to determine type of injury. They will do MRI to see what really is going on. It's tough being in a full leg brace for 6 weeks but my knee will be in good shape.
I had a partially meniscus removed, I now suffer from more pain & difficulty doing my day to day stuff...even the physio exercises makes it swollen more...I' m so fed up & frustrated after surgery. I used to play Ringball & can't even do that😢
Hi everyone,just wanted to tell my story. I was 62 years old,very active,always exercised. Did a gym class,which was way too much jumping,burpees , hence forth,knee injury! Torn miniscus,etc.... had surgery with an older doctor. He was old school,did a micro fracture procedure hoping to add a build up where there wasn’t any cartridge. Long story short,that was 2 years ago. Still had a lot of pain,swelling, a nurse,so on my feet 12 hrs a shift! I also fell 3 days post op, not good. So just recently had another surgery a lot of meniscus floating around in there,also torn mcl,acl.....4 weeks into recovery,much less pain,and I hope well on the road to recovery! Good luck everyone!,,👍😊
Had arthroscopic surgery on one knee 7 months ago and pain is more dreadful than before the surgery. Now hips hurt too. Just want to sit all the time now because standing up from sitting is excruciating.
I had a Meniscus tear 5 years ago and I wasn't able to do many things like squatting down and moving my leg in certain positions. I had Meniscus tear surgery and when I fully recovered I was much better. I fell forward on my knees years later and after I had MRI, I found out I had a partially torn meniscus. I am scheduled to have surgery on 4/25/19. I noticed that my calf swelled up. I was sent to a Vascular surgeon who determined my veins were fine, but I developed Lymphodema. I know have to treat this condition. There is plenty of information online.
I had meniscus surgery, 2 torn areas and arthritis scraped off 6 years ago. I was 64 then. I’m 70 now, 4 months ago, it was locking again, painfully popping and I decided I’d get it checked again. MRI showed cartilage and arthritis and I’m getting surgery next week. It’s just too painful when it locks up.
Great video! I recently had a meniscus tear do to wear and tear over the years. Just trying to decide if I should get the Arthroscopy or not. I just have slight pain sometimes when I walk but have heard the left over debris from the tear could cause problems resulting in bone on bone! Anyone here wish they did things differently now that is been a couple of years? Thank you.
4 orthoscopic trims of my meniscus all areas also had grinding and shaving to my bones. Rfa ablation didn't help now I'm praying for a ime thru workers comp and see a better fix
I am 18 yrs old female I had grade 3 tear in my lateral mensicus from 1 year I just neglected the pain but one day after 6 km of running I had extremely bad pain and I immediately went for mri ,i showed my mri to my doctor he said that u will need to get surgery this can't be fixed with physiotherapy so just 10 days before I had my surgery meniscus repair + mensicectomy also after the surgery the doctor told me that it was a really bad complex tear the case was really serious I am advised to not put any weight on my knee till 1 month 🥲 it's really difficult to manage though, but at last all I just want is that my knee just becomes normal like it was before because I'm so young I have my whole life to go 🥺 I wanna play sports run do so much I'm just really scared that I don't develop arthritis or pain or anything I just want my knee to be normal please don't ignore pain if you have any in any part of your body like I did i regret that thing so much ....
@@gsg9ff thankyou for asking it was a really tough time for me till 7-8 months after my surgery though after 6 months u can start running but my knee took a alot of time to heal now i am fine after some months i will join sports but now my knee is better i have recovered alot 😊
I had a partial meniscus tear two weeks ago. Never had any of the typical symptoms. I originally went to the ortho surgeon because I had a very large ganglion cyst adjacent the outside of my knee. They did the arthroscopic surgery to my knee looking for a defect that was heeding the ganglion cyst. They found a partial tear in the meniscus and my cartilage looked like crabmeat. They smoothed the cartilage and took out the damaged portion of the meniscus. Also excised the cyst but never found a connection between it and the joint.
