Let's talk about Knee pain. Anybody else?

[Zfamily4]

I haven’t read all the responses yet but want to chime in with what I’ve seen. I would first get a second opinion from another doctor, and maybe seeing a PT would help too? But a word of caution and encouragement to deal with this and not let it linger, which could very likely mean having the surgery. My father-in-law is 90 and in terrible knee pain every day. He has been for years and refused surgery. Long story short, he waited too long and now his heart has issues that won’t allow for knee replacement surgery as his cardiologist won’t sign off on it. At 90 he’s actually in pretty good health and would continue to be active but his knees are in too much pain. It’s really hard to see this! If he’d done the knee replacement at age 80, they'd still be in great shape. Something I hope you’ll consider, whatever you end up choosing.

 

[DanLee]

I tore the meniscus in my left knee when I stumbled on a hike. Took over a year to get back to normal. I also experienced an attack of gout in the right knee. Woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I'd been stabbed in the knee. The pain from gout was worse. Get checked out for that. Gout can hit any joint.

 

[Macjule]

I could have written your story. I went through the same thing. That pain, that sudden catching pain, you feel is bone on bone. Your cartilage is gone. I had a TKR 5 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. I waited until it was bad enough that I needed a cane. I was only 56. My left knee is now on the way out but again I will wait. Best of luck to you.

 

[Next Chapter]

My story. I'm a 76 years old male, and in good health. But I have a problem with my right knee. It started about two years ago while on a camping trip. The onset was sudden. There wasn't the slightest hint of a problem before. I don't remember doing anything to hurt it. I just woke up in the middle of the night with an ache in the right knee. It was, and still is, very localized. I can put my finger right on the spot about 2 /12 inches down from the knee cap and on the inside of my leg. The ache came and went for the week I was up in the mountains. Advil generally worked to stop the ache. From my layman's research I was convinced I had a torn ligament on the right side of my right knee. Over the next couple of months the problem came and went until I decided to see a Doctor. X-rays showed that I had a torn Meniscus and some arthritis. There was talk about laparoscopic surgery to repair it, but it was decided to try injections and a brace first. I have now been getting injections and wearing the brace for 2 1/2 years. The pain has been perfectly tolerable for all this time. It comes and goes. Particularly if I step wrong out of the camper and twist the leg a bit. There will be a sharp pain, and then it goes away. There is absolutely no pain at all when I walk. I can climb hills and take a hike with no discomfort at all. But if I put my right foot wrong or twist it on a rock I feel a snapping sensation in the knee and a sharp pain for just a second or two. It has not gotten any worse in 2 1/2 years. But I'm tired of it!

So that's my story. Now here's my questions to the forum folks. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do about it. My Doctor is hinting at total knee replacement surgery. But I just don't see where it is bad enough for that. If you have had knee replacement surgery, how are you doing. Has it affected you activities while camping. How soon after surgery did you go camping? I know everyone is different, but tell me what you think and how you are doing now.

 

[Lenee]

My story. I'm a 76 years old male, and in good health. But I have a problem with my right knee. It started about two years ago while on a camping trip. The onset was sudden. There wasn't the slightest hint of a problem before. I don't remember doing anything to hurt it. I just woke up in the middle of the night with an ache in the right knee. It was, and still is, very localized. I can put my finger right on the spot about 2 /12 inches down from the knee cap and on the inside of my leg. The ache came and went for the week I was up in the mountains. Advil generally worked to stop the ache. From my layman's research I was convinced I had a torn ligament on the right side of my right knee. Over the next couple of months the problem came and went until I decided to see a Doctor. X-rays showed that I had a torn Meniscus and some arthritis. There was talk about laparoscopic surgery to repair it, but it was decided to try injections and a brace first. I have now been getting injections and wearing the brace for 2 1/2 years. The pain has been perfectly tolerable for all this time. It comes and goes. Particularly if I step wrong out of the camper and twist the leg a bit. There will be a sharp pain, and then it goes away. There is absolutely no pain at all when I walk. I can climb hills and take a hike with no discomfort at all. But if I put my right foot wrong or twist it on a rock I feel a snapping sensation in the knee and a sharp pain for just a second or two. It has not gotten any worse in 2 1/2 years. But I'm tired of it!

