Quirky Knee

[NY65912]

My left knee has been giving me trouble on and off for the last year. A year ago, almost to the day I was totally unable to straighten it. I went to the ER and by the time I got there it popped back in place and I felt fine.

So, after a year of this on and off it stuff I'm getting tired and I guess I'll see a doc.

The quirkiness is that one day I'm in pain and the next it's gone. It stays good for a few days or a week and then it comes back. I can't figure the on/off and the reason for it.

Yes, I am getting older.
Yes, I am overweight.
Yes, I have been working constantly and a lot involves kneeling.

Just blowing off some steam.

[LakeCleElum]

Can probably fixed with a "scope" surgery.....I've had at least 5 on my knees....(finally one replaced)......I usually bicycle the day after such a suregery and getting around with just a cane in 2 days...Not a big deal...

[pavulon]

Small (attached or no longer attached) pieces can of articular cartilage or meniscus can lodge in uncomfortable places or positions and then dislodge when the knees' position or load changes. Waiting to investigate or address can increase the damage and probability of more drastic repair later. YMMV.

[matt f]

Originally Posted by pavulon

Small (attached or no longer attached) pieces can of articular cartilage or meniscus can lodge in uncomfortable places or positions and then dislodge when the knees' position or load changes. Waiting to investigate or address can increase the damage and probability of more drastic repair later. YMMV.

+1 from a Doc.

[slodave]

I had a torn meniscus in my right knee and I had the same symptoms. Knee would often lock up because of the way I slept. Some times I could move it around and the cartilage would flip back into place, other times, I had to force it top straighten - very painful, but worked. I ended up having arthroscopic surgery when I was 18 and originally was to have the torn bit cut out, but the surgeon was able to repair it while I was under.

[NY65912]

Thanks to all. I guess it's off to the doc I go.

[NY65912]

Saw the doc today. It looks like arthroscopic trimming of the torn meniscus. How long of a recovery, I presume short. Cheers

[aigel]

Don't assume it is a short recovery. I was on crutches for 4 weeks post surgery with 6 month PT recovery when I had mine done. And that was in my early 20s. Maybe they are better at it now? I have to say though that many years later, zero issues, so they cleaned it up well at the time.

And you should plan on losing some weight pre-surgery to help with recovery.

G

[MBAtarga]

Originally Posted by NY65912

arthroscopic trimming of the torn meniscus

I was walking up/down stairs the following day. I did milk the use of crutches around the office though - I got to use the closest parking spot

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by NY65912

Saw the doc today. It looks like arthroscopic trimming of the torn meniscus. How long of a recovery, I presume short. Cheers

I've had many of those surgeries....Often pushed myself and was on a bicycle the next day....Crutches for 1 day, and cane for 3 or 4 and life goes on.....I didn't have to "knell" a lot like you do.....My boss didn't go for that stuff.......G'luck

[sammyg2]

Been to too many knee docs over the past 15 years.

I had my left meniscus cut many years ago, the right one is tore pretty good but the consensus is resist surgery. I get cortisone shots instead.

At one time trimming the the meniscus was standard practice til they figured out that that too often led to bone on bone and total replacement with artificial stuff.

Ger the meniscus cut if you really have to, but understand it could lead to major ouch later. Doan do it unless there's no other choice.

[NY65912]

Thanks for the advice. I shall ponder all this.

[sammyg2]

Before ....after....