I had torn meniscus in both knees. Had surgery on both and now the pain is starting to come back 5 years later. This time I will see how much longer I can deal with the pain and have surgery only when it is unbearable. In Europe they do a total knee meniscus replacement but for some unknown reason you cannot have it done in America.
I have a slight lateral meniscus tear. Initially I was not able to move my knee. After 48-72 hours later and with medication, I was able to move it again. Pain at the initial aggravating point was high but quickly subsided. I’m currently taking the medication the doctor prescribed and she recommended rehab. She felt for me, that surgery wasn’t required. I can not vouch for your knee issue. I wished I could say how my rehab has gone but I can not at this moment.
I am in a quandary. I tore my medial meniscus playing with grandkids. MRI revealed 3cm tear. When it first happened it was excruciating. In time with lots of ice and cutting out running and most of my walking I can function ok. I am able to squat and do deep knee bends with no pain. It does not swell or lock. But it is sore especially at night. I can’t run and pivot quickly. Surgee we in recommended surgery (shock!) but said just to think about it. I want to be more active and workout but it seems really sore.
John I walked around with the same type of injury as yours. I haven’t worked for 2.5 years. Nothing changed for me in this time. If I walked for 40 minutes I had to sit for about 30 minutes before I could walk again. I iced it, put heat and massage therapy. Nothing took the pain away. I even had a partial hysterectomy right after my injury and the knee did not heal. I also worked out my leg muscles in an attempt to see if that would decrease my pain. It did but not completely. I still couldn’t climb ladders or squat and forget about pivoting. I finally had surgery this past Friday. I will comment later the outcome of the surgery.
@@kobekhov7424 hi 👋🏼 so far I’m still in recovery mode. I accidentally hurt myself a couple of times and my dog slammed into my knee also. So far I don’t have the unrelenting pain and pressure I used to have, but I still have to watch how much I walk and I certainly can’t pívot yet or squat for that matter. I had the tear removed so I was able to walk right away. But I think 🤔 I over did it so my recovery might take a little longer. I am going to the gym 3 times a week to get these legs back into shape. It’s going to be a good year before I’m back to jogging 🏃♀️ but I believe it’s worth the wait. Thank you 🙏🏼 for asking Kobe.
Great video! I have torn my ACL and had radial tear on the anterior horn of lateral meniscus 13.5 weeks ago. My ACL was reconstructed 12.5 weeks ago and my meniscus was not repaired as the doctor said Im still young (21) and it will still grow. Up to now my ROM is 10° to 110°.
I’m 63 and I had an injury 27 months ago. I have a partial medial meniscus tear with fraying and several tiny cysts affecting my ACL, swelling and mild arthritis. Due to insurance, I had to go through all the steps. Months of ant-inflammatories, 4 months of Ph Th, icing, walking in the pool, finally an MRI 2 weeks ago. I’m seeing an orthopedic doc on Mon. I can’t go for walks, grocery shopping is painful, can’t sit on a high chair, I have to pick up my thigh to put my leg in the car. I’m at the point that I WANT surgery! I am usually very active. HAVE I WAITED TOO LONG??
I’m sorry, but I can’t legally answer medical questions and offer medical advice online. I have created thousands of articles and videos that discuss almost any musculoskeletal injury that should help you.
Me again. I DID have the surgery and it was better for awhile. It’s been 15 mo. and guess what tore it again??? Quilting lessons and having a garage sale! Just turned 64. I’ll see my surgeon again and not sure what he’ll suggest, but I can’t walk up stairs, can’t walk more than 4000 steps without lots of pain. Popping again and occasional severe pain behind my knee. So frustrated!
