LATERAL Meniscus Tears: Symptoms, Treatment (Surgery vs. Exercise), & Recovery Time

In this video, Maryke discusses lateral meniscus tears. She looks at what the research says about surgery for lateral meniscus tears vs. conservative treatment and also what conservative treatment for lateral meniscus tears entails. Finally, she discusses how long the recovery process for lateral meniscus tears might be.
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📽️Videos you may find useful:
▶️How to treat meniscus tears: • Treatment for Meniscus...
▶️Exercises for meniscus tears: • Meniscus Tear Exercise...
▶️Cortisone Injections - How They Work & When To Avoid Them: • Cortisone Injections -...
▶️Do Injections Just Mask Injuries? • Do Injections Just Mas...
📚Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:56 Anatomy
00:02:38 How does a lateral meniscus tear happen?
00:03:00 Lateral meniscus tear symptoms
00:04:26 Does a lateral meniscus tear require surgery?
00:06:56 Lateral meniscus tear treatment - conservative approach
00:14:04 Lateral meniscus tear recovery time
00:15:07 How we can help
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References:
Gastaldo, M., et al. (2022). "High quality rehabilitation to optimize return to sport following lateral meniscus surgery in football players.” Annals of Joint, Vol 7.
Van De Graaf, V. A., et al. (2018). "Effect of early surgery vs physical therapy on knee function among patients with nonobstructive meniscal tears: the ESCAPE randomized clinical trial." Jama 320(13): 1328-1337.
Van der Graaff, S. J., et al. (2022). "Meniscal procedures are not increased with delayed ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation: results from a randomised controlled trial." British Journal of Sports Medicine. Published Online First: 22 September 2022. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105235
Lee, Yong Seuk, Lee, O-Sung, Lee, Seung Hoon. Return to Sports After Athletes Undergo Meniscal Surgery: A Systematic Review. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: January 2019 - Volume 29 - Issue 1 - p 29-36 doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000500
Lavoie-Gagne OZ, Korrapati A, Retzky J, et al. Return to Play and Player Performance After Meniscal Tear Among Elite-Level European Soccer Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis of Injuries From 2006 to 2016. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022;10(1). doi:10.1177/23259671211059541
Englund M, Guermazi A, Gale D, et al. Incidental Meniscal Findings on Knee MRI in Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons. New England Journal of Medicine 2008;359(11):1108-15. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0800777
Kise Nina Jullum RMA, Stensrud Silje, Ranstam Jonas, Engebretsen Lars, Roos Ewa M. Exercise therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for degenerative meniscal tear in middle aged patients: randomised controlled trial with two year follow-up. BMJ 2016;354 :i3740
Brukner, P, et al. Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine (5th ed.) Vol 1: Injuries. (2017) McGraw-Hill Education.
Borque, K. A., et al. (2021). "Evidence-based rationale for treatment of meniscal lesions in athletes." Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy: 1-9.
👉Some links here are to places where you can buy something relevant to this video. If you do, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

[@FeelnLikeIDoEveryDay]

I’m going through the worst time of my life right now. I’m a postman who can’t walk! I’ve never been laid up for more than 2 weeks but now? Having to take STD for months and doing nothing but sleep+rehab has me questioning my whole life like nothing ever could. The reassurance I’ve taken from this video is leagues beyond anything I could articulate here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this!❤ I’m 2 sessions into what looks like 180 sessions till a hopefully full recovery. 3 months and counting. Wish me luck! Good luck to y’all out there suffering the same knee pain. I can empathize 😂

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@richardcheese7348]

Good luck and best wishes!

[@melbamitchell4835]

Hi, I too am a postal worker, (clerk). I tripped at work on one of those plastic bands that are used to bind magazine bundles and fell on the cement. I have been out of work for 2 months and am in a lot of pain!

[@meethjhamnani2621]

How is it going now

[@huntercooljay1327]

Wtf man me to ​@@melbamitchell4835

[@Phlegethon]

Thanks for posting this you never know when you need a video like this until you need it

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@neby_nebs]

you were more informative than my doctor!