So that's my story. Now here's my questions to the forum folks. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do about it. My Doctor is hinting at total knee replacement surgery. But I just don't see where it is bad enough for that. If you have had knee replacement surgery, how are you doing. Has it affected you activities while camping. How soon after surgery did you go camping? I know everyone is different, but tell me what you think and how you are doing now.

I had basically the same thing happen to me while camping this past Labor Day week. I had NO symptoms, but suddenly during setup, my knee started aching and I started limping. I ended up not being able to put any weight on my leg at all. The next day, I called my orthopedic surgeon and they were able to get me in that afternoon. Luckily I was only camping about 100 miles from home. I drove back home, got the steroid injection, and the next day could not even walk. I bought some crutches, but after a couple of days I said forget it, I was not going to risk falling, so we packed up and went home. I had an MRI which showed I had a torn meniscus as the root, and the cartilage under the knee cap was greatly reduced with arthritis in the knee. I could have had the meniscus repaired, but that would have meant me being on crutches for at least 6 weeks. I looked at the doc and said, "we are heading to Knee replacement aren't we"? He said yes because if I fix the meniscus, you will be back in a couple of years for the other issue. So, I pulled the trigger and got the replacement. NOW, I need to give you some background on me. I had my first knee replacement in 2003 at the age of 43. I had injured my knee in High School in 1978 and had the medial meniscus removed in my knee (that is what they did back then). I also had torn my ACL, but the surgeon didn't fix it "because you are not an athlete". So, I started having issues with it in 1992, had a scope done, the damage was significant. Later that year I had my first ACL replacement. It didn't hold, so in 1999 I had my second ACL replacement. That didn't hold and I finally said to my surgeon (a different one, thank GOD!), fix this for good, I can't keep having ACL replacements and then having the same issues over and over again. At that time I could not even walk thru the grocery store without my knee swelling up to twice the size. So, in 2003, the first TKR (Total Knee Replacement) was done. Because of all of the damage to my knee, it took me quite some time to recover from that one.

Fast forward to November 2, 2021, TKR was done on the second knee. I was up and walking from the start, I could only use a walker (unless it was to go up and down the stairs). I am almost 5 months post-surgery, and I walk just fine. It does take a few weeks of PT for the strength to start coming back and if you are as active as you say you are, then you will do just fine! They do tell you to 'fully' recover from a TKR, it takes about a full year, but if I could, I would go camping right now without any issues. The difference between the TKR I had in 2003 and 2021 is unreal. Shorter surgery, shorter recovery time, and I was walking from the start, even though it was somewhat slow. Granted the first 3-to 4 weeks were not fun, but I've said after both TKRs, I'd do it again, to not have the pain in my knee and the fear I was going to fall and do a LOT of damage.

Also, one more thing, I'm 62, had the surgery in November when I was 61, which is younger than most TKR patients are. Because of the damage which had been done to one knee, I had to have replaced in 2003, I was using my other leg more and inadvertently damaged it as well by putting more pressure on it than I should have been.

I'd say do it at the end of camping season and you will be fully capable and ready to go for the next, IMHO~

 

[Next Chapter]

The problem with have surgery on the meniscus is it will get worse over time. In Europe they are doing meniscus replacements with a silicone type substance. In the US it seems like they want to do more TKA total knee replacements. Unfortunately they are doing knee replacement the same way they have been doing them for 25 years.

