In understand your caution about surgery. I've never had it myself and thankfully haven't needed it yet. Meniscus tears can sometimes heal without surgery with the help of ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, and yes a knee brace. However since you had a previous tear I'm concerned for the long term health of your knee. I've read that a large meniscus tear can cause the symptoms you are having and could mean you have pieces of the meniscus floating in your knee joint. In this case, surgery is probably the best way to go. If the surgeon can repair the tear and preserve meniscus you will have a much greater chance of going back to your normal activities and won't have to worry about your knee snapping again. In rare cases the meniscus is too badly torn to be repaired in which case it is removed, but this is generally avoided because of the increased risk for osteoarthritis. There is currently an experimental treatment called a meniscal transplant if it comes to that though. The knee1 website has more information on that as well. My advice to you would be to ask your doctor if physical therapy is an option. If not, I would get the surgery. Most likely you'll be better off in the long run. Good luck!
01/21/2012 03:54 PM
karlsalskov
Posts: 3
Hi there, you may have solved your problem by now, but I have had a similar problem. I tore my lateral miniscus many years ago and it was catching and sore after I played squash or ran. I had it operated on by a very good sports medicine surgeon here in Seattle. At first the surgery seemed to help, but after about 4-5 months it was back to where it use to be and worse. When they remove part of the miniscus in surgery they are removing the thing which prevents the two bones from hitting each other. With no miniscus now my injury is much worse. I have heard of a new surgery that puts in a new one, but it is still experimental I believe. You may want to check that out. cheers ~ Rocky@rockyshoots.com
12/07/2011 12:53 PM
myron
Posts: 1
I had a lateral meniscus tear last year and was advised to have surgery to repair it. I never had the surgery and the tear seemed to heal after several weeks and all pain went-away. Suddenly, yesterday I heard a snap in the meniscus and it seemed to tear again. Any advice? I can hardly walk. When I put pressure on it or flex it, the pain is bad. I bought a knee brace, will that help? Should I use ice or warm water to soak it? All the orthopedists want to do is surgery.
new topic
Blogs
forums home
more
more