Question - Non-traumatic injury to knee

by laurie`
(hatfield pa)

I am overweight and 54 year old female. Spontaneously, my right knee began to hurt 4 or 5 days ago. It became swollen and I could NOT weight bear. When I sit it feels ok, but tight. Over the few days, each day feels better. However I am still using crutches and can't get around well. I am not in much pain. I had an MRI and am awaiting my appointment with the orthopedic surgeon.

My question is, Can I avoid surgery even arthroscopic surgery, and use physical therapy, etc. to heal? I would prefer this but is it the preferred method.

I am reading that it is good to save your meniscus and later in life can be a problem if you have less than all of your meniscus. In a nutshell, can I avoid surgery??
Your thoughts.
And, when will I be able to walk without crutches ...thank you!!

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Question - Non-traumatic injury to knee

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Oct 23, 2008
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avoiding surgery
by: Bart - SII

It is possible to avoid surgery with a meniscus tear (if that is what your MRI shows). It all depends on your symptoms and activity limitations. Some meniscus tears will respond well to therapy, and only cause occasional problems of swelling and pain. Others cause enough limitations and pain that people cannot live their life normally.

It is impossible to tell at this point if you can avoid surgery - usually you go through rehab and see how you do, and then get back to activities - if you still have problems, then surgery is the next option.

As far as coming off the crutches, again, hard to say. Without a clear idea of what is actually wrong, it will be symptomatic - as your pain and swelling subsides, hopefully your function will return and you can bear weight again. Kind of a "wait and see" answer I know, but after your appointment you should know more.

Bart