thru hiker I just tore my left knee meniscus

[Trance]

If you have to ask this question, you already know the answer.

Stop expecting people who are not doctors to tell you it's ok to hike with a freshly torn meniscus.

It's not. You need to R.I.C.E. it and get a support sleeve at minimum. You hike more on that... especially with weight, you're going to be on the fast track to a knee replacement and that is never fun.

[Praha4]

You said you are desperate and do not want to end your hike. Medically, much depends on just how severe your knee meniscus is torn. If it is a minor meniscus tear, a cortisone shot in the knee would probably give you enough relief to continue hiking. If you are not using a knee brace, I would also get a Cho-Pat dual action knee brace and use it while hiking. Another possible remedy is an Orthovisc injection http://www.orthovisc.com/. It's high molecular weight hyaluronan, FDA approved for the knee, gives 6 months of relief. I just got an Orthovisc injection in my arthritic shoulder, and it has really helped with shoulder pain and improved my range of motion too. If it is a severe meniscus tear, good possibility the torn meniscus will lodge in the joint and cause you more pain and swelling of the knee. I would think only an MRI will show the degree of the problem. Good luck!

[rocketsocks]

Another possible remedy is an Orthovisc injection http://www.orthovisc.com/. It's high molecular weight hyaluronan, FDA approved for the knee, gives 6 months of relief. I just got an Orthovisc injection

Just had this done to both knees three weeks ago today, stats show it dose not work for everybody, but it's workin for me so far.

[Teacher & Snacktime]

I got some great pain meds, and I am hopeful.

Pain meds are a poor substitute for good health. I'm learning this myself, and can't stress enough that if you NEED them, stop doing whatever causes you to need them. It's not worth it in the long run, regardless of the disappointment of having to change your plans.

[gof]

Another possible remedy is an Orthovisc injection http://www.orthovisc.com/. It's high molecular weight hyaluronan, FDA approved for the knee, gives 6 months of relief.

Another option is Synvisc. It is the older version. Both are an anionic, nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan (from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyaluronan). For me and my insurance the Synvisc course of 3 injections on my left knee were much cheaper than the Orhovisc. YMMV.

Jury is still out for me. And, of course, my MRI only shows mild arthritis. