Anyone else here training with a torn meniscus?

Medial tear, ortho says I need surgery. I'm assuming it happened as a result of my recent obsession with deep single leg squats, but there was no precipitating event I can point to. I woke up one Friday morning and it was stiff and sore. I could still run for about two weeks, then that became pretty painful. No catching, full range of motion. Only things that hurt are running and jumping - step ups, two legged squats, speed walking, etc - no problem.

Ironically, I've ended up getting in better shape because when all of this went down, I immediately ran out and bought a rower and I've really taken to that. Fantastic workout - I'm usually at 7,900-8,200 meters in thirty minutes and I feel pretty worked. I managed a sub-7 minute 2,000, so I'm getting pretty decent quickly and haven't slacked off with no running!

My knee felt much better after three months of rowing for cardio, so I gave running a shot a few weeks ago. I made 3.5 miles quickly and easily, no pain at all during the run or the rest of the evening after. It stung a bit the next morning and it has been a bit tender if I try to run now. Calves were angry for days, haha!

Anyway, clearly not the end of my fitness world, but I do enjoy running and want to get back to it. Only problem is the Doc can't be sure if he'll fix it or shave it until he's in there, and the former carries a restrictive six-week recovery period I am not able or willing to accept. I have to be able to practice and play drums, run after a three-year-old, and work out (I will NOT turn into a blob for ANYTHING.)

Anyone else dealing/dealt with this? 90% of the time I don't even know its there. I understand the shaving carries an added risk of osteoarthritis, but I'm wondering if injections, etc. may mitigate that risk - even if they have to be performed consistently after shaving I'd be OK with it.

Be careful with those pistol squats I was peddling a while back (It could just as easily have been the box jumps or simply cumulative I suppose)

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences, guys!

You both strengthen my position that I most likely do not need surgical intervention. I don't have anywhere near the symptoms you describe @rob5819 and haven't been asked to do such a study @mikesufka.

I went out and did another 3.5+ at a good clip and it felt great. I preemptively iced the knee when I finished and have not had a single pang of pain or any swelling since.

I'm going to cautiously proceed with one or two runs a week and weights or rowing on off days. Seems to be working so far!

Best of luck with your respective injuries and tests; it does suck. When this thing started to really hit me it was miserable, couldn't even sleep.

 

I agree 100%. I'll check that out!

Supposedly, mine will not heal...but I swear that's what is happening. I ran 4.5 miles last night without so much as a ping. Did a full leg routine the night before. All good!