Returning to Running after Parial Meniscus Removal

by Mark
(Sydney)

At 32 and after 20 years of running (x country and track) I only recently had a partial meniscus removal in the left knee. Post operation the Doctor told me no road running, however that I could play football matches, so long as I did not train, and take part in other sports.

My physio, stated, without wanting to override the Surgeons advise, that the Doc/Surgeon is not looking at the big picture and only advising you as what is best for your knee - and advised that it should be possible for me after rehab to run once or twice a week on grass.

I have returned to running about 35-45k (quality) a week and substitute the remaining mileage/kms with Cross Training and Weight training etc....with all running being on grass, bar the odd 5k road race and my track sessions on tartan.

Am i asking for trouble down the line? My Knee feels fine, no bothers no issues - 10 months since the op. Physically I am a lean 6ft 4 and only weight 80kg, and work on strength on the knee to help out on impact.

My lifestyle takes a dramatic swing when I am not focused on Athletics and thus am at the best state of mind when I continue to exercise and race. Thus don't want to quit!

I was also contemplating having a damage assessment done after a couple of years training to see if this could determine the impact that my continued running is having - is this possible?? so that I could re assess development of any longer term damage at a later stage?

Comments for
Returning to Running after Parial Meniscus Removal

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 17, 2008
Rating

Was there other damage?
by: Bart - SII

I would probably agree with your physio - for someone like you who is healthy, in shape, young, and very motivated to stay fit and keep exercising, sensible running shouldn't be something that you give up.

You do sound like you are being sensible - not too many miles, running mostly on grass surfaces, resting between running days, strength training, etc. All of these things will help you avoid overuse injuries and future problems.

With a partial meniscus removal, your knee does lose some shock absorbing ability - which means that the articular surfaces then take a bit more stress - over time this will lead to degeneration of the joint surfaces - and when I say time, I mean decades, not months. You will likely have some arthritis in your knees when you reach 60 or 70 years old, perhaps a bit sooner.

The only caveat I put on this is whether or not there was other damage in the knee that was found during your arthroscopy - did your doctor mention any chondromalacia or roughening/degeneration of the articular surfaces, or other damage? Also, how much of the meniscus did you end up losing? These are not deterrents, but can be indicators of long term prognosis for your knees.

All in all, if you stay sensible with your activities, you should be able to enjoy running for many more years.

Bart

Aug 26, 2009
Rating

Menaflex Procedure
by: Mark

Hello Mark,

My name is also Mark. I also had a partial
menisectomy in my right knee over a year ago.
I commend you for being dedicated to exercising
the knee. I don't know the amount of meniscus
you lost. But I wish to make you aware of an
FDA approved surgical procedure (Menaflex) to
treat medial meniscus injuries. I am sure you
know that the medial meniscus is in the inner
part of the knee. If your meniscal loss was in
the inner area, you may want to view the following websites: www.regenbio.com &
www.menaflex.com This surgical procedure was
FDA approved in Dec 2008. To date there have
been 111 U.S. surgeons to be trained to perform
the surgery. Another website to check is
www.stoneclinic.com to read the info Dr. Kevin Stone (inventor of Menaflex in 1986) says about this procedure. In summary, it is designed
to regrow portions of the medial meniscus. According to Dr. Stone, there were clinical
trials in the U.S. a number of years ago with
successful results as well as successful results in Europe (3000 patients in Europe have had the surgery).

Best of luck,

Mark

Oct 24, 2009
Rating

right knee meniscus
by: Gary

I recently had part of my right knee meniscus removed, the dr said it was torn, so he rmoved a fair bit of it, whn i asked after 2 weeks from the op when i could return to football he said to wait 3-4 months, but didnt fill me with confidence. i am 24 and about 6ft 2 i weigh about 14.5 stone, i would like someones advice on wether i will be able to continue my footballing career as i was moving up levels in my local leagues, and there was a mention of being paid to play, not just about the money but looking forward to playing a much higher level. currently i am putting on weight which is difficult to know how i can exercise to help this. anyone with any posotive responses is very much welcomed, thanks Gary

