Meniscus Tear in Knee

[kathley]

Hi everyone! I twisted my knee, and after three weeks of taking it easy, icing and Ibuprofen, the pain was getting worse. I hobbled to the sports clinic, and the MRI shows a torn (medial area) menisucs. The Fellow said I can have a steroid shot in the knee, but will have to wait at least two months if I would need surgery to correct this. I am in the process of trying to get an appointment to see a seasoned knee specialist to get an idea of what needs to get done. In the mean time, I googled torn meniscus and treatments and I have not seen much in the way of if a steroid shot will work. Some instances say it can make things worse. So, I am asking anyone who has had a torn knee meniscus, what worked for you. Did you have a steroid shot and did it take care of the problem. Or did you have to have surgery and how did that go for you. Or, did you just wait it out and things got better on their own. Thank you for sharing any information!

 

[foxinsox]

I had one at 13 and the only thing that worked was a meniscectomy because it was catching when I flexed my knee.
I didn’t have any pain though with the movement that tore it so definitely a different scenario to yours. I hope it does stop hurting for you soon.
I ended up getting a partial knee replacement when I was ~38 because the original meniscectomy surgery was an open one, not laparoscopic and it damaged my joint surfaces. That is unlikely to happen for you I am sure!

 

[kathley]

I had one at 13 and the only thing that worked was a meniscectomy because it was catching when I flexed my knee.
I didn’t have any pain though with the movement that tore it so definitely a different scenario to yours. I hope it does stop hurting for you soon.
I ended up getting a partial knee replacement when I was ~38 because the original meniscectomy surgery was an open one, not laparoscopic and it damaged my joint surfaces. That is unlikely to happen for you I am sure!

Thank you for sharing your experience!

 

[donnabrsd]

I had a meniscus tear in left knee in 2016. I was not given an option for steroids, it was surgery or live with the pain. If given the option for steroids, I would have declined because I feel it would be a temporary relief for only the pain but the tear would still be there. Laparoscopic surgery worked for me. Mine was to cut out and remove the torn portion. I was up and about the following day. It did take about 6 months before I had full mobility of my knee but I could walk, run, etc. with no pain during those 6 months. I just could not sit Indian style nor squat down fully to pick something up. It probably would have healed quicker had I not torn the meniscus in my right knee the month before surgery on my left knee. Laparoscopic surgery on that knee as well. Again, quick recovery. I do know those where their tear had to be repaired, which took longer to heal than having a torn portion removed. Wishing you the best.

 

[MamaBear]

I tore mine several years ago. I continued running through several half marathons, a tough mudder and 2 full marathons. (I’m a bit strong willed…). Got to the point that my knee would give out on me, so I needed to address the issue. Surgery was delayed a year due to covid, just had it repaired this past summer. I had probably 3 months of physical therapy and continued the exercises at home a month or so after. I still find it uncomfortable to sit cross legged on the floor and have some pain squatting. It doesn’t give out on me now, which is a big improvement. I have not started a full exercise routine back up bc of another health issue. I think once I start exercising again, the movement will help with the issues I continue to experience. Despite this, I feel it was a good decision to have the surgery.

 

[whitewave]

I had one a few years ago that needed surgical repair and I also paid $4800 out of pocket to do stem cells from my hip bone at the same time. I was trying to avoid/delay knee replacement.

I ended up a few months later blowing out the other knee so in December 2020, I had both knees replaced at the same time. I don’t know if the stems cells worked, but my meniscus knee ended up being not as bad as the later left knee.

good luck, the steroid shot didn’t help any for the meniscus.

 

[AprilBaby]

I had one in 1986 that needed surgery and later a full knee replacement.

 

[donnabrsd]

I went to physical therapy once after my first surgery and decided it was not for me. This is the stretch that helped the most with my recovery. This photo is not me.

