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Torn meniscus cartilage - is this pain and swelling normal?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Guy26
Guy26

hi all, 

I've always had problems with my knee but towards the end of last year it started swelling and becoming too painful to walk, get out of a chair, etc.  

I had an MRI which shows a "degenerative" cartilage tear in the meniscus. I'm not even 30 yet. My GP said I will probably need surgery and I'm now waiting for a hospital appointment. 

My question is about the symptoms really.  The pain seems to come and go but is generally getting worse.  The swelling is so bad by the end of the day I can hardly bend my knee at all.  My knee is aching all the time even at rest, driving is a problem, sitting/bending/turning are all problems.  Strangely walking isn't too painful. 

I'm really fed up with it. I can't tolerate ibuprofen or naproxen.  Paracetamol and Codeine helps but not completely.   I'm told the wait for orthopedics is months and the idea of surgery scares me anyway. 

Can they do joint injections for this type of problem?  Has anyone got any tips with coping with it?

thanks

 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Guy26
    Guy26

    Posted

    Oh and I'm now getting pain in the opposite foot and hip area, which I think is due to the way I'm walking to protect the knee. 

     

    • carol45436
      carol45436 Guy26

      Posted

      Yes, you are right, the pain is because of your altered posture. It should go once your knee is sorted  but mention it at your appointment. In fact shout loud about your pain and everything else.Good luck.
  • carol45436
    carol45436 Guy26

    Posted

    Hi Guy,I tore my meniscus while climbing so it was a little different. My knee went up like a football and the pain was awful.I ended up in A and E. Unlike you in those days I didn't have to wait for surgery as we had company private insurane.However the op was the same as you will have and it's nothing to worry about.It is keyhole so you should be in and out the same day.  You will not be able to drive for a few weeks but after that you should be back to normal. I had mine done fifteen years ago and have only now had to have a new knee.
    • Guy26
      Guy26 carol45436

      Posted

      hi, thanks for the reply. 

      Were you able to walk right away after surgery?

      My biggest concern is being stuck in an NHS hospital (bad experiences in the past) for days on end.  Or being completely unmobile for months after the surgery.  I have quite poor balance so not sure how I will get on with crutches. 

      It is taking me 50% longer to walk the same distance and then the pain afterwards is not fun.  

      I'm sure I sound like a right old moaner but I'm sure most people here will agree that chronic pain is no fun. 

       

    • carol45436
      carol45436 Guy26

      Posted

      Yes you will be able to walk. They will make sure you can manage steps with the crutches before they let you out but I was back at work with a stick a couple of weeks later and I had a long flight of stairs to negotiate when I arrived! 

       

  • suzanne64053
    suzanne64053 Guy26

    Posted

    Hi Guy yes really make them see how much pain you are in so they treat you as urgent. Not sure if you are in UK or what area but I have not had to wait pass the government's recommendations. For any procedure and my knee replacement was sooner :-)
  • ruthie2673
    ruthie2673 Guy26

    Posted

    Yes, tore my meniscus 10 yeards ago.....very painful, could not put weight through my knee for weeks and constant pain even at rest that brought tears to my eyes.

    Keyhole surgery very effective, very quick, done as a day case, quick recovery.

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