I did surgery following this video and I can say that my knee is worst than ever . Don’t operate your meniscus , therapy and stem cells are the only way . Stay patient, work hard , strenght your muscles and stretch and look for meniscus rehab therapy excercises . Unlock your knees manually and balance your hips . Don’t operate your meniscus . I’ve developed condromalacia since the surgery , now I’m dealing with an unbalanced , painful and weak knee and is only getting worse . I do strengthening 3 times per and stretch a lot as well , and nothing gives me a breakthrough. I felt 10 times better before surgery .
I’m a 54 year old female that suffered a meniscus tear in a car accident at 15. I opted out of surgery because orthoscopic surgery was new at the time. At 35 my knee was swelling every week and it was time. The surgeon said it was a mess and removed a lot of tissue. I didn’t do so hot after the surgery but have managed to get around well enough. Now my knee is beginning to swell once again. Not sure what to do, so I found you.
Had a medial meniscus tear last November and decided to not going though a surgery, waited couple of months and done exercises, I even started playing soccer again without having any problems. April this year, I got into my car and suddenly felt a huge pain on my knee, like someone was hitting with something heavy, had a locked knee afterwards. My medial meniscus has been removed 2/3 which could have been prevented last November, since the tear was in the red zone. I guess it was the wrong decision. My surgery was 7 weeks ago and still got pain in the medial area when walking. Playing soccer again will be very difficult for me. Had also a ACL tear 10 years ago, parts of my ACL was also insufficient, the doc have also removed those parts. He told me, my knee is not stable enough for stop and go sports
I tore my minuscus in 02-22, and after further examination it appears I have stage four arthritis in the same area\leg. The pain with these two factors didn't dissapate after lessened activity, shots, and anti-inflammatory meds.I did find some relief of my symptoms with Tramadol, but I could see the handwriting on the wall, as my doctor advocated for me to get partial knee replacement surgery.
This video helped me clarify my questions. I hurt my knee by twisting several times while hiking, then had a fall that was painful 6 months ago. Xray and MRI revealed partially torn lateral meniscus. I decided not to get arthroscopic surgery. Went to PT for three months, also ice, anti-inflammatories, and ultrasound (a big help!). Limited rigorous hiking. Got better: less pain, more mobility, more strength. Joined gym and began more strenuous exercise. Oh-oh! Pain increased, mobility decreased, cyst enlarged behind knee. I am wondering if I have the surgery ("trimming off the torn flap") if that will help knee be less inflamed? I really want to go back to hiking regularly and working out. I am stronger. Am I stuck with the inflammation? I am age 73. MRI showed mild arthritis, some narrowing of other meniscus parts. However, I was fine before the tear. Surgery vs. continuing plan of exercise, strengthening???
I had the cyst behind my knee and it burst, horrible pain, couldn't walk. Now trying to rehab and avoid surgery- 59 with arthritis but they say not bad enough for replacement yet. 😢
I have had two meniscus surgeries, on my left knee, within the last year. I am 57 years old, and very limited, on my physical activities. As of today, I have the same amount of pain (more at times), as I did before surgery. I am clueless, as to what my next step should be.
Good to hear Im 51yrs had about 13yrs of bad knee unable to bend pain is temporary had no surgery got it better in the end with pain relief come off just about all pain relief I'm ok but I don't reckon you would be OK if you was in work or playing sports or had children or a partner would be very different like your vids very educational
I had a meniscus tear last year. Yup. Last year. I have tried physical therapy and the pain has been getting worse. I have an MRI tomorrow, but I found my way to this video out of concern that I may be in a worse situation now because I didn't get treatment right away.
I'm 48. No recollection of any traumatic injury. One month ago I had sore pain which went completely away in my right inner knee. Came back this past weekend with a vengeance! Hurts like Hell! Orthopedic scheduled me an MRI early next week. Listening to my body. I can't imagine I won't need surgery at this point. Ugh...
of course surgery is important......... because torn meniscus can making damage on tibia and femur...........but like i said on another video...menisk after surgery must be smaller but anatomy must loooking like menisk before surgery..thats the key
@@mira213 they couldnt find anything on the MRI...and somehow the pain went away at least partially i can walk around again...i did change my job though because i was doing a very heavy physical job so thats definitelly a part of it...
