Meniscus Tear? 3 Signs Surgery Might Be Needed

To get a copy of Will's new book, Thriving Beyond Fifty, you can find it on Amazon below:

In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals the three signs that indicate surgery might be needed for a meniscus tear.

To get a copy of Will's new book, Thriving Beyond Fifty, you can find it on Amazon below:
(Amazon Affiliate links)

[samsterc]

For 2.5 years I have been limping after walking, it started off just up hill, and now I can’t walk longer than 15 minutes without limping. I can’t kneel down, or have a dance or play with my nieces.

I was told it was muscle imbalance by nhs for years and to ‘push through the pain’ including squats and walking on my limped leg, which I believe has made it worse, I was repeatedly not taken seriously. When I suggested I thought it was something else like a cartilage problem, they really made me feel like I was lying or being dramatic.

I finally got fed up and went for a private mri scan last week.

Turns out it’s s severe oblique meniscus medial tear and a 3.5mm cyst.

I’ve been told now I will most likely need surgery 😢 I’m only 29 and haven’t played sports, only running and walking. I’m a healthy weight, and have no idea how it happened!

I wish I had found out sooner and been given the correct physio, if you have any symptoms go private, don’t waste any time!

[Jus-bornRun]

50% radial tear, surgery or rehab? Doesn’t lock up, or give out. Walking no limp. Cycling ok. Running hurts. TiA!!

[essequamvideri]

great insight.

6months in after a tear in the medial, accompanied with severe tendinopathy and collagen loss in the patellar tendon, which combined to cause so much pain my brain shut off my quadriceps for a couple weeks while i tried to "tough it out" resulting in significant atrophy.

with an ambitious pt approach using progressive loading, lots of stability and isometrics, after ems woke up the muscle fibers - i'm blessed and thankful for slow and incremental but really uplifting improvements.

glad i saw an ortho who also prefers a long-range non-invasive approach, and glad i had a pt team who let me push myself hard under their supervision!!!

[youubik]

I had a partial meninsectomy when I way 19 yrs old. It is the regret of my life. Don't do it. You can look forward to a life of pain (If you are lucky, which I wasn't, the pain may be delayed by a few years after surgery)

[roselynlee]

Thank you very much for sharing the info. I'm currently experiencing meniscus tear and waiting for an appointment with a surgeon. With the knowledge I learned from you, I know what to discuss with my surgeon and hopefully I can gradually heal without a surgery. Appreciated.

[packets]

Great video. Gutted as just been told I have a lateral meniscal tear, my knee is unable to straighten/extend fully naturally. Waiting for MRI appointment to confirm. Gutted and very low as walking running keep the demons at bay. Trying to get my head around it and very much NOT wanting surgery. Worried as my knee can’t straighten fully and can’t extend back naturally. Worrying I’ve got the worst bucket handle tear. Going to try all the strength training/rehab. Thank you so very much for your videos, super helpful! ❤

[giakhalsa]

Thank you so much. You are very excellent at explaining all this. I have watched many videos, and you are really good and clear with this info !!!👍👍👍

[iwo]

What about when your knee meets resistance when bending beyond a certain degree?

[MaryMueller-dq]

I am SO grateful to have paused after learning I tore my meniscus in 2020 and then, subsequently went off a step unexpectedly and also have a meniscus root tear. I am doing the conservative approach with physical therapy, herbs, and intense self-care. Your video's have so broadened my understanding of the atomy of my knee, etc., helping me choose what exercises to do and to also share what I have learned with my physical therapists! Thank you so much. Will continue learning, exploring and sharing your wisdom with many many others!

[DesertCruiser]

I had successful surgery for my meniscus tear, after i was getting the feeling something was floating in my knee. But several times a week that floating piece would get pinched between the two bones and cause a very sharp pain in the middle of the knee joint. I had to be extremely cautious all the time. Surgery was done and in a couple days i was back to normal activities.

[magda]

If only I had known it two years ago. I need not have undergone the surgery. Since the operation I have been having problems with my knee. Greetings❤

[donnajones]

I wont be able to stand the constant pain for a year. Mri is being read today. Id rather spend 3 months recovering than wait 12 months still in pain, not being able to straighten by leg and have it catching and throwing me to the floor where i could injure myself further.

[elained]

My knee gets stuck in the bent position. I'm glad I have a better term- locking. As I'm currently not happy with my orthopedic surgeon, I'll be looking for another. He apparently doesn't care that my knee locks in the bent position and I use my hands to gently move my leg until I feel it unlock. There is sharp pain deep in the knee too.
Thanks for this information!

[mamalovesthebeach]

Thanks for this Will…left knee did great now right knee is painfully locking up. After a few weeks of therapy PT recommends I get MRI. He thunks it may be a stuck flap of meniscus as you describe. I was fit and active until mid March and then my left knee blew up…my whole leg, thigh to ankle turned black and was filled with fluid from complex Baker’s cyst. That lead to discovering 2-4 OA with multiple meniscus tears. Worked through in PT in 2 1/2 months doing great then right knee swelled and shooting pain and locking up. MRI in 3 weeks. Likely OA in there too so I’m wanting to avoid making it worse. If there is a loose flap does that ever properly heal? I was an avid hiker and mountain biker before this. I do have missing 2” from left leg due to motorcycle accident. I’ve done well for 68 years and never anticipated not staying active.

[annababette]

Super useful and clearly explained. Talking to a surgeon tomorrow and feel better prepared with this information in hand. Thank you!

[coreypitts]

Thank you for sharing this video. Very helpful and easy to understand.

[psfgtech]

My left meniscus tomorrow, its got a tear, my right knee is shattered, but i can walk, my shin and femur are splintered, hows that work?

[kobusventer]

Very well presented. Thank you for your effort.

[saraheshetu]

I have tears in both my knees I been in pain for a year my doctor says they don't want to do surgery I can barely walk

[brucekalter]

Thanks for this info... I recently have acquired a torn meniscus in my left knee (possibly in the other knee as well), & your videos are helpful & explanatory.