(This post was last modified: 07-27-2023, 08:53 AM by Captainjonny.)
12 years ago I had knee pain and saw the best orthopedic knee surgeon in the area (Seahawks team doctor). He said my meniscus was torn (x-ray & MRI) and I needed arthroscopy surgery. I did not heed the advice, due to work schedules and life. 2 years later, I was in severe pain, unable to walk and needed a wheelchair or a motorized scooter to get around. Due to pain swelling and near total disability...I returned to the surgeon who scheduled an immediate arthroscopic surgery. After the surgery, he said my knee meniscus was in the top 3 worst condition he had ever seen...and I should not have waited 2 years. He removed 70% of the outer lateral meniscus, and said my meniscus looked like it had been run through a shredder. After recovery, all pain was gone and I resumed normal life. I asked the doctor if I would eventually need a knee replacement, and he said yes...sometime before I die. I eliminated all sport activities (golf, table tennis, long walks, hiking, etc)...to preserve the knee. I saw him last month after x-rays and mri. He was astounded that there had been little wear on the meniscus in 10 years, and said I was really taking care of it (except for some arthritis due to age). If you have a minor tear in a no blood zone, and continue strenuous activities, there is a chance it will get worse. I would see a good orthopedic knee specialist who can give you advice on tear location (in blood zone or not), severity, and potential limitations (if any) of activity. If it is minor, and in a safe location, you most likely are not a surgery candidate and can let it heal over time. I hope you have a quick recovery and can manage or get rid of the pain over time. I am purchasing the recommended Trigger Point Therapy book since it has fantastic reviews.