[@Zhiffyotf]

Tore my meniscus playing basketball. Jumped up for a rebound and mid-air, my knee just cramped with intense pain. Felt so depressed for the first couple of days so thank you so much for this info

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@Gr8gg787]

Did mine 4 days ago playing basketball had a real sharp pain trying to play defense and the guy got past me. Kept playing on it by the end of the game I was limping. It started swelling about 10 minutes later. Hope it’s not a major tear.

[@MrAndrey1101]

Your comment about importance of movement for the hydration/fluid supply in the joint is an absolute mind blowing way to look at it. Thank you

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@greshambayne]

After residencies in surgery and EM and 50yrs of practice I've never seen such a terrific overview of meniscus tears...well done!

[@GlamJouJou]

Hello Please let me what you think, i’m terrified of surgery. I’m 60 years old MRI shows arthritis, in my lateral knee, and 😢bucket handle meniscus that’s needs surgery I’ve had too many episodes where I go three weeks without any praying and then I can get up from having dinner and then I feel a pulled muscle where I cannot move my leg, I eventually get it straightened, but it’s very painful to walk. What are steps to recovery after surgery? And I was told I was still having pain.

[@Cordycep1]

try microcurrent fsm first since they use that in the VA for all the joint pain,.. What will also work is stem cell but that will cost $5K -oviously stem cell can become any tissue.

[@GlamJouJou]

@@Cordycep1 Kaiser doesn’t believe in stem cells, and my insurance won’t cover it

[@medicinenews4351]

Dear sir please explain how I heal my posterior horn of medial meniscus

[@King_J_Aguilar]

What a video, so, so educational and full of gems to look out for in the present and future

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for watching!

[@macdaddy1617]

I injured myself 4 weeks ago and basically did some research on this. I basically followed exactly what she has said. Big difference in my leg! The thing that sucks is the full recovery time but hoping the end result is very good and I can continue my cycling/gym life style at its fullest. Key word is patience .

[@Elieza-qe8du]

What is the full recovery time?

[@adamg574]

@@Elieza-qe8dumy physiotherapist told me 8 weeks generally

[@janebowman9150]

Very smart lady. This was a huge help to me

[@Louisloo99]

Sincere, detailed and very informative clip. Touched my heart!!

[@hannahstill6323]

This is the best sports physio channel I have found. Thanks for the detail.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Wow, thanks!

[@wendywilliams9893]

Fantastic info and great presentation. Thanks for sharing

[@gharuhira]

What a fabulous presentation it is! Thanks for sharing

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Our pleasure!

[@donak2773]

absolutely great video ,made me very knowledgeable about my tear and what to expect!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrRensan404]

Very useful advice! Thanks for your thorough explanation too.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

My pleasure!

[@saeedmukhtar5728]

Outstanding and comprehensive information well done 👍

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

So nice of you

[@pandakim948]

정확한 설명 감사합니다♡

[@damianjones7554]

That was very helpful, thanks for the information 👍

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@javiertapia-kq3ww]

Very informative and wonderful video! Thank you for sharing all the wonderful information 😊

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You are welcome!

[@maryspeight2840]

Always great content . Cheers .

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Much appreciated

[@runcoweezrun8143]

Very Informative. Thank you so much.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You are welcome!

[@dibyendraadhikari]

Very informational. Thank you.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Very welcome

[@SamNammoura]

Thank you for this Video. Very helpful 🎉

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mivicatube6296]

Thanks for this video, it has helped me

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@minghuazhao1938]

I got severe left knee pain 2 weeks ago, caused probably by a minor tear of my lateral meniscus. I saw my doctor 3 days ago who has ordered an MRI scan for me which is scheduled 3 weeks away in August. I came across your video this morning and found it most helpful. My orthopedist was very good but I appreciate he has a heavy clinic load.... Your explanation is so clear and your vedio so informative that I have subscribed immediately. Thank you SO much!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for watching, and good luck with your recovery!

[@Hithere2002]

You are excellent…..Viva South Africans‼️‼️‼️🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦one here too….your info has helped me tremendously plus my physical therapy.

[@dustydelmar]

Thank you for this, really good information 👍👍

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

My pleasure!

[@annpringle8219]

Great video! You explain very well.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thank you!