 

[Austina]

I tore my medial meniscus about 13 years ago, and needed surgery to shave off all the torn area. I then had physio and made a complete recovery. Fast forward 12 years and I had another, less serious tear. I saw the same surgeon, and he said I didn’t need surgery again, but recommended a steroid shot and physio again. My knee has been OKish, but I get the occasional twinge. MRI showed only a minuscule spot of arthritis, but the surgeon said it was unlikely I’d ever need a replacement knee.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

I had meniscus surgery in 2006 after trying to let the knee heal on its own post-injury. (Username checks out). I am no longer on crutches but my knee is not like it used to be. Also, a few years later I gained weight after having kids. The knee started acting up again. Losing the weight made the knee feel much better.

 

[kathley]

I had a meniscus tear in left knee in 2016. I was not given an option for steroids, it was surgery or live with the pain. If given the option for steroids, I would have declined because I feel it would be a temporary relief for only the pain but the tear would still be there. Laparoscopic surgery worked for me. Mine was to cut out and remove the torn portion. I was up and about the following day. It did take about 6 months before I had full mobility of my knee but I could walk, run, etc. with no pain during those 6 months. I just could not sit Indian style nor squat down fully to pick something up. It probably would have healed quicker had I not torn the meniscus in my right knee the month before surgery on my left knee. Laparoscopic surgery on that knee as well. Again, quick recovery. I do know those where their tear had to be repaired, which took longer to heal than having a torn portion removed. Wishing you the best.

That is the same surgery type that the fellow suggested. Was the laparoscopic surgery "bad"? How long did the procedure take and were you completely out with general anesthesia? I was hoping to hear that the steroid shot would be the magic answer! The photo of the stretch really gives a great visual. Thank you so much for sharing and I am glad that you are doing well after your surgeries!

 

[kathley]

I tore mine several years ago. I continued running through several half marathons, a tough mudder and 2 full marathons. (I’m a bit strong willed…). Got to the point that my knee would give out on me, so I needed to address the issue. Surgery was delayed a year due to covid, just had it repaired this past summer. I had probably 3 months of physical therapy and continued the exercises at home a month or so after. I still find it uncomfortable to sit cross legged on the floor and have some pain squatting. It doesn’t give out on me now, which is a big improvement. I have not started a full exercise routine back up bc of another health issue. I think once I start exercising again, the movement will help with the issues I continue to experience. Despite this, I feel it was a good decision to have the surgery.

Thank you for sharing your experience. It looks like surgery is going to be the best option in the long run. I hope you will continue to experience a good recovery!

 

[kathley]

I tore my medial meniscus about 13 years ago, and needed surgery to shave off all the torn area. I then had physio and made a complete recovery. Fast forward 12 years and I had another, less serious tear. I saw the same surgeon, and he said I didn’t need surgery again, but recommended a steroid shot and physio again. My knee has been OKish, but I get the occasional twinge. MRI showed only a minuscule spot of arthritis, but the surgeon said it was unlikely I’d ever need a replacement knee.

Did you have the steroid shot? I am happy that you didn't have to have surgery again and that you will not need a replacement knee! Some of the google results really scared me as they talked about bad lap. surgeries made things worse. I shouldn't be looking at such things!!

 

[kathley]

I had meniscus surgery in 2006 after trying to let the knee heal on its own post-injury. (Username checks out). I am no longer on crutches but my knee is not like it used to be. Also, a few years later I gained weight after having kids. The knee started acting up again. Losing the weight made the knee feel much better.

Thank you for sharing your experience as it is really helpful! I am glad you are no longer on crutches!

 

[kathley]

I had one a few years ago that needed surgical repair and I also paid $4800 out of pocket to do stem cells from my hip bone at the same time. I was trying to avoid/delay knee replacement.

I ended up a few months later blowing out the other knee so in December 2020, I had both knees replaced at the same time. I don’t know if the stems cells worked, but my meniscus knee ended up being not as bad as the later left knee.

good luck, the steroid shot didn’t help any for the meniscus.

Gosh, both knees replaced at the same time! I hope you are feeling much better now! Thank you for letting me know that the steroid shot didn't help, that helps me in the decision that I will likely have to make once I see the specialist.

 

[kathley]

I had one in 1986 that needed surgery and later a full knee replacement.

Oh gosh, a full knee replacement! Did the original surgery make things worse?

 

[Austina]

Yes I did, it was the biggest needle I’ve ever seen They told me to look out for steroid flare in 48 hrs, when the pain relief they added to the shot wore off. Unfortunately for me, I have a very high tolerance to drugs, and the pain relief wore off in the 20 minutes it took me to drive home. It was uncomfortable for a couple of days. I had 3 months of physio after that and it really helped. As long as I can avoid major surgery, I’ll cope with the minor inconvenience my knee causes occasionally.

 

[kathley]

Yes I did, it was the biggest needle I’ve ever seen They told me to look out for steroid flare in 48 hrs, when the pain relief they added to the shot wore off. Unfortunately for me, I have a very high tolerance to drugs, and the pain relief wore off in the 20 minutes it took me to drive home. It was uncomfortable for a couple of days. I had 3 months of physio after that and it really helped. As long as I can avoid major surgery, I’ll cope with the minor inconvenience my knee causes occasionally.

Did it hurt much when you actually got the injection!? If I can avoid surgery, and the shot will work with physio, then I'll do it. Especially if I end up with any minor inconvenience my knee would cause occassionally.

 

[Diamond Girl 21]

I was diagnosed with complex multiple tears in my meniscus in September. I had a steroid shot which didn't help. I also got a series of three gel shots. So far nothing has really helped. I'm giving it a little more time, but will eventually have surgery. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[kathley]

I was diagnosed with complex multiple tears in my meniscus in September. I had a steroid shot which didn't help. I also got a series of three gel shots. So far nothing has really helped. I'm giving it a little more time, but will eventually have surgery. I hope you feel better soon.

Oh gosh, I feel for you! I am so thankful that you shared your experience! Also the information about gel shots; just in case that is going to be suggested for me. Since this has been going on so long for me and no improvement, I am thinking my real option is going to be surgery too. I hope you feel better soon, too because this is not fun and quite miserable!

 

[Austina]

Honestly, yes, the steroid injection was very painful, they inserted the needle and jiggled it about. When the pain relief wore off, it was painful for a couple of days, then it was OK.

When I had the surgery, I walked in to the hospital in the morning, and walked out later that day. I had to keep my leg dry for a week afterward, so had to shower with my leg hanging out of the shower, and could only walk about for 5 minutes every hour. The rest of the time I had to keep my leg up. I started physio the week after the surgery, and it was fine.

 

[kathley]

Honestly, yes, the steroid injection was very painful, they inserted the needle and jiggled it about. When the pain relief wore off, it was painful for a couple of days, then it was OK.

When I had the surgery, I walked in to the hospital in the morning, and walked out later that day. I had to keep my leg dry for a week afterward, so had to shower with my leg hanging out of the shower, and could only walk about for 5 minutes every hour. The rest of the time I had to keep my leg up. I started physio the week after the surgery, and it was fine.

Forget it! I am not going to do the steroid injection! There is just no easy way out of this situation. Austina, you have been a great help and I thank you for sharing your experience. I wish you well!

 

[Diamond Girl 21]

Oh gosh, I feel for you! I am so thankful that you shared your experience! Also the information about gel shots; just in case that is going to be suggested for me. Since this has been going on so long for me and no improvement, I am thinking my real option is going to be surgery too. I hope you feel better soon, too because this is not fun and quite miserable!

I'm happy to share, especially if it can help someone else. For what it's worth, the gel shots might help you. Just something to consider before surgery. I hope everything goes well for you. Please keep us updated.

 

[AprilBaby]

Oh gosh, a full knee replacement! Did the original surgery make things worse?

Yes, it put me bone on bone. I did 7 years of synvisc before the replacement.

 

[kathley]

Yes, it put me bone on bone. I did 7 years of synvisc before the replacement.

That is terrible! I hope you are feeling much better after the replacement!

 

[texaskj]

I got tripped by a smart aleck while running to the bathroom in 9th grade and ripped my left one, but never knew it. It would occasionally flop down into the joint, but I was always able to somehow get it back into place. That stopped at 30. The torn part went down into the joint and I couldn't straighten out my leg. I had arthroscopic surgery and the orthopedic surgeon took out a portion about the size of his pinky finger down to the first joint. The surgery was Thursday and Monday I went to his office, he took out the stitches and told me to quit using the crutches. Also, no skiing or running. I've always felt incredibly lucky because I had really good insurance at the time and had very little pain. About 5-7 years after the surgery, both knees felt the same.

