Has anyone had a slight tear, rested it then got back to racing with out having to go under the knife?
Has anyone had a slight tear, rested it then got back to racing with out having to go under the knife?
Tough one stagger!! I've always been told that meniscus tears are only operable to recover but things are moving ahead all the time. Been involved with many ops where we repaired the meniscus and outcome was good. Think the thing is is to see the right consultant from the off. Our doctor is a fell runner and sends you to a Sports Injury specialist as a first instance. I've worked with many orthopaedic surgeons and their attitude varies immensely. From "you have to give up running" to "it may take a while but we will get you back running" it really can be down to who you see. Don't accept the "cup half empty" view. Also be prepared to work hard at your rehab. If you find surgery is the only way then go into the op with all the surrounding structures as strong as they can be as that will speed recovery. Get yourself started on a strength and conditioning programme to do that (get advice). Surgery is only a third of the job. Good luck and my fingers are crossed for you x
Cheers RTS
I have had both knees done once but someone gave me hope by saying a small amount of damage might not need an opp, if it were rested and strengthen correctly.
Am I being deluded?
No, not deluded at all. If it's only a nick rather than a proper tear then you may be lucky. I certainly hope so :-)Originally Posted by Stagger
I tore through about a third of my medial meniscus and opted not to go for surgery. the consultant I saw was of the opinion (or not really) that the op could make it worse, or could make it better, but there was no guarantee. clearly a rubbish consultant but swayed me to rehab-ing myself and persistance. not had any issues with it. in fact its the other knee that plays up if anything, so beware of compensation patterns kicking in. definately find a consultant who is sympathetic to running as it doesn't necessarily mean 'no running ever' if you do, or don't have an op.
I had quite a serious medial meniscus tear a few years back. It locked up while on the track (velodrome). Fixed gear bike, going quite fast, so I had to keep pedalling :w00t:
I had an MRI and ended up on the waiting list to have it cleaned up. Initially I had difficulties walking down stairs and hills, it even creaked! I could not cycle or run. I rested it for a couple of months, then I had a very good physio help me with exercises. She got me back on the bike and said I would not need an op... The tear happened in NOvember, I managed to race THree Peaks Cyclocross almost a year later in September, including a lot of running with the bike. The only thing that hurt were my calves and quads from all the untrained running.
Haven't had a problem since. Mind, I haven't run properly since either, as I focus on cycling, but I suspect it will be fine... I think the tear sort of bedded in and strengtehning everyting around the knee, making sure it tracked perfectly at all times, really helped.
I am always reluctant to cut open such a wownderfully sealed system that is the human body. You never know what you introduce. The main reason for not having the op was from a rheumatologist friend though. He said you'd have a lot less material to wear down once the inside of your knee has been scraped smooth, which causes no end of trouble in a few years. Best to wear down the tear if it is only a small one!
Thanks for the massive positives RTS, Cyclops and Han.
I will take the advice, rest then when pain free will go to physio.
I hope to race Nevis in September.
If my rehab was anything to go by, that should be feasible Stagger! Fingers crossed!
And if it doesn't work, you can always decide to have it cleaned up later in the year... But surgeons are usually trigger happy, quite unnecessarily soMy succesful rehab was the result of a competitive streak between physio and surgeon. She was adamant she could prove him wrong, and we succeeded
Last edited by Hanneke; 08-04-2013 at 11:24 AM.
Cheers Han, I have just booked a 1pm appointment with the Physio, who is a fell runner.
Will let you know.
Well, after extensive tests and range of movements, I’ve got positive news that the meniscus appears to be ok.
The physio thinks that by me doing regular hamstring and calf stretch’s and the doing a speed session on a flat surface, I have over loaded/used the knee.
The quad had gone tight so he loosened that and ultrasounded the knee joint.
I have to run tomorrow and Thursday and report back Friday.
Hopefully he will be correct with his diagnoses.
Glad Mrs S and you talked me into seeing the physio.
Aching now though.
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