[@captainsalateanoo]

Amazing information and really helping 👏🏻👌🏻👍🏻

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nolimit12]

thank you for this video ❤❤❤

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Welcome!!

[@alexpaton2818]

Excellent very informative video. Essential viewing for people like me who are suffering from knee pain.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for watching, and good luck with your recovery!

[@nivikz2487]

Great video, thank you

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You are welcome!

[@willowlumsden7474]

Thank you so much. I was in a quandary. Now going for MRI. Was in excruciating pain for a while.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Best of luck!

[@tatjana7552]

Amazing! Very good informations!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for watching!

[@pavan-oq5ub]

Good explanation sir ...I have to see this video ...I have to confidence myself ..

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

All the best

[@akshatakhot520]

Very useful information

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks a lot

[@MikeTesa]

Excellent video

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thank you very much!

[@mkultra11]

Thank you so very much you gave me more valuable information then the Dr that treated me at the Urgent care facility still waiting to get MRI my X-ray was ok …. Happened teaching a ballet jump to students at school . Sharp pain outside of knee and in back of knee . Thank you I pray I dont need surgery.Hello from the Border Laredo Tx .

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Good luck with your recovery!

[@giovannyaparicio6552]

Spanish is my first language, but I understood all she said, even though I’m still learning English. Thanks so much for the info, advices and all the help in general.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@detskodospelacke]

very usefull, thank you very much!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

I’m 68 years old. Three years ago while bodyboarding I got hit by big wave on the side of my left knee. I had to crawl out of the surf and could barely move. Unfortunately I didn’t realize at the time that I had done some damage. I was a mountain biker, so after resting for a few weeks I got that on the bike. I bought a boarded a few more times, but it seem to aggravate my knee. I continued to hike and mountain bike. A year and a half ago. My husband had a shoulder injury and we stopped biking. I came off a hiking trail and the next day was in agony. My left knee had ballooned. My entire leg from the ankle to the thigh was black and blue. I went to the orthopedist and was diagnosed with complex meniscus tears, a burst baker cyst, and stage 2-4 osteoarthritis. I did PT for a week, but could hardly move my knee because of the fluid. I had some of it drained and continued sports PT. I had remarkable results with my left knee. Without any warning, my right knee ballooned. I continued PT, but it seem to worsen. An MRI showed complex meniscus tears, including a lateral. Also a lot of fluid and a bakers cyst. My knee would lock up in any movement planting my foot even picking my leg up to the side with send me through the roof! I have not gone back to PT yet because of family issues. I do have a stationary bike which I use and I am doing balance and stabilization exercises. It has gotten better. Thank you so much for a great explanation of not only the anatomy but possible outcomes. I urge anyone that feels that they’ve done some injury to their knees to get it checked ASAP. I believe I created more damage by waiting. Once you have OA there is no correction.

[@bilalasim6289]

Whats oa?

[@chantallxvx4102]

Spell out the words, no abbreviation!!

[@maryaustin3137]

Osteoarthritis

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

@@chantallxvx4102 🫡😂

[@seymourhvs]

Very informative 👏

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad you think so!

[@kennyjames1829]

Brilliant information thankyou!💥🤸‍♂️😁

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

My pleasure!

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

thank you so much

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@himanshusaini5316]

Thanks so much sir💯

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@tokiyami1195]

I recently had a re occurrence of meniscus injury and your video is truly helpful, i will try to follow your methods and see whether it works. Ill post my updates here

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Good luck with your recovery!

[@zobopromoinc.3879]

Any updates on your progress?

[@JamesLucas-ic6nl]

Thank you

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Welcome!

[@andegebremichael8644]

Nice thanx God blles you

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Most welcome 😊

[@fishdishing]

thank yo so much for explaining

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@marthysarap6662]

I just recently diagnose with a complex tear lateral meniscus and high grade acl i am very scared since my ortho surgeon immediately tell me than i need to go through surgery to repair it but good thing i watch this video it helps me alot thank you.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Good luck with your recovery!

[@barbarawilliams5604]

thank you

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Welcome!

[@danielflinn3571]

Thanks

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Welcome

[@paulpaulpaulpaulpaulpaulpaul]

Hope Nole gets well soon ☺️🙌🏻🎾

[@lee-yornntimane98]

Thank you very much it really helped me, been injured for over a month now but the pain is mild now, I can a little bit but it's still uncomfortable and gets painful when I run hard

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@K-Tube123]

Thank you so much for your help!!! Super informative!!!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lesm2373]

This is the best information I have found and matches so accurately with my experience. I am in week 9 and while it fluctuates from day to day I feel I am 80% better. The information about movement and the nourishment of the muniscus thru Synovial fluid is very important. I feel like modest movement is better than just sitting and not moving. "Synovial fluid is a thick fluid with an egg-white-like consistency that lubricates and reduces friction between joints. When synovial fluid is low, which tends to happen with age, it can contribute to joint stiffness and other aging-related joint conditions like osteoarthritis." Thanks you so much!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You're welcome!

[@susan3645]

I think I did this to myself playing badminton. Thankfully, I found an old crutch in the back of the wardrobe 😁 Thank you so much for all this information, it is very helpful 🙏🏻

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@prachikasar2521]

Thankyou 😊

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You’re welcome 😊

[@aandi22197]

Great video, any chance you have the same video for the medial meniscus? Thank you again ❤

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Here's our video for the medial meniscus. Its Description has links to some more videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWfPoIGDpt2dbaM

[@summerphilhorenstein2598]

I’ve been scouring the internet since I injured my knee last week and this has been the most helpful video yet. My doctor suspects a meniscus tear, I will get an MRI soon. I am really hoping it’s not a meniscus tear, but I’m grateful for this video answering so many of my questions if it is. I wish recovery was quicker, I already miss running. 😢But I guess there’s hope that limping around and not being able to fully bend or straighten my knee won’t last forever.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for sharing, and good luck with your recovery!

[@viveenesmie163]

Suffering for years with my knee..meniscus tear..no surgery just living with the injury😢..l can't even do the required exercises 😢

[@viveenesmie163]

Great video..l wish l could get your help

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

One of our team of expert physios would be able to help you via video call. More info here: www.sports-injury-physio.com/

[@rabbiyakaif]

Hello! I hope you are doing well. I recently got my MRI results, and it mentioned a grade 3 tear at the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. The report also states that the ACL is not adequately seen. There's no joint effusion. I'm quite worried and hesitant about surgery. Can this be fixed through physiotherapy and a knee immobilizer? I really want to explore alternatives to surgery. Your insights would mean a lot to me during this challenging time. Thanks in advance for your help.

[@cindynichols9952]

Hi! Great Video! Thank you for all the great information. I have a question: Right after initial injury how long should I try to keep weight off my knee? How long should I be using a cane? 1 week? 3 weeks? When do go from phase one to phase two and starting to exercise it?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

There is no set time for progression because every person's injury is different and people also heal at different rates. Progression is according to how your knee tolerates different activities etc. A physiotherapist will be able to guide you through this process.

[@edwinacrawford8320]

Grateful to come across this video… would love one on medial tears!

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

We do have one on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWfPoIGDpt2dbaM

[@Linarose418]

I had a arthoroscopy 2018 because having a lock knee and swalloen at the back of my knee. So I had it 2018 but never heal or never change at all, now I am having a pain and swalloen inner ankle in my left feet, lower back and hip pain. And they now they advice me to have another arthoroscopy.

[@teresacrispim8415]

I have exactly what you described

[@lynarcher8192]

My physio skipped satge 1 and went straight to stage 2. How frustrating. I've had no resting time. I've had it 6 months now, and it's exactly the same. I may go back to the beginning & start again. Im 60 so i expect its going to be a long journey. I just woke up with mine one morning so unless Ive been doing some kind of gymnastics in my sleep I have no idea how it happened either. Thank you for this video. I feel way more informed. At least I now know 100% that I have a lateral meniscus tear from your description of the symptoms.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Good luck with your recovery!

[@SilkyLew]

I tore both meniscus and ACL

[@ReadyRahh]

I think I tore my lateral meniscus in my left knee over 10 years ago while playing basketball and I never got it looked at. I still feel pain till this day. When I play basketball my left knee feels weaker than normal. If affects my movement and jump shot. I also feel it when I walk at times.