My father is 88 yo and they told him he was not a candidate due to his age and the use of anesthesia. I searched all over and found a surgeon in Virginia that has a new patented procedure for doing replacement. They only due a nerve block for the procedure and do not cut the quadricep muscle, like all other knee replacements. People from all over the world fly in now to have this superior surgery, My dad went in and had the procedure. Four hours after the start of the surgery they had him climbing unassisted up and down steps. In 4.5 hours he was discharged and went home with very little pain. It has truly been life changing for him. Look up the Jiffy Knee! Dr Manish Patel. I am posting the link of my dad before and after his total knee replacement.

 

[Susan Premo]

The problem with have surgery on the meniscus is it will get worse over time. In Europe they are doing meniscus replacements with a silicone type substance. In the US it seems like they want to do more TKA total knee replacements. Unfortunately they are doing knee replacement the same way they have been doing them for 25 years.

My father is 88 yo and they told him he was not a candidate due to his age and the use of anesthesia. I searched all over and found a surgeon in Virginia that has a new patented procedure for doing replacement. They only due a nerve block for the procedure and do not cut the quadricep muscle, like all other knee replacements. People from all over the world fly in now to have this superior surgery, My dad went in and had the procedure. Four hours after the start of the surgery they had him climbing unassisted up and down steps. In 4.5 hours he was discharged and went home with very little pain. It has truly been life changing for him. Look up the Jiffy Knee! Dr Manish Patel. I am posting the link of my dad before and after his total knee replacement.

And he's 4" taller! I'm going to have my husband get knee replacement, even if he doesn't need it!

 

[DJS12354]

26-ish years ago, I tore my Meniscus playing basketball. Had laparoscopic surgery to repair it and a year or so later tore it again but not enough to require surgery. Over the years arthritis set in and eventually reached the point of bone-on-bone condition. I was fortunate in that my knee/leg canted the opposite way that people normally do. This kept me relatively pain-free for many years.

Doctor/Surgeon kept close tabs on the knee's condition but kept telling me that would tell him when it was time to have a knee replacement done. I waited until I was retired and on Medicare to have the replacement done in anticipation of our trip to Alaska and the walking we knew we would encounter.

In and out of the hospital same day with minimal discomfort. Started PT that week and I cannot stress enough how important the PT is. In going to PT, I ran into a classmate who had same surgery done in same time frame, but wasn't faithful about doing the PT & while I walk normally with minimal discomfort, I see him limping and complaining of discomfort.

Two years out from surgery, I am cleared for normal physical activity, able to play basketball with my grandsons. I have no issues with kneeling. Had no problems with light hiking in Alaska last fall. My doctor has fully released me from follow up visits.

I recommend getting knee replacement surgery.

 

[Brooks]

My story. I'm a 76 years old male, and in good health. But I have a problem with my right knee. It started about two years ago while on a camping trip. The onset was sudden. There wasn't the slightest hint of a problem before. I don't remember doing anything to hurt it. I just woke up in the middle of the night with an ache in the right knee. It was, and still is, very localized. I can put my finger right on the spot about 2 /12 inches down from the knee cap and on the inside of my leg. The ache came and went for the week I was up in the mountains. Advil generally worked to stop the ache. From my layman's research I was convinced I had a torn ligament on the right side of my right knee. Over the next couple of months the problem came and went until I decided to see a Doctor. X-rays showed that I had a torn Meniscus and some arthritis. There was talk about laparoscopic surgery to repair it, but it was decided to try injections and a brace first. I have now been getting injections and wearing the brace for 2 1/2 years. The pain has been perfectly tolerable for all this time. It comes and goes. Particularly if I step wrong out of the camper and twist the leg a bit. There will be a sharp pain, and then it goes away. There is absolutely no pain at all when I walk. I can climb hills and take a hike with no discomfort at all. But if I put my right foot wrong or twist it on a rock I feel a snapping sensation in the knee and a sharp pain for just a second or two. It has not gotten any worse in 2 1/2 years. But I'm tired of it!

So that's my story. Now here's my questions to the forum folks. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do about it. My Doctor is hinting at total knee replacement surgery. But I just don't see where it is bad enough for that. If you have had knee replacement surgery, how are you doing. Has it affected you activities while camping. How soon after surgery did you go camping? I know everyone is different, but tell me what you think and how you are doing now.