Oct 29, 2009
Rating

great info
by: cathaleen

I had most of my left knee meniscus removal without being told! Surgery was for a torn meniscus, so I was devastated to have it almost completely removed. I was a marathon runner and did not experience any knee problems before. I should have investigated more thoroughly but never dreamed of this happening. Like you, I need to be active for my mind first, then body. I only started running at age 40 and am 50 now. Was told no more running! Cant do but its fustrating that theres not much out there. Got some get info from the other Mark and will pursue that. Right now I have turned to triathalons but my love is running! Thanks so much for sharing your story, felt alone and depressed since it happened may 2008. Now I have some hope and info, good luck to you also. Not knowing how much to do is a hard place to be!

Nov 17, 2009
Rating

Medial Meniscus Removal, 5 Years in
by: Steve

Hi Mark,

Just wanted to share my experience. I had a complete medial meniscus removal about 5 years ago (in my 20's at that time), and was told by Dr's / Therapists that I could continue my lifesyle without any problems for quite some time. After recovery I used running / hiking as my primary form of exercise. I did not feel any pain whatsoever for about 4 years and then all of a sudden I started getting a very acute pain due to severe arthritis development in my medial side that limited me to a fast walk (anything more causes a great deal of pain). Now considering a partial knee replacement to at least get back to being able to be somewhat active. Although I do find the other Mark's comment intriguing about collagen meniscus implants. Don't mean to scare you but just wanted to share my story.

Nov 20, 2009
Rating

Cycling is a great substitute
by: Oliver

I've had two skiing accidents resulting in removal of part of my medial meniscus and loose/degenerated ligaments. Though I love running and hiking in the mountains, there is no denying that running will result in arthritis sooner or later over time. I do run 1-2 times a week, but I found that cycling is a great alternative (at least for me). With running I do get pain as soon as I push the volume or pace. With cycling it's the opposite, the more I ride, the better me knee feels. Cycling is great because it regenerates the tissue in the knee, strengthens vital muscles without putting much pressure on the meniscus, and is also in many ways more fun than running. I would recommend for beginners to get a good bike fit by an expert, as almost all cycling injuries are related to a bad fit.

Jan 23, 2010
Rating

Left & Right Complete Medial Meniscus Removal
by: Justin

I'm glad to find this thread. I had my right medial meniscus completely removed when I was 21 due to a major tear. I didn't know that it would be removed when I went into surgery, so I was surprised when I went for my 2 week follow-up and the Dr. told me that I shouldn't play any court sports or prolonged running. I had already played in a pickup game of basketball before my 2 week appt. I was pole vaulting in college at the time as well. I was extremely active and young, so the thought of slowing things down was the furthest thing from my mind.

I tore my left medial meniscus when I was 26 and had it completely removed. I've been less than active in my late 20's and early 30's, but I've recently started running at the age of 34. Within the 3 weeks of running on the road my right knee is absolutely killing me and my left knee is sore as well. I came searching for anybody that had experience with this and I'm glad to find this thread. I have my first running event(6k)tomorrow morning and I'm determined to finish the race running. I just worry that it will be my last. I may have to take up race-walking to keep the impact lower but still allow me to get out on the road and get my heart rate up. I'll figure something out, but I wish I had some solid answers.

Thanks everyone for your input and experiences. It does help.

--Justin (Eugene, OR)

Jan 25, 2010
Rating

bi-laterial meniscus removal
by: Jennie

I commend you for continuing to exercise. In late 2008, at the age of 34, I had over 50% of my meniscus removed from both my left and right knees. In my right knee there was additional damage that my doctor repaired as much as he could. My doctor told me that I wouldn't be able to run or do any type of hardcore mtn biking and/or high impact sports or I would run the risk of further damage of my knee.

In August of 2009 I signed up to run the Disney Marathon w/o any prior running exp. I began training and made sure that I either wrapped both of my knees or wore braces and stretched really well every time I trained. I found that wrapping my knees were more comfortable and stable then using any knee brace.