[@CynthiaAva]

It has been 10 months since I tore my meniscus and sprained ACL. I wear compression and still had to go to work as a teacher. Swelling went down and I start to feel much better...and then I feel awful again. Probably over doing it. Then I begin to heal again...and now I'm on my second "flare up." I got up off a low couch one day and felt injured again shortly after. Probably the twisting motion. This video makes a lot of sense. Once the pain stops, I begin to resume my "normal" activity level...and that irritates it again. This is going to be a long healing journey.I'm wondering why after 10 months, I'm still not all the way back to my regular level of activity. I'm 58. Thank you for making this video.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for sharing, and good luck with your recovery.

[@247SH]

Great video, thanks! I tripped on a kerb in September last year. My right knee started to click in November. I had 6 physio sessions via my employer but they thought it wasn’t a meniscal tear because I had too much movement in the knee and there was no swelling. An X-ray showed mild OA changes and pseudo gout (I’m 63, male, previous spinal surgeries, on the heavy side and already use a walking stick :) Anyhow was taken to hospital by ambulance 2 weeks ago in quite a lot of pain. MRI showed lateral meniscus tear. I’ve been off sick from work since November (I’m a UK-based mental health nurse). The recent flare-up appears to have subsided and the orthopaedic consultant wants to see me again in June. I’m going to go back to work if my boss agrees and engage with physiotherapy. I just hope the delay in diagnosis won’t hinder my recovery. Thanks again.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for sharing, and good luck with your recovery.

[@AKB-cs8kw]

Thanks alot, my doc didn’t tell me about doing exercises or physio and just told to rest after 4 weeks of rest I started physio , i lt feels better i hope it heals now after 1 month of immobility

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Good luck with your recovery!

[@101DegrassiFan]

I'm only 27 and I went hiking 2 months ago, cycled the day after and my knees have been awful since.

[@h.u.b.9.7.2]

Years of wear and tear on my knee I think has taking its toll. Just left the specialist and she thinks I have a torn meniscus. I’ve had fluid drained twice in the past two weeks from it and it’s very painful. I initially thought it was gout bout the fluid was tested and it showed no crystals. I have to have a MRI now just to make sure, but now I’m out of work for who knows how long because of this. I pray everything works itself out

[@marykamau7337]

I hope everything is okay with you,it's not easy

[@iridiumvalkyrie9017]

Hello! Thank you for this video! Could you make a video about chondral tears/defects? I have it in both my knees and the MRI showed “stage three chondromalacia” in my no operative knee. It hurts as much as my operative knee doing PT. I’ve had hyalauronic acid injections for the nonoperative knee but it’s not really doing anything.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

I have added it to the list. Best wishes for your recovery x

[@xergisolutions6566]

I have a grade 3 lateral meniscus tear but not much pain … pain comes and goes and am currently on RICE method

[@dwkvideos]

Hello doc! Ive been dealing with this for years. It'll sometimes lock and swell for weeks during wrestling matches. First ortho thought I had "snapping bicep femoris" now after a MRI they think is lateral discoid meniscus. MRI doesn't show torn, but if its not torn why does my leg lock out and leave me needing physical therapy for weeks? And after one lock out its way more likely to lock the first month after injury.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Hmmm. don't know - sorry.

[@12packets]

Hi Maryke. Super video as always. 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. Am I right in thinking that because my knee can’t fully straighten then I have a bucket handle tear? Fearing I have the worst type of meniscal tear. Clutching at straws and worrying I have made mine worse with pushing myself through pain with painkillers. Going to try all the strength training/rehab you have suggested. Thank you so very much for your videos, super helpful! ❤

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

It may just be that the meniscus is swollen and stopping extension - don't go and overdo rehab - rather do things like gentle movements and load management to give it the best chance to calm down and the swelling to reduce inside and you may regain your extension.

