Meniscus Tear recovery timeline

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hey all. What are everyone experiences for recovery times on a meniscus tear repair?

I had 2 tears - both repaired and also some of my (discoid) meniscus shaved. I am now 7 weeks post OP - I can walk with minimal limp, climb stairs and also come down them (still a little wobbly coming down). I have also just been cleared for stationary bike riding, and range of movement is really good so all in all I'm pretty happy with progress. My leg did have significant muscle wastage before surgery though and I was non weight bearing for 3 weeks post OP so I am still building the muscle back slowly.

However, still have some effusion on my knee and it is still a little tender/numb like on the lateral side where there are a couple of incisions and the lateral side of my knee is still very stiff with some occasional sharp pains which radiate around the area (which was behind my knee).

Seeing my physio tomorrow for my regular appointment and I will ask them about this but hopefully this is normal in my recovery - how has it been for everyone else?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    I've had 2 surgeries within a year. They missed the second tear. The knee will never feel the same. It hurts constantly. I can't do many of my pre tear exercises. If I overdo it, I have to sit on the couch for a few days. This has been life changing for me. No running, no high impact sports, etc. Hope yours is better!

    • Posted

      That's awful!!! How long you been suffering with it?

      Update from today, seen the physio who has told me that the pains and discomfort I am feeling isn't any cause for alarm. Tested my ROM and she had a feel around the knee and it appears ok and on track. She said the real concern would be if my leg started catching again and if there was significant pain when weight bearing that doesn't go away.

      I have been given some new exercises to do though as my quad is still pretty weak - I now have some form of partial lunge type movement that focuses solely on the injured leg. They hurt but then again every exercise I have had hurt initially until the leg got strong enough to support them smile

    • Posted

      I’ve also had two survived this year and am finally starting to feel better.  I have to be easy though I cannot do to much or my leg gets discolored and swollen and painful.  Overall things are starting to get better. I am 8.5 weeks post acl reconstruction and meniscus was fixed in May.
    • Posted

      Ouch! Hang in there. It's so frustrating not to be able to resume normal activities! I made Easter dinner and my knee was so swollen and sore on Monday. I just laid around all day. I hate it. Once that meniscus has been removed, the knee never feels the same again. Did I mention it throws out my back too? Fun times!

    • Posted

      Almost 2 years! First surgery in July 2016. Second October 2017. It never got better. My running days are over I fear. He'll just walking g hurts it. Once the remove that meniscus, it's never gonna be the same. Good luck to you!

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.