My knees felt better then they did in my early 20's playing soccer. I ran my first marathon a few weeks ago. I trained running on roads and I never had an issue. You can have your doctor do an MRI to see if there is any further damage done to your joints by continuing to exercise. They will do an Xray to determine arthritis. Arthritis I have found is unavoidable after having your meniscus removed. I have found that my knees will become painful right before a rainstorm and also in extremely cold temps.

Good luck with your training and your knee health!.

Feb 10, 2010
Rating

second surgery
by: Anonymous

I am 26yrs old,i had my first surgery when i was 17 from a soccer engery.My acl was ripped and so was my meniscus,the doc repaired both and stiched up the meniscus and everything was good until now.I started getting swelling and pain in my right knee again so i went to the doc.i did an mri and the doc found that the reparied part of my meniscus had ripped into 4 sections,he told me that reparing it hardly ever works but sence i was so young they thought it might heal ok.so now ok go in 2 weeks to have it removed,i do heavy weightlifting and practice jiu-jitsu,doc said it shouldnt effect either and that squats were good for the knee,im 6ft 205lbs and he said i should be fine

Feb 21, 2010
Rating

anecdotal evidence
by: TONYH

Interesting. I'm a 67 yrld been putting in 25 to 30 miles a week all my life. My first injury is a meniscus tear, just removed 45% couple days ago! It only makes sense that's going to have some further ramifications, given the structure involved.

Nonetheless, I personally know three guys in their 40's and 50's long distancing and in one case trail marathoning with partial removals. Also I've spent hours googling it out. I know I'm gonna try. Truth is, these injuries are just too idiosyncratic for general answers. But, think of it, you would want to shift strike away from the side of leg affected, shoes?

Feb 21, 2010
Rating

15 year old partial meniscectomy
by: Anonymous

Hi,

I'm a very active 15 year old girl and last year I got injured playing soccer. I had 1/3 of my lateral meniscus removed. I know play with a brace, but not as often and I strength train twice a week. The doctor says I may need the brace my whole life if I wish to run. Do you think that's too conservative?

May 10, 2010
Rating

Returning to running after a meniscus removal
by: Anonymous

I had surgery at 30 years ago to remove a torn meniscus. Several years ago, I started running, and getting fit. A few months later, I felt quite a bit of pain in my knee. I saw a very reputable sports orthopedic specialist who concluded that the side of my knee without the meniscus was collapsing. X-rays showed that my femur (the thigh bone) was making direct contact with the bones on my lower leg! Arthritis was definitely present too. They did some "clean up" surgery and told me that I would likely need more surgery later. Running is the worst thing I can do. Biking and swimming are better sports for me. Life without running isn't so bad. Sometimes when I stand, I can actually feel the bones touching. I absolutely trust the doctor when it comes to his advice about no running. I can tell there is no cushion in the joint and want to avoid the next operation as long as possible. Good luck with your decision, but if you are questioning this, I would definitely get other opinions from professionals who specialize in sports orthopedics.

May 10, 2010
Rating

11 wks in from surgery
by: tony h

11 wks after having 50% removql of meniscus, I'm doing 20. The wear of marathon training may or may not be possible, but seems feasable now. Anyhow, this is good compared to 0. Slow, but that's always been me. I think total recovery to the point of long distance running is the rule rather than the exception. Most folks I know get back from partial removal pretty quick. I'm 67, as stated in first post, and this is my first injury save a bout of fasciitis 35 years since

Jul 21, 2010
Rating

Leg & knee injury..
by: Webdes2008@gmail.com

Broke my leg 3 years ago, and some sort of knee injury.. wasnt told exactly what.. but did have arthoscopy and something else on the side of my knee.. 3 months after surgery couldnt extend my leg or bend my knee that much, and my knee pain has always been the same seems like a meniscus tear.. pain gets pretty bad upto an 8/9.. Can't take an MRI because i have metal plates in my leg now..

and i was curious if anyone had problems with extending their leg straight all the way/bending their knees and if their meniscus surgery actually helped??

Feb 13, 2011
Rating

Lateral Meniscus Removal
by: Frank

At 17 years old, I had an ACL reconstruction and partial Lateral meniscus tear repaired of my left knee (HS football injury). I joined the military at 21 and became very active in terms or running, triathlons, and weight training. In addition, I completed all those crazy schools that give you badges but are high impact on your knees. Fast forward 14 years (35 yrs old) still in the military. The rigors on this active lifestyle has resulted in the removal of the lateral meniscus and micro fractures to remove some of the arthritis in the left knee. I saw a very experience & senior ortho doc who worked with the Baltimore ravens and he told me that my running days are over. To maintain my cardio I bike, swim, and alternate using the eliptical machine or the likes. I pressed my doc for a long term prognosis based on the level of activity/lifestyle I learned to enjoy and this is the best advice i can give to whoever reads this post. You actually can run but at a price. I run about 1-2 times a month anywhere from 3-4 miles. This will result in arthritis and eventually a knee replacement depending on your body (5-25 years down the road). I have children and if you define good quality of life as the activity you can enjoy with your family i would advise to stop running and do the alternate events to get your endorphines going. if exercise is your life then keep doing it and technology will eventually find a fix for bad knees and you can keep that level of activity you also learned to enjoy (bit of a gamble). When I found myself in hairy situations in Afghanistan, my left knee did not fail me as I was able to move with the best of them but I feel if I had overdid it early enough post surgery I might have had the same level of mobility. There are many alternate treatments and surgeries but they don't work for everybody. For the younger individuals who have similar injuries learn to incorporate weight training and that will reduce or slow down re-injury. As a disclaimer, your Ortho and physical therapist are the only ones that can give you a good prognosis your your particular injury. Also, Glucosemine worked really well for me...sucks to have to take two horse pills a day but I can tell the difference. Again, doesn't work for everybody.

Feb 23, 2011
Rating

BAD REPORT
by: JJ

I AM 39. I HAD A LARGE PART OF MY MENISCUS ON MY RIGHT KNEE REMOVED.DOCTOR TOLD ME NO MORE HIGH IMPACT SPORTS OR EXERCISE. I HAVE BEEN ACTIVE MY WHOLE LIFE SO IT IS KIND OF HARD TO GIVE UP SPORTS. 5 MONTHS AFTER SURGERY I WENT TO HIT SOFTBALL WITH MY OLD TEAM ..RAN JUST A LITTLE.NOW MY SAME KNEE SEEMS TO BE BOTHERING ME ON AND OFF. IS THERE ANY HOPE OR AM I HEADED BACK UNDER THE KNIFE... 2-23-11

Feb 24, 2011
Rating

very individual, but common sense applies
by: Anonymous

Had it done a year ago. I'm 68, 25-30 ms wk for 40 yrs. Ran good half 6 mos latter. Have some twinges. Basically, don't get those boneheads rubbing and start an arthtitic condition: there's nothing between them now, they're only being held apart by your muscles! The arthritic condition won't get better. I'm going to sub biking as much as poss at a 3-1 mile ratio to prolong the inevitable wearing down. Several friends who kept running head on are doing fine a decade after. 'course, they're kids in their 40's and 50's.

Mar 09, 2011
Rating

what about stem cell therapy
by: Anonymous

I have always been very active and can't accept the hault I have come to a year after 75% left knee menicus removal. I seem pretty good for a while now I have this lump that is painful on the lateral side of the knee. Had an injection in the lump which helped for about two weeks. The injury was worker's comp but know they refuse to claim this is part of the injury. Never had problem with the knee before. Like most of everyone has mentioned exercise and doing things is vital for our heads and to keep positive. Any suggestions are welcomed.

Apr 23, 2011
Rating

50 % of my meniscus was removed
by: soccer10

I've an ACL & Meniscus repaired,my Doctor used a cadaver graft,he told me it was the best choice for my case.
I'm kind worry cuz he needed to removed about 50% of medial meniscus.does anymore have been on the same situation? I am worry about arthritis problems on the future. Any one have experienced arthritis after parcial removed the meniscus? I'm 31 years old and former pro soccer player.I just dont see myself having to quite due the complications in the future.

Any one could help me on my question !!! thanks.

Jun 15, 2011
Rating

Meniscus removal
by: Ken

Had a partial medial meniscus removal (60%) done September 2010. Am 64 years old and ran all my life 20 to 35 miles a week. I felt okay after six weeks and started running on a treadmill once or twice a week after 12 weeks. Tried outside but too much pain at the cavity. It has been down hill since week 20. Had to get cortizone for inflamation every three months. Don't think I will run again although biking is a good alternative and non impact aerobic machines are good. Walking is difficult so I had to rule that out as an alternative exercise. I am a Varus (bowlegged) so the medial side takes a beating walking or running and causes some pain on the lateral side and stretches the MCL which gets sore. Can't do any squats below 50 percent. Friends with similar surgeries but less mass removed (below 30 percent) have been able to return to running. Don't you a brace unless walking on a hard surface or uneven surface. I usually have to ice my knee two times a day. It is like caring for a child except you don't have to worry about diapers.

Jun 16, 2011
Rating

Update Lateral Meniscus
by: Frank

Based on several post following my own, I inquired as to how much of my meniscus was removed from my knee; approximately 40-50%. I began running 3 1/2 miles once/twice a week 2 months ago and would have pain for 2 days after the run and discomfort for an additional day or so. I continue taking my glucosamine (1500mg), with chondroitin (800mg) & MSM (750mg) 2 pills a day and after a month of doing this, it seems to expedite the healing process. Additionally, I began taking Mega men Extreme pre-workout and 1000mg Alaskan fish oil from Costco and 1000mg of vitamin C per day a different time based on my schedule but usually after a meal. I cut down running to 3 1/3 miles bi-weekly but supplement with elliptical or stationary bicycle 25-30 minutes following my weight training workout. I workout my lower body intensely twice a week and my pain has almost completely disappeared (I built-up my knee's supporting cast). I begin with a warm-up, then squats (knees parallel to ground) never exceeding 185 pounds, inner/outer thighs machine, lunges w/ weights (leg extension hurt), leg curls (light weight high reps), good mornings, calves raises, etc...I alternate some other exercises (single leg squat) and whatever else I find in muscle and strength magazine/books. I have come to realize that if you want to maintain a high level of fitness or just athleticism it's vital to follow a regiment like the one I mentioned above both physically and supplementation. It sucks that pre-injury I didn't required working so hard to live pain free but it's the reality of my/our situation. Hope this chronicle helps somebody out and knows it's not going to get better over night but know that it can with the right type of focus/emphasis. Rule of thumb...if it hurts stop immediately and find an alternate!

Jun 17, 2011
Rating

run at moderate speed, don't twist
by: Anonymous

I'm going on 70, run and have run 30 miles a week for 40 yrs. Many friends (long distance runners) have had medial partials and are unaffected (mine was 60% removed). I work on my feet all day and then putz on my small farm. The injury was caused by a twisting motion at the shop, not by "running" though no doubt my carteldge is thin many places by now.I have minimal consequences two yrs later EXCEPT WHEN PULLING WEEDS or otyherwise bracing and twisting the knee. Sports that can involve that are in my opinion going to destroy ypur knee. My life is very active at work and home and I try to remember the motion that is the problem and not do it. Running doesn't bother it much, not even my 30 miles. But remember, I'm no trainig dfor sprints. I believe if you comne out ok keep running medium in a straight line you can be ok for decades. There's now good evidence that some of that cartilage which was thought to be gone when gone does in fact regenerate. That tougher part left along the bone may thicken a bit to take up the slack. (Big news for the medical world, but since it doesn't involve their business model, it's seldom mentioned.)

Aug 30, 2011
Rating

looking for support buddies
by: Name

I'm 31 and just had 50% of my medial meniscus removed and am concerned about my prognosis. I'd like to get some email addresses of people who would like to keep in contact to share our experiences. Preferably people of similar age and injury. If you'd like to then send me an email: janod11@gmail.com. Thanks and be well.

Sep 07, 2011
Rating

Running
by: redpan

I am 40 years old and have ran since my early teens. When I was 38 I had 50% left medial removed and when I was 39 i had 50% right medial removed. Commonsense says if you remove the functional shock absorber from half of your knee then wear and tear will occur. I have trawled through medical literature (I am a nurse) and it is well described that running will accelerate arthritis in the context of a meniscectomy be partial or total. My ortho surgeon says some people cannot help themselves and need to run. So his advise was only run once a week on soft surfaces, wear good shoes, keep your weight down and dont waste your money on glucosamine, apparently there are well constructed studies that prove it has no effect unless arthritis is already present. After feeling down for a while I have thrown myself onto a bike, my knees have never felt so good.

Sep 13, 2011
Rating

My experience
by: Graeme

I'm 40 at Christmas. 2 years ago I had a 60% left meniscus removal. I was advised to stop the marathons and half marathons I used to do regularly, cut down the weekly mileage (c25-35 p.w) and take up triathlons. First 3 months I didn't run at all as I kept on getting pain on the inside (medial) side of the knee when squatting. 5 months on the pain disappeared, just over night. Then I started gently running, first just for 1 mile at a time. Now 2 years on I can run without pain for 40 minutes. I'm so conscious of arthritis etc I never plan to exceed 4-6 miles a week and the temptation is to go for it and ramp up the mileage. It is hard to resist temptation. I've found reading peoples stories very helpful and supportive... thankyou. ...one day I'd love to do a 10k again ... but would that be brave or just stupid?

Sep 14, 2011
Rating

Recovering after knee operation
by: Lucy

I feel for everyone who has commented on here. I have run three London marathons in the last 4years. I am from a running family. My mum is currently running just over 7.0 min milling and she is 56yeas of age. My dad Richard BLois was a marathon legend who ran 73 marathon and 20 londons in his life.

I twisted my knee while bend down on 13th may 2011. I am now recovering from a meniscus removal that was performed last week. I have not been told how much has been removed yet but have been advised not to run. Judging by everyone comments it's not liking very good. Running is my life, my families life and me and my sisters run in memory of my dad who passed away in may 2009. If anyone can give me more information on having more cartilage put into the knee joint or any suggestions to help running after please email me.

Oct 13, 2011
Rating

16 yrs and still going strong
by: Josh

Hi all,
16 years ago I suffered the Unhappy Triad, and had my meniscus totally removed, acl and mcl repaired. all this was as a result of a rugby tackle.
I had extensive rehab thereafter but was told I would never be able to tackle serious sport. I did carry on being active thereafter and occasionally ran. 3 years ago the running bug bit really hard and I started running regularly. I would occasionally get swelling in the knee, tightness and a dull ache. over time I learnt that the most important thing is to strengthen the surrounding muscles. Another problem is that my left leg is now half an inch or so shorter, so I need to be conscious of that when using fixed weights or stretching on both legs.
Here's the good part: I have done over 2300 miles in the last 2 years, I have done 5 marathons, countless halves, 15ks and 10ks. I did the my First Two Oceans Ultra (56km) this year, and I am doing the double next year (Two Oceans 56k and Comrades 89km) to celebrate and health and happy 40th birthday.
Oh, and I am lean but genetically very heavy (195 pounds) so my legs carry quite a bit.
Anyone out there who wants to carry on enjoying running just needs to look after the knee by building muscle strength around it, and do try to shift to a forefoot strike.
Happy running!!
Josh Ogada
Cape Town

Oct 13, 2011
Rating

To Lucy and others losing hope..
by: Josh

Lucy, and anyone else despairing about running, don't give up!!
feel free to drop me an email and I will be happy to share tips on how i've gotten through it so far. Running is too good to quit unless you absolutely have to - it is the best form of life therapy.
joshogada@gmail.com
Josh Ogada
Cape Town

Oct 18, 2011
Rating

Right Complete Medial Meniscus Removal
by: P. Singh

Meniscus tear locked my R knee at the age of 21. Sports was my life, I was playing any and every sport I could. Surgeon completely removed the medial meniscus (other docs later questioned this).