[@12packets]

@@SportsInjuryPhysio thank you so very much for replying Maryke… it’s the knee extension with the towel/foam roller under knee one that I can’t make any progress with, I can get my calf to lift but only slightly in comparison with the other leg, pain smack under the knee cap going into the top of the shin bone, feels as if something is stopping it, I truly hope it is just a matter of time. I will keep persevering with the rehab. I will also give your video on TENS machines a watch, see if buying one may help with the pain/quad activation? Thank you so very much once again. Super videos from yourself, so comprehensive and far better than anything on here! Thank you! ❤️

[@kenyettawhitson5325]

I was actually under the impression that my medial meniscus was torn but from what I was reading from my operation report I actually had 3 procedures done 1. Arthroscopy of left knee with partial lateral meniscectomy. 2. Chondroplasty, medial femoral condyle. 3. Chondroplasty, patellofemoral joint. I also read this I had a free edge tear in my lateral meniscus

[@gillianduval200]

Thank you for this info. I'm 80 yrs old and just tore my meniscus. The doc gave me 2 choices. A keyhole surgery or cortezone injection. I opted for the cortizone but it has not helped. He didn't order any therapy or a return visit. Not shure what to do next....

[@gogo055]

Bucket handle injury is no joke. My knee got stuck suddenly while doing something very simple. It was impossible to straighten my knee without surgery. I am happy that it was repaired, but I am afraid to go back to martial arts. I don't know what caused it, but I bet it was my years of jiu jitsu (a lot of crazy movements).

[@iridiumvalkyrie9017]

It’s the worst when you don’t know exactly what caused the tear. I tore my hip labrum by unknown means and now I’m too afraid to go back to riding horses because the injury derailed my life for ten years (nobody diagnosed it and thought I was making the pain up because there was no instigating moment of onset).

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

I'm glad that you're both better now. It can be really hard to decide what is the right thing to do after injury.

[@mikelester7502]

I found this video because of a knee injury I sustained from Jiu Jitsu. My right leg got crushed while playing guard, and next thing I knew, my right foot collapsed into my left shoulder. I heard 3 loud pops in my knee. I have swelling on the outside and back of the knee. But I can walk and do all my daily activities. Just not sure what to do from here without surgery!

[@SilkyLew]

​@@mikelester7502You need an MRI

[@GlamJouJou]

Hi, I have a bucket handle tear from simple things, I’ve had recurrent issues and now I’m going ahead with the surgery, they may need to cut out damaged part, anyway how was your recovery? Do you still have knee pain? I was told I may still have pain especially knee cap, tell me abt your case please

[@earthrelated]

Thank you 🙏

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Welcome!

[@veraAdriani-zf9bh]

Hi doc! I just had my meniscus torn last week, went to doctor and he prescribed medicines. I felt much better after a week than back to my lifting weight with my PT. But my knee got a bit warm after that so I went back to see my OT doctor. He told me to take rehab sessions. My question is what kind of weight lifting exactly that I can not do to heal faster? Thanks❤

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You should ask your PT that - I can't tell without assessing you.

[@abhi_nav_abhizz7328]

Impresion:-Lateral meniscus posterior horn tear near the root attachment with meniscal flap projecting in the intercondylar notch. An additional posterior horn lateral meniscus tear is noted in the peripheral third. Intact femorotibial articular cartilage and medial meniscus. Will this tear heal?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

I can't answer that, but usually the best thing to do is not to worry about it and start doing your rehab. If you find that you are improving continue rehab, but if you find that you don't improve, then consider other options.

[@pogandris855]

Hello! Thank you for this video! I just got an MRI scan and I got a 4,5 mm lateral meniscus tear (radial)…Do you think that needs operation or is conservative treatment recommended instead?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Most of them recover without surgery and there is no way to predict it so, unless your knee is locking, then it will likely be able to recover with rehab only.

[@user-xp6rz2dl9u]

Is about 10 month with meniscus injury but up to now i fill some pain

[@billdandridge5168]

Great video! Had a traumatic event 3-4 weeks ago. Got hit pretty hard on side of thigh 4-5” above my knee. At first just pretty sore in all of leg (didn’t notice anything particular in knee itself) but hard headed and like always felt like it would heal up in a few days. Played in a golf tournament the following week. 1st day ok just touchy. 2nd day was different story. When shifting weight to my front leg knee couldn’t hold it and would go over and cause pain. Survived. That was three weeks ago and have been trying to do much of the some light work to strengthen it back up and retain flexibility. Seems like the accident may have caused a lateral meniscus tear. I’m 62 but have stayed in pretty good shape and hoping I can recover without any surgeries.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Thanks for sharing, and good luck with your recovery!