I have a tear that I never repaired for 15 years or so and now it causing problems in the back of the knee or the calf muscle. Stops in my tracks. Almost like losing control of forward motion.
Getting a bucket handle tear is truly devastating. I tore mine in aug 2022, 27 yrs old tried to be conservative but I did continue to do bowling here and there. I did PT for about 5 months starting jan 2023 but i didnt get any improvement in the pain. Go in for a meniscus repair. Had a tear in the red zone and a tear in the white zone. My ortho surgeon repaired both but i had a failed repair in late july. I am supposed to get a partial meniscectomy soon but i really do not want to do that but I don't really have a choice. The pain is too much i can barely walk most days. It is a devastating injury for me.
I injured my right knee on may 2018, doctor told me that I have a meniscus tear so I did 6 session of physical therapy and 6 session of acupuncture, but nothing worked, pain still there. Now I have my surgery appointment on August 14 2018 and im starting to get a little nervous after watching all this vídeos. I hope it’s the right choice 😰
Romila Lal There is alternative treatment for meniscus tears orthopedics make money from surgery. My meniscus was torn locking and giving way. Physio gave up and said I needed surgery. MRI confirmed a partial tear. Orthopedic wanted to do a partial meniscectomy. I refused and saw an osteopathic physician who gave me osteopathic knee hip foot manipulation and then Dextrose Prolotherapy with HGH hormone and testosterone. He injected intra-articular 3 Times with 2 week gaps. Just told me to do aqua rehab and normal walking. I’m completely pain free within 8 weeks after 3 years of Physio.
I am 13 years old and I just had meniscus surgery 2 weeks ago I had a bucket handle tear. They think I’ve had this tear for years cause for a long time I could never fully straighten my knee. I was put under the surgery took longer than they thought it took almost an hour. They said it was one of the most worst years he had ever seen and he does repairs for the reds and the bengals. I also had a cyst in the knee where it was torn. I have not very much pain anymore. I have to wear a big brace. I can’t put weight on for 6 weeks. And can’t start normal sports or activities for about 5 months. But I’m glad that they could repair it, because if they didn’t I would need a knee transplant later on.
I had a second degree meniscus degeneration, Dr said you don't need a surgery but training,i can say that training makes my legs much stronger but i think it's not enough,while i lift something heavy i feel a little pain and it still didn't get well after 10 months
I tore my right medial meniscus maybe about a few years ago. It hyperextended while practicing martial arts. It hurt a lot and I was considering surgery. But I was skeptical as I was reading about people who had surgery and didn't get better but worse. I didn't like the idea of getting something cut out. I didn't have locking or popping. The doctor said it was a stable tear, but couldn't really define the severity of the tear from the mri without surgery. But I gave it 2 months and most of the time it felt fine so I'd say like maybe 95% o.k But occasionally if my knee ever gets near that hyper extension again I will feel pain. Like a few times I played soccer and on a kick my knee fully extended and maybe a bit more. Or in judo a few times if the knee hyper extends just a little unexpectedly it doesn't like that. I did something with weights on my ankles daily for a year after. It was a sort of passive swinging by the chiro. John Bergman. That's a good exercise. But I have hurt my knee again since and am considering trying prp to help it heal, but you need to take time off. Probably good to take a break from the martial arts, but feel like I can't right now because of my visa. Would surgery have made me knee any better from that injury? Not sure, like I said most of the time it was fine, just seems like there is some memory in there from that event. It didn't stop me from doing most things. I am skeptical of the surgeons. I know the state of medicine will evolve and where it is now is not where it could be just because medicine and education are slow to change. Think things like PRP could be pretty helpful especially if you don't have locking or something. Even if you got surgery I'd also consider PRP or stem cells.
