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Date: 27 May 2006 05:36:01
From:
Subject: exercises for torn meniscus?
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I am not a runner but it looks like this is the best place to post this
question:
I have had knee pain for a few months. Mostly when going up and down
the stairs and standing up from a sitting position. X-rays show no
problems with my knee structure.
I have not had an MRI yet. The dor feels it is most likely a torn
meniscus and isn't bad enough yet to warrant an MRI. He also feels
that whatever it is the treatment at them moment is probably the same.
He suggests some gentle exercises.
I am a 60 year old female with chronic severe back pain which means any
exercises I do have to be easy on my back. I already have a bunch of
back exercises I do daily including knee to chest and hamstring
stretches.
I was wondering if anyone had any that they found particularly helpful
for knee pain?
I do swim 40 minutes daily - freestyle only. I also walk about two
miles a day although I've had to take this a little slower than usual -
and I was already pretty slow.
Thanks
Jane
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Date: 27 May 2006 17:33:50
From:
Subject: Re: exercises for torn meniscus?
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Sorry but I beg to differ. I have done extensive research on the Web.
I use a site called Healthwise which is a site used by the health care
company I work for (the second largest in the country). Their site
states:
"Small tears located at the outer edge of the meniscus often heal with
rest and a rehabilitation program."
Given the severity of my back problem any type of surgery would be a
nightmare - certainly much worse than having to live with minor knee
pain. My dor knows that and is acting accordingly.
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Date: 28 May 2006 12:06:49
From: Doug Freese
Subject: Re: exercises for torn meniscus?
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<googlemail2003@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1148776430.505034.75210@y43g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> Sorry but I beg to differ. I have done extensive research on the Web.
> I use a site called Healthwise which is a site used by the health care
> company I work for (the second largest in the country). Their site
> states:
>
> "Small tears located at the outer edge of the meniscus often heal with
> rest and a rehabilitation program."
And until an MRI is taken or Arthroscopy is used you are at the mercy of
a wild ass guess. Who says it's a small tear and not small piece
dislodged, or a slightly larger tear that will not heal(I have my doubts
about healing but that is another issue for another time) which can be
removed with minor arthtroscopic outpatient work.
> Given the severity of my back problem any type of surgery would be a
> nightmare - certainly much worse than having to live with minor knee
> pain. My dor knows that and is acting accordingly.
Sounds more like your fear/distrust.etc of the fix has led the dor
down the path you are taking. He is doing what you want. I don't think
an MRI will hurt so at least take that step. Remember this is a running
forum and tend to take more aggressive action when we can't run. And to
not have all the diagnostics in hand to help with a diagnosis just
delays any potential soulution.
-DF
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Date: 30 May 2006 01:08:22
From: Newsdude
Subject: Re: exercises for torn meniscus?
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"Doug Freese" <dfreese@hvc.rr.com > wrote in news:tngeg.1524$%h.187@news-
wrt-01.rdc-nyc.rr.com:
> Sounds more like your fear/distrust.etc of the fix has led the dor
> down the path you are taking. He is doing what you want. I don't think
> an MRI will hurt so at least take that step. Remember this is a running
> forum and tend to take more aggressive action when we can't run. And to
> not have all the diagnostics in hand to help with a diagnosis just
> delays any potential soulution.
>
I gotta agree. My doc diagnosed a possible torn meniscus, and his FIRST
step was to send me for an MRI. The ortho agreed that I had a very slight
tear.
In my case, the ortho worried the cure might leave me worse off than the
level of symptom I was having, so he opted to wait, and suggested I work
on strengthening the knee while continuing to run (with a warning not to
overtrain). If it continued to be a problem, then he'd go in.
It actually got "better" over time, though another later MRI showed the
slight tear was still present, but no worse.
The point is this: I did exactly what you're doing, but I had proof of
what the problem was (not just a guess, something my regular doc didn't
think was sufficient), and a benchmark against which we could measure any
future issues.
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Date: 27 May 2006 19:42:38
From: Doug Freese
Subject: Re: exercises for torn meniscus?
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<googlemail2003@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1148733361.172518.27580@g10g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> I have had knee pain for a few months. Mostly when going up and down
> the stairs and standing up from a sitting position. X-rays show no
> problems with my knee structure.
>
> I have not had an MRI yet. The dor feels it is most likely a torn
> meniscus and isn't bad enough yet to warrant an MRI.
I would insist on the MIR immediately. If it's a torn meniscus then it
needs attention and that is arthroscopy surgery and no exercise or PT
will help it heal. While the MRI is not always perfect it can rule
things out or find an exact problem. To not use the MRI is poor
medicine. It's about the best diagnostic tool his has. I hope is not
just trying to keep his HMO costs down at your expense.
> He also feels
> that whatever it is the treatment at them moment is probably the same.
I know your translating his thoughts but if you are recapping his
medical opinions I don't want him in my rolodex.
> He suggests some gentle exercises.
I'd suggest a second opinion if he doesn't order the MRI. Good luck!
-DF
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Date: 30 May 2006 03:47:14
From:
Subject: Re: exercises for torn meniscus?
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the OP made mention of a point that made the rest of his statement
valid when he said "outer". runners would be better off defining the
location of the tear as for was Doug said is also true. the area is
classicaly characterized as having 2 zones, red & white. The meniscus
is avascular (except the outer or periphery) where it joins to the
knee. 80% of it's a white zone (no blood), 20% has slight blood flow.
develop a tear in the white zone and it will never heal. go w/o
treatment and that's a great way to develop arthritis. even if your
tear is in the red zone it may well never heal if you're 40+. but it's
very small it may.
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