[@Hithere2002]

Doctors useless diagnosticians in the US.

[@Kang_09]

Thank you so much for your information. I don't know if i have a meniscus tear or not but the symptoms are exactly of meniscus tear and it happened when i fell from my bed and my knee hit the tile on the ground. My knee then started to swell up and i couldn't even bend my knee it's been almost 4 months and i almost fine but i can't stop suddenly while running or walking cause it hurts my leg for a while and i can not walk properly then in winters i can feel more pain while twisting my leg more often. Hope if you can help me with this 😢

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

This does sound like something we can help you with. One of the physios in our team can do an assessment of your injury via video call and work out a personalised rehab plan. More info here: www.sports-injury-physio.com/

[@rajyashreechamaria2888]

Hi I’m so thankful I found you. I had a bucket handle tear of my lateral meniscus 5 days ago and my knee was locked in flexion for 3 days when it suddenly opened with a pop. Now I’m on anti inflammatory medication and have been advised arthroscopic menisectomy to be done after 5 days I’ve started on your Physiotherapy routine from today. I just hope I’ll get back to normal soon. I’m 57 years old but I run, do high altitude treks and strength train. My life looks pretty gloomy at the moment. Do you think my muscles will regain enough strength to trek by the end of the year from your vast experience Thanks in advance

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Yes! You sound pretty fit to me so your muscles will be fine by then. The first few weeks can feel as if nothing will wver get better but usually after week 4 you start seeing good results.

[@rajyashreechamaria2888]

@@SportsInjuryPhysio thank you so much for your encouraging reply

[@rajyashreechamaria2888]

@@SportsInjuryPhysio how about my good leg. Should I do the same exercises on both legs. I don’t want the good side to get weaker

[@isaiahpierre3695]

@@rajyashreechamaria2888 not a doctor but I recommend doing it on both legs I had surgery on my tibia and eventually one leg got stronger than the other now I’m here

[@rajyashreechamaria2888]

@@isaiahpierre3695 thank you. I’m doing the exercises on both legs

[@tedantares2751]

Do you have a video on medial meniscus tears?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Yes, we have two: Treatment for Meniscus Tears - Tips My Patients Find Useful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWfPoIGDpt2dbaM Meniscus Tear Exercises: 23 Exercises Explained and Demonstrated: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5LTmWOwgdGthqs

[@meyrickdango7405]

You say a good dose of treatment first rather than surgery, how do you measure what is good dose of treatment. I am still recovering from a PCL surgery, 6mths after the operation I still cannot walk without pain. RA too has now set in, any suggestions for recovery.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

It's difficult to make sensible suggestions without actually having an in depth conversation and understanding all the factors affecting your recovery. But in your case low load, repetitive movement may be a good option e.g. cycling as it improves the knee's circulation and movement +++ without the impact.

[@sherylbecker4336]

❤😂 my answer to my pain, harm, hurt,: doc discouraging🎉😅

[@IsaiahBarrett-ct7ys]

I just had surgery on my meniscus they only had to trim it, so you recommend a brace when I return to working out/running

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Not really - your rehab has to prepare you properly for your training - braces aren't usually needed for meniscus tears. If you wanted help with your rehab and an exercise plan, this is something that our team of physios can assess and help you with via video call - my colleagues Barry, Kevin and Dominic will be best suited to help you with this. You can read more about how the online consultations work here: www.sports-injury-physio.com/services

[@gardengirl6799]

This is a nice video. I have surgery next week for a bucket handle tear. I wondered about the statistics for how many people have more problems that didnt show on the MRI. I heard from a few people including the surgical nurse, that sometimes they have to sew something notseen on the MRI. Cutting out my torn meniscus will be a quick recovery but sewing say a ligament will be longer. What percent of people have an unexpected surprise waiting inside the knee? Thanks.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

There is no percentage to quote but it is not uncommon - But also, don't worry about it too much - just because they have to do a bit more in there doesn't mean your recovery will be longer.

