Possible Re Tear?

Posted , 3 users are following.

So, about 5-6 months ago I had a minor meniscus tear in my knee. 

Physiotherapist said it wasn't a 'bad' tear as I still had fairly good movement and the pain, although uncomfortable, wasn't too bad. It began to heal pretty quick and in a month or so I was moving around fairly well on it. I had no surgery, no scans, no injections - just ice, massage and physiotherapy. 

Over the last few months I began running, weights and wrestling again, gradually upping the intensity. 

About 3 weeks ago I went over on the same leg (whilst wrestling) and felt a shock of pain go through my knee - suffice to say I spent the next few days hobbling around and icing it. 

I think I've re torn it. It's fairly tender to touch (perhaps a 3 out of 10 on the pain spectrum), can't bend my knee fully and I can't straighten it properly, either (probably 10% reduction in full movement).

Like the first time I did it, the pain isn't excruciating like I've heard some people say when they've torn their meniscus, so I'm presuming it's a small tear again. 

Anyone else ever re tear their meniscus? Had a similar experience? 

If there is no progression in the next week or so (that'll be around the 4-5 week point) I'll go to the Docs. 

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Tim.

    i tore my meniscus at work, pushing a big guy on a trolley from the operating theatre.  My knee just twisted a little, navigating the trolley around a corner.  It hurt a bit but I carried on.  Over the next few days, still at work, still pushing, it began to hurt more and then started “ locking” where I couldn’t move for a few minutes because of the pain.  I luckily worked at the hospital so was able to get scans etc pretty quickly and the arthroscopic surgery done.  I had a few weeks off work but the 2nd day back, I retore it.  I’ve had bilateral tkr’s since and was retired from work.  Like you, the pain wasn’t excruciating all the time but when it locked, OUCH!  I didn’t get it fixed the 2nd time and knee never felt the same after.

    If I were you, id I for and MRI to see how bad it is.  You didn’t say if you had scans.  I’m wondering how your Physiotherapist could make the call on it being a “ small” tear. They can knit back together over time but they can also get worse if left too long.

    hope things work out for you.  You sound young and fit so I must sure you’ll be fine.

    best wishes

    Sue

  • Posted

    Time to go to an Orthopedic doctor! Tears don't heal. They need to be trimmed away. But you don't know for sure it's even a tear without an MRI! So that's what you need to do. Proper diagnosing the problem is the first step. I hope you get some help.

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