 

[Piper70]

I have one in each knee! The left was an injury jumping off a rock in to a natural lazy River in Yellowstone National Park back in 2007 on day 2 of a 2 week trip. It hurt and locked up but I took Advil and hobbled along. It flares up occasionally but no medical treatment. Last year, the right knee started with similar pain and inability to bend tight or sit cross legged. Went to ortho and he gave me the steroid shot. It helped with the pain and it was not painful ( think there was a bit of numbing first ). Ortho said neither knee is bad enough for surgery but they do flare up. I wear a knee brace when walking/running with my dog. Now that I have an 11 month old grandson and am spending a lot of time down on the floor with him, I’m wondering if either knee is going to get worse. I’d almost rather have surgery now and have full function in both knees because I can’t do squats or other exercises because I’m afraid to aggravate them.

 

[Piper70]

I had a meniscus tear in left knee in 2016. I was not given an option for steroids, it was surgery or live with the pain. If given the option for steroids, I would have declined because I feel it would be a temporary relief for only the pain but the tear would still be there. Laparoscopic surgery worked for me. Mine was to cut out and remove the torn portion. I was up and about the following day. It did take about 6 months before I had full mobility of my knee but I could walk, run, etc. with no pain during those 6 months. I just could not sit Indian style nor squat down fully to pick something up. It probably would have healed quicker had I not torn the meniscus in my right knee the month before surgery on my left knee. Laparoscopic surgery on that knee as well. Again, quick recovery. I do know those where their tear had to be repaired, which took longer to heal than having a torn portion removed. Wishing you the best.

Do you have full mobility now? I have tears in both knees that aren’t surgery worthy yet but I feel it’s only a matter of time.

 

[kathley]

I got tripped by a smart aleck while running to the bathroom in 9th grade and ripped my left one, but never knew it. It would occasionally flop down into the joint, but I was always able to somehow get it back into place. That stopped at 30. The torn part went down into the joint and I couldn't straighten out my leg. I had arthroscopic surgery and the orthopedic surgeon took out a portion about the size of his pinky finger down to the first joint. The surgery was Thursday and Monday I went to his office, he took out the stitches and told me to quit using the crutches. Also, no skiing or running. I've always felt incredibly lucky because I had really good insurance at the time and had very little pain. About 5-7 years after the surgery, both knees felt the same.

What a bad experience that didn't have to happen! I am happy to hear that you had very little pain, because this can get ugly with the pain. I am still waiting to get into seeing a specialist; my PCP called him last Thursday for a referral for me to be seen. The strange thing with mine is that it will lock up and I will get this terrible sharp pain where I absolutely cannot walk. There is no warning to this. I will be happy to get answers and treatment so that I can go forward with life! Thank you so much for sharing your information and I hope you continue to feel good! Does it generally take 5 - 7 years post surgery to get back to normal functionality?

 

[kathley]

I have one in each knee! The left was an injury jumping off a rock in to a natural lazy River in Yellowstone National Park back in 2007 on day 2 of a 2 week trip. It hurt and locked up but I took Advil and hobbled along. It flares up occasionally but no medical treatment. Last year, the right knee started with similar pain and inability to bend tight or sit cross legged. Went to ortho and he gave me the steroid shot. It helped with the pain and it was not painful ( think there was a bit of numbing first ). Ortho said neither knee is bad enough for surgery but they do flare up. I wear a knee brace when walking/running with my dog. Now that I have an 11 month old grandson and am spending a lot of time down on the floor with him, I’m wondering if either knee is going to get worse. I’d almost rather have surgery now and have full function in both knees because I can’t do squats or other exercises because I’m afraid to aggravate them.

One in each knee is terrible! Every now and then I feel a twinge in my other knee and I feel a sense of panic creep in. I would wonder too if the flare ups would start to ramp up and the possibility of getting worse. I understand what you are saying about having surgery to get full function in your knees. Surgery is not fun, but living without full knee function is not either. I wish you the best in making the right decision. Take care and let us know what you decide.