Torn meniscus

OK, so I had the MRI and now I'm off to the orthopedist next week.

The dx is torn medial meniscus, possible torn lateral meniscus, signs of degenerative joint disease (like the beginning of arthritis).

Now, the arthritis thing doesn't bother me a bit. I had no pain prior to the injury and was 100% fine with range of motion, flexibility, etc.

But...the torn meniscus? I'm kind of freaked. I am really afraid that this will curtail my exercise more than it already has...

Anybody have any experience with this?

No experience with a torn Meniscus - will keep you in our prayers that all turns out well....

Ida, your prayers are MUCH appreciated! Truth is, I have been blessed with good health for most of my life, and am a little shocked at how I am reacting to having something go wrong!

I have no experience with a torn meniscus - just a torn hip labrum.  But, when I first started to have knee issues that is what the doctor thought I had.  I am pretty sure to have it fixed you will need to have surgery and then PT.  My friend tore hers just falling down!  She had surgery and is fine now.  Hope you are feeling better soon.

Ugh! I hope that this is a quick and easy process to recovery for you

Thinking of you, I have some pain when I exercise too, so I know how hard that can make things. Take Care, Katie

Thanks everyone. I'm trying to just ride this out till the ortho appointment...not run ahead of myself mentally.

On the other hand, at least it wasnt' my imagination, right?

And it doesn't really matter after all that I couldn't take Advil - that wouldn't have fixed this at all.

I had severe meniscus damage in my right knee about 13 years ago, which eventually led to total knee replacement - now don't get freaked out about that because I (a) let it go way too long before seeking medical help and was (b) WAY WAY OVERWEIGHT which did not help it at all.

That being said, do not take this lightly because it can eventually lead to something like TKR and trust me, while I don't regret having both of mine done (severe arthritis in both - a lot of damage in the right one with the meniscus) there is nothing like your own parts. But what also happened with me not having something done about my 'bad' knee right away was that I started over-compensating with the left knee so when I did have to have it replaced it was far worse than the right.

Sending lots of prayers your way but I would bet orthoscopic surgery or an immobilizer can help repair the damage. Don't get down about the exercise - keep working your upper body to keep it strong - don't push that knee, tho, until you know for sure what's going on and what can be done.

Kathy

My mom had a torn meniscus a year or so ago. Sorry to be the bearer of not so great news...she had to have surgery. But she's way better now. No knee replacement in her immediate future.

Take it easy in the meantime and maybe just do arm exercises with weights while you mend.

Yea..it's probably gonna be a surgical thing...but I believe orthoscopic with a fairly quick recovery time..and you can use PT to be your exercise!  Let us know what you need!!!  You'll get through!