Knee pain can be very debilitating for someone who likes camping. In fact, it was on a camping trip to a dune area when I realized just how bad my knee was getting.
I guess a career on the Chicago Fire Department takes a lot of the blame.
Anyway...soon after that, I injured it further on a run at work, got meniscus repair and the surgeon noted that both of my knees were bone on bone.
I got both replaced eventually. (One in May & the other in July last year) both ache still, but my mobility is greatly increased & the pain is less every day. Hopefully, I'll be pain free soon. (the doc said not to worry)
Just a heads up, if you get 'em replaced, it is a long healing period. In the long run though, best thing for me. I can hike, bike & even climb sand dunes again. I'm rebuilding my Jayco 1206 from the ground up right now. Retiring this May, looking forward to lotza trips all over the country.

 

[SandyB]

I had a torn meniscus with symptoms similar to those (intense pain when I moved out stepped a certain way). It's much better than it was but i still get twinges every now and then. I get acupuncture for that and it helps a lot. Having it scoped can evidently make you more susceptible to arthritis in the knee, which is what I think my twinges are. I would get a second opinion. And if it's not debilitating, find a good acupuncturist and see if that helps first.

I also got one of those gardening pads that I use when I need to get down on the ground under the trailer. They are amazing.

Sandy

 

[TSS]

My story. I'm a 76 years old male, and in good health. But I have a problem with my right knee. It started about two years ago while on a camping trip. The onset was sudden. There wasn't the slightest hint of a problem before. I don't remember doing anything to hurt it. I just woke up in the middle of the night with an ache in the right knee. It was, and still is, very localized. I can put my finger right on the spot about 2 /12 inches down from the knee cap and on the inside of my leg. The ache came and went for the week I was up in the mountains. Advil generally worked to stop the ache. From my layman's research I was convinced I had a torn ligament on the right side of my right knee. Over the next couple of months the problem came and went until I decided to see a Doctor. X-rays showed that I had a torn Meniscus and some arthritis. There was talk about laparoscopic surgery to repair it, but it was decided to try injections and a brace first. I have now been getting injections and wearing the brace for 2 1/2 years. The pain has been perfectly tolerable for all this time. It comes and goes. Particularly if I step wrong out of the camper and twist the leg a bit. There will be a sharp pain, and then it goes away. There is absolutely no pain at all when I walk. I can climb hills and take a hike with no discomfort at all. But if I put my right foot wrong or twist it on a rock I feel a snapping sensation in the knee and a sharp pain for just a second or two. It has not gotten any worse in 2 1/2 years. But I'm tired of it!

So that's my story. Now here's my questions to the forum folks. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do about it. My Doctor is hinting at total knee replacement surgery. But I just don't see where it is bad enough for that. If you have had knee replacement surgery, how are you doing. Has it affected you activities while camping. How soon after surgery did you go camping? I know everyone is different, but tell me what you think and how you are doing now.

Definitely need MRI if gets worse. Most Orthos, imediately go for surgery. I tore my quad tendon off my knee cap but my legs "then" were very strong so the Dr said it was fine. Second opinion and MRI revealed serious tear. Get the 2nd and if needed MRI.

 

[SDPatty]

I have similar problems due to an injury when I was 20 jumping off a skateboard. Then again skiing and playing football. I never really had it looked at. I have to be careful when running and doing things but no problem with walking. I take turmeric daily and try to eat clean, few processed foods. I also take other supplements to support joint health. At this point (65) I don’t plan to have surgery. I’ve lived with it for 45 years. I don’t have any daily pain. I bike ride and stair step to strengthen the muscles around it. My Mom had knee surgery and struggled with recovery. I’ve had friends swear by knee replacement. It is definitely easier to recover when you are younger. Just my thoughts.