After some very rough initial rehab that lasted several months, I continued playing tennis, squash, ball hockey etc. When I played I would always go all out. My knee was constantly in pain. One doc told me to take up swimming and golf. I was in my early 20s, it was not going to happen. I got referred to a doctor who was the doc for an NHL team. He was rude and abrupt. I was about to walk from his office. He got out a ruler and started measuring and prescribed orthotics. I thought he was a quack. The orthotics instantly changed my life with respect to the knee pain.

It's now 20 years later. I'm still wearing orthotics in my dress shoes and in my sports shoes. I still play ice hockey and ball hockey 2x/week. Sometimes i add soccer and tennis etc. My knee is mostly pain free. Maybe a few weeks every year it hurts. If I go upto 4x/wk it gets a bit much. But then again i don't have time to do that on a regular basis. Other injuries are starting to catch up and become more limiting than my knee. I'm waiting for my knee to fall apart, there is some arthritis.

A couple of other things I think really help, keeping weight down and light weight exercises specific to the muscles around both knees helps keeps things aligned and minimizes stress on knee.

Overall I consider it a huge success story. For me, orthotics, weight down, work out knee muscle, back off when pain.

Oct 18, 2011
Rating

Running with 2 injured knees??
by: Katherine

I am 40 years old and only starting running about 3 years ago. I had a menicus tear in my left knee about 3 1/2 years ago, and had about 50% of my menicus removed. Then about a month ago, and had surgery on the right knee to have about 50% of that menicus removed as well. My surgeon told me that I have a large amount to arthritis in my right knee. He said that he usually only find this amount of arthritis in people over 60. He recomended that I stop running. I just completed my first half marathon earlier this year, and I really want to complete a full one. I am not sure if I should continue running. I don't want to injure myself again, however, I don't want to stop running either. HELP!

Oct 19, 2011
Rating

second opinion
by: Anonymous

Yeah, the arthritis is the problem. That can only get worse so when it is present or beginning to worsen, that probably is a time to find another workout (Biking). The only treatment for arthritis is a knee replacement. I'd sure check another doc on the arthritis MRI or did he/she see it only while removing the meniscus? One physician told me to stop running after men surgery the other said don't cut back at all! But I had no arthritis.

Dec 23, 2011
Rating

Worn out at 55 NEW
by: Anonymous

In my mid 20’s I had 80% of my lateral meniscus removed from my left knee. At that time I had been practicing martial arts for a few years. The injury that caused the tear was unrelated to my exercise regiment but was a result of a water skiing accident.

6-months ago I fell off the roof of my house about 12 feet. I landed square on my feet and of course my knees totally bent as I rolled out of the fall with no physical damage, or at least I thought at that time.

Within a month I started to experience pain in the inner area of my knee, exactly where the scar is from the surgery. Over the next few months, depending on activity, pain has increased sometimes to the point of needing a cane. For the most part the pain is manageable but will not go away. I still practice martial arts but have limited myself since the fall from my roof, to no severe shock to the left knee joint.

I am soon going to the doctor for my annual checkup and this situation will be discussed and as well tests will be run to determine the actual condition.

What I have read so far shows me that due to having very little lateral meniscus left in my knee, the impact from the fall obviously cracked or severely bruised the bones in the knee joint in this area. For the past 30-years there were no indicators of arthritis or any negative conditions from the initial OP procedure. I attribute that absolutely no problems from the surgery after 30-years to continuing my exercising and practicing marital arts. Keep moving, keep exercising but use common sense. If it hurts your body is telling you something is wrong, stop and figure out why it hurts, and then fix it if you can, but keep moving.

Click here to add your own comments

Signup for your free copy of Flexibility Solutions!