[@gardengirl6799]

@@SportsInjuryPhysio thank you very much! That is reassuring!

[@balrajsingh4713]

Hello doctor, I am 21yo. Based on the MRI reports of my knee, would surgery be necessary for the following findings: 1) Horizontal tear of body-posterior horn of medial meniscus. 2) Type 2 signal in anterior and anterior horn of lateral meniscus. 3) Complete tear of medial patellar retinaculum. 4) Mild lateral deviation of patella. 5) Mild marrow edema with impacted fracture in lateral femoral condyle and medial patellar facet. 6) Mild knee joint effusion.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

I can't answer that - you need to ask your doctor - it depends on more than just scan results.

[@jamesashcroft6477]

Is there need for surgery for a small radial tear in the white zone. No pain etc, will this inevitable get worse over time now that the rear has begun?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

The current advice is that if you have full function without pain, surgery is not required because surgery carries its own risks and may cause your knee to actually get arthritis earlier than if you didn't have surgery. Also, there really isn't any evidence that a tear like that will get worse without surgery.

[@RebuyOrDie]

Hi Doc, had a lateral meniscus tear 2018. Was undiagnosed until 2021. I got a trim in 2021, i hadnt done much exercise between then and now. After getting back into exercise the last 3 months i seem to have torn it again. I am wondering if conservative treatment is still viable in a 2nd tear? Im also 30kg overweight (130kg, 6ft tall) which obviously doesnt help. So my real question is, would losing weight and conservative treatment be viable for a 2nd tear looking in a vacuum?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Yes, it doesn't matter if it is a second tear, conservative treatment is the first step. Losing weight can make a huge difference to knee injuries, so putting effort into that is definitely useful.

[@JohnJones-og8iz]

hi I had a bucket handke lateral meniscus tear. I recently had a partial meniscectomy, any tips for rehab and what is my outlook like post surgery? I want to get running soon. I had surgery 3 days ago

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

It is very important not to rush your rehab too much - Remember that it is the weightbearing part of the joint that is injured and it will take several weeks to be happy to carry full weight - if you do too many load bearing exercises e.g. squats or increase walking too quickly, it often just irritates the cartilage and you get pain and swelling - so ease into things and give yourself permission to take 8 to 12 weeks before getting back to running. In the meantime, find a way to use a stationary bike - cycling feeds the joint due to lots of movement without pressure going through the joint and can really speed up recovery. You can find exercise examples for meniscus tears in this video - you may have to progress more slowly after surgery but your physio will guide you on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5LTmWOwgdGthqs

[@kidlat4641]

How about clicking Doc?i do walking without any pain....but if i play basketball and do running i can feel a slight pain that i run a lil limping....not before that i can accelerate straight running

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Yes, a lateral meniscus tear can cause clicking.

[@hazard5662]

Is meniscal repair preferable over conservative treatment in the meniscus area with no blood flow?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

It depends on your age, how active your are and what condition your joint is in. Very young, active people tend to get better results from repairs in those conditions but for most others conservative treatment works find for lateral meniscus tears.

[@Vexarax]

Is it normal for it to not feel like anything until the next day? I went for a run and noticed it was a bit stiff - but when I woke up I was in terrible pain and could barely place any weight on my entire leg because the meniscus area was in so much pain :o it’s been 3 days now and I’m still struggling with walking. Can’t access a doctor or hospital for an X-ray so trying to find some info from home :o

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Yes, that is actually quite typical of a meniscus injury. It can often just feel like a tweak while doing sport and you nearly forget it happened but then over night the swelling accumulates due to you lying still and then it is +++ stiff and sore the next day.

[@simmalokesh1725]

Greets madam ..After 6 years of ACL surgery ,I had a buckle tear in lateral meniscus which is getting locked nearly 4-5 times once in a gap of 3-4 months and getting notorious pain ...please guide and suggest me madam

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Hi there, We cannot provide individual treatment advice without doing an in-depth assessment of your injury and your personal circumstances, as the advice might not be appropriate for you. You're welcome to book a video consultation with one of our physios if you would like an assessment and a personalised treatment plan: www.sports-injury-physio.com/