 

[Grandpa Don]

I have similar problems due to an injury when I was 20 jumping off a skateboard. Then again skiing and playing football. I never really had it looked at. I have to be careful when running and doing things but no problem with walking. I take turmeric daily and try to eat clean, few processed foods. I also take other supplements to support joint health. At this point (65) I don’t plan to have surgery. I’ve lived with it for 45 years. I don’t have any daily pain. I bike ride and stair step to strengthen the muscles around it. My Mom had knee surgery and struggled with recovery. I’ve had friends swear by knee replacement. It is definitely easier to recover when you are younger. Just my thoughts.

Thanks to you and all who have responded. I started taking Tumuric about 4 months ago. Both of my sons say it is good stuff. I am curently away from home helping a sick friend (X-wife!) I just got up here yesterday, so I won't be able to see my Doctor until I get back. But that will be first on my list when I do.

 

[southern gal]

My story. I'm a 76 years old male, and in good health. But I have a problem with my right knee. It started about two years ago while on a camping trip. The onset was sudden. There wasn't the slightest hint of a problem before. I don't remember doing anything to hurt it. I just woke up in the middle of the night with an ache in the right knee. It was, and still is, very localized. I can put my finger right on the spot about 2 /12 inches down from the knee cap and on the inside of my leg. The ache came and went for the week I was up in the mountains. Advil generally worked to stop the ache. From my layman's research I was convinced I had a torn ligament on the right side of my right knee. Over the next couple of months the problem came and went until I decided to see a Doctor. X-rays showed that I had a torn Meniscus and some arthritis. There was talk about laparoscopic surgery to repair it, but it was decided to try injections and a brace first. I have now been getting injections and wearing the brace for 2 1/2 years. The pain has been perfectly tolerable for all this time. It comes and goes. Particularly if I step wrong out of the camper and twist the leg a bit. There will be a sharp pain, and then it goes away. There is absolutely no pain at all when I walk. I can climb hills and take a hike with no discomfort at all. But if I put my right foot wrong or twist it on a rock I feel a snapping sensation in the knee and a sharp pain for just a second or two. It has not gotten any worse in 2 1/2 years. But I'm tired of it!

So that's my story. Now here's my questions to the forum folks. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do about it. My Doctor is hinting at total knee replacement surgery. But I just don't see where it is bad enough for that. If you have had knee replacement surgery, how are you doing. Has it affected you activities while camping. How soon after surgery did you go camping? I know everyone is different, but tell me what you think and how you are doing now.

My story sounds similar to yours except that I am 20 years younger. Went on a camping trip in November and my right knee started hurting. It bothered me a while after we returned, hurting on the inside part of the knee, right below the knee. It wasn't bad enough to make me see a doctor. It quit bothering me for the most part but started hurting again about a month ago. I mean - waking me up in the night like a bad toothache in my knee - hurting. I went to an orthopedic doctor and he did an x-ray. He said I had arthritis in my knee. I got a shot and an anti-inflammatory prescription. Two weeks later, I was back over there as the shot didn't seem to be doing the trick. My mom told me it should have helped a lot at that point. She's had both knees replaced. This time the doctor ordered an MRI which is scheduled this Thursday. I am praying I don't need surgery but some of the responses on here make me feel better if I have to have a tear repaired. I am not having problems now at all during the day. I have had a little issue at night occasionally and I think that is because I tuck my knee under me when I am on my side. Hopefully I get a good report.

 

[ChiefHart]

My story. I'm a 76 years old male, and in good health. But I have a problem with my right knee. It started about two years ago while on a camping trip. The onset was sudden. There wasn't the slightest hint of a problem before. I don't remember doing anything to hurt it. I just woke up in the middle of the night with an ache in the right knee. It was, and still is, very localized. I can put my finger right on the spot about 2 /12 inches down from the knee cap and on the inside of my leg. The ache came and went for the week I was up in the mountains. Advil generally worked to stop the ache. From my layman's research I was convinced I had a torn ligament on the right side of my right knee. Over the next couple of months the problem came and went until I decided to see a Doctor. X-rays showed that I had a torn Meniscus and some arthritis. There was talk about laparoscopic surgery to repair it, but it was decided to try injections and a brace first. I have now been getting injections and wearing the brace for 2 1/2 years. The pain has been perfectly tolerable for all this time. It comes and goes. Particularly if I step wrong out of the camper and twist the leg a bit. There will be a sharp pain, and then it goes away. There is absolutely no pain at all when I walk. I can climb hills and take a hike with no discomfort at all. But if I put my right foot wrong or twist it on a rock I feel a snapping sensation in the knee and a sharp pain for just a second or two. It has not gotten any worse in 2 1/2 years. But I'm tired of it!

So that's my story. Now here's my questions to the forum folks. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do about it. My Doctor is hinting at total knee replacement surgery. But I just don't see where it is bad enough for that. If you have had knee replacement surgery, how are you doing. Has it affected you activities while camping. How soon after surgery did you go camping? I know everyone is different, but tell me what you think and how you are doing now.

Well my wife's knees wore out, one then the other, she has had knee replacement surgery for both and also has had both shoulders replaced. Here is the story, your knee will only hurt worse as time goes on. A total knee replacement has lots of pain, BUT, this time the pain goes away over time and things will be good again. If you have your knee replaced, the key to recovery is from day one work on the flexibility of the joint. Use the knee exercising machine for about 6 days even if you have to rent it. Getting the flexibility is very important, then you will have PT, which stands for Pain and Torture (ha!) Actually the PT will restore your strength in the joint/leg.
Bottom line is you will always have pain, until after the surgery then it will go away. I hope this helps you in making a decision.

 

[Rob Roy]

My story. I'm a 76 years old male, and in good health. But I have a problem with my right knee. It started about two years ago while on a camping trip. The onset was sudden. There wasn't the slightest hint of a problem before. I don't remember doing anything to hurt it. I just woke up in the middle of the night with an ache in the right knee. It was, and still is, very localized. I can put my finger right on the spot about 2 /12 inches down from the knee cap and on the inside of my leg. The ache came and went for the week I was up in the mountains. Advil generally worked to stop the ache. From my layman's research I was convinced I had a torn ligament on the right side of my right knee. Over the next couple of months the problem came and went until I decided to see a Doctor. X-rays showed that I had a torn Meniscus and some arthritis. There was talk about laparoscopic surgery to repair it, but it was decided to try injections and a brace first. I have now been getting injections and wearing the brace for 2 1/2 years. The pain has been perfectly tolerable for all this time. It comes and goes. Particularly if I step wrong out of the camper and twist the leg a bit. There will be a sharp pain, and then it goes away. There is absolutely no pain at all when I walk. I can climb hills and take a hike with no discomfort at all. But if I put my right foot wrong or twist it on a rock I feel a snapping sensation in the knee and a sharp pain for just a second or two. It has not gotten any worse in 2 1/2 years. But I'm tired of it!

So that's my story. Now here's my questions to the forum folks. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do about it. My Doctor is hinting at total knee replacement surgery. But I just don't see where it is bad enough for that. If you have had knee replacement surgery, how are you doing. Has it affected you activities while camping. How soon after surgery did you go camping? I know everyone is different, but tell me what you think and how you are doing now.

It is hard for us to assess your condition just from your description, but let me share my experience with knee problems. I play a lot of tennis and ski hard in the winters, as do the aging folks around me (I am 60). Among those of us with some knee issues, a knee replacement is the ABSOLUTE LAST thing recommended. This includes a friend who has minimal cartilage left and a lot of soft tissues damage to go with arthritis. The doctor is doing everything possible to delay knee replacement (injections, substantial knee braces and a lot of phys therapy to strengthen her quadricep muscles). Trimming the meniscus might address the occasional sharp pain, as it did with me. It is a minor surgery, and recovery should be less than 8 weeks. Have you considered getting a second opinion? I'm sure that you can solicit and get recommendations for good alternate orthopedic doctors that might validate your suspicions. Good luck!

 

[phxross]

My story. I'm a 76 years old male, and in good health. But I have a problem with my right knee. It started about two years ago while on a camping trip. The onset was sudden. There wasn't the slightest hint of a problem before. I don't remember doing anything to hurt it. I just woke up in the middle of the night with an ache in the right knee. It was, and still is, very localized. I can put my finger right on the spot about 2 /12 inches down from the knee cap and on the inside of my leg. The ache came and went for the week I was up in the mountains. Advil generally worked to stop the ache. From my layman's research I was convinced I had a torn ligament on the right side of my right knee. Over the next couple of months the problem came and went until I decided to see a Doctor. X-rays showed that I had a torn Meniscus and some arthritis. There was talk about laparoscopic surgery to repair it, but it was decided to try injections and a brace first. I have now been getting injections and wearing the brace for 2 1/2 years. The pain has been perfectly tolerable for all this time. It comes and goes. Particularly if I step wrong out of the camper and twist the leg a bit. There will be a sharp pain, and then it goes away. There is absolutely no pain at all when I walk. I can climb hills and take a hike with no discomfort at all. But if I put my right foot wrong or twist it on a rock I feel a snapping sensation in the knee and a sharp pain for just a second or two. It has not gotten any worse in 2 1/2 years. But I'm tired of it!

So that's my story. Now here's my questions to the forum folks. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do about it. My Doctor is hinting at total knee replacement surgery. But I just don't see where it is bad enough for that. If you have had knee replacement surgery, how are you doing. Has it affected you activities while camping. How soon after surgery did you go camping? I know everyone is different, but tell me what you think and how you are doing now.

Just had my 2nd knee replacement (LTKR 1/3/22) at 55. Did it in January so I'll be ready for camping season. You're knee subs like mine, not as bad when waking but predictable pain with any twisting or stress on the joint.

 

[Grandpa Don]

You had to replace you knee at 55? I guess I'm overdue!

 

[Grandpa Don]

It is hard for us to assess your condition just from your description, but let me share my experience with knee problems. I play a lot of tennis and ski hard in the winters, as do the aging folks around me (I am 60). Among those of us with some knee issues, a knee replacement is the ABSOLUTE LAST thing recommended. This includes a friend who has minimal cartilage left and a lot of soft tissues damage to go with arthritis. The doctor is doing everything possible to delay knee replacement (injections, substantial knee braces and a lot of phys therapy to strengthen her quadricep muscles). Trimming the meniscus might address the occasional sharp pain, as it did with me. It is a minor surgery, and recovery should be less than 8 weeks. Have you considered getting a second opinion? I'm sure that you can solicit and get recommendations for good alternate orthopedic doctors that might validate your suspicions. Good luck!

I'm working on getting a second opinion.

 

[Grandpa Don]

My story sounds similar to yours except that I am 20 years younger. Went on a camping trip in November and my right knee started hurting. It bothered me a while after we returned, hurting on the inside part of the knee, right below the knee. It wasn't bad enough to make me see a doctor. It quit bothering me for the most part but started hurting again about a month ago. I mean - waking me up in the night like a bad toothache in my knee - hurting. I went to an orthopedic doctor and he did an x-ray. He said I had arthritis in my knee. I got a shot and an anti-inflammatory prescription. Two weeks later, I was back over there as the shot didn't seem to be doing the trick. My mom told me it should have helped a lot at that point. She's had both knees replaced. This time the doctor ordered an MRI which is scheduled this Thursday. I am praying I don't need surgery but some of the responses on here make me feel better if I have to have a tear repaired. I am not having problems now at all during the day. I have had a little issue at night occasionally and I think that is because I tuck my knee under me when I am on my side. Hopefully I get a good report.

Boy does all that sound familiar!