Meniscal Tear / Knee Problems??

Updated on May 31, 2012
M.N. asks from Palm Springs, CA
4 answers

Ok, Ill try to make this quick. LOL. I went in 2 weeks ago for my knee hurting. Swollen, couldn't bend it and walking hurt as well. Xrays were normal so they sent me in for an MRI. That came back normal but still was having pain / swelling so the doc I saw there gave me a referral to go to an orthopedic surgeon saying she thought I popped my knee cap out and back in again causing all my swelling on the inside of my right knee. Went and saw him, he says he thinks I tore my meniscus and even though my MRI came back normal, I could still have a tear and isn't sure what is going on. He gave me a numbing shot so he could 'unlock' my knee. It only partially worked but got me home without crutches. he said I coudl walk on it even if it was torn with my brace and to get my MRI on film (can't read the CD at his office) and to come back in to discuss optioins (he said he was leaning towards surgery). Now my question is....I can extend my leg but not totally flat without being in bad pain but bending it backwards is IMPOSSIBLE. I literallly can't without it feeling like my knee needs to pop really bad (or that something is GOING to pop) and not in a good way. It is almost unbearable so I don't even try to see if I can get my range of motion back. As far as walking, I still feel pain inside with each step and it swells more with walking so I try to keep it up at home as much as I can.

Is that what it feels like with a meniscal tear? I read online somewhere that a displaced flap can cause it to feel like it needs to pop really bad and is too painful to bend but wasn't sure if it would still be a tear if i can straighten it (not fully but mostly) without crying lol. Anyone with an experience with a meniscal tear that can let me know what it felt like to them, what was the range of motion, where exactly did it hurt? Thanks so much all you helpful M.'s!!!

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

This may not be exactly what you are looking for, but I work with a lot of sports professionals and enthusiasts with a lot of experience with knee problems (including IT band, ACL, MCL and arthritis). There is a lot you can do with excellent supplements (made in US, clinically tested, top rated company for business ethics and sanitary conditions) for both muscle repair/recovery and joint issues & inflammation. You could certainly go this route while investigating your medical options. If it takes care of the whole problem, excellent. If not, it will reduce the inflammation and pain, and speed your recovery from any surgery you decide to pursue. If you want to speak to someone with experience in this area (free), this is a great network of people who help.

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M.O.

answers from New York on

I'm not an orthopedist, or anything like it, but here's what I know about knees.

A knee is basically a socket. The bones (femur, tibia, etc.) meet on the outside. The inside is filled with fluid, and within that fluid-filled space, there are all kinds of tendons and ligaments that hold the whole thing together. If any of those tendons/ligaments are irritated, the fluid swells up like you wouldn't believe. That's what constrains your range of motion. So, it could be damage to the meniscus, or the ACL... Or you could just have some loose tissue floating around in there, and every time it rubs up against any other part of your knee, you get the swelling. That's what I had, more or less. I dislocated my knee but didn't tear any ligaments. However, a couple teeny bits of tissue tore off and floated around, leading to years of on-and-off excruciating pain, until I finally got a job w/ health insurance and had arthroscopic surgery.

So, in other words, I know exactly the kind of pain you're talking about, but I think all knee injuries/swelling cause that. The pain won't tell you which tendon/ligament is damaged.

Sorry! I hope that's not too disappointing for you! My advice is just to be persistent. I had to see several docs before I found one who diagnosed my cripplingly painful knee problems. But once I found my guy, he fixed it with extremely minor surgery.

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S.R.

answers from Atlanta on

Good morning my dear, I feel your pain. Literally. I have degenerative cartlidge disease in both needs which feels like what you are describing. I dont know if a meniscal tear can benefit from this injection but my orthopedic dr. at emory in atlanta used.
SYNVISC ONE- Hylan G-F 20. And it has free my knees from osteoarthristis. I call it Rooster Juice its maded from Chicken Comb. The FDA just release the one shot injection vs the 3 or 5 shot. I love the government it always gives you what you need when you need it.
It works great and I highly recommend it eventhough, I ain't your M.. Hope you get some relief soon. Love Always and Forever, Mrs. R.

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C.P.

answers from San Diego on

Hey, I've had a lot of knee surgeries (sports) and, yep, all those things that you are feeling could definitely be a meniscus tear. Its very minor surgery and you will feel better super quick. If you have part of your meniscus torn and then rubbing against something else or catching on something inhibiting your range of motion, its not just going to go away. Have the ortho person look at your MRI and go from there. I've had 3 wrong MRIs so its tough to go off them alone. I'm sure the ortho did some "twisting" type manuvers with your leg when you were in the office. I bet some of them hurt more than others. Get your knee fixed soon and you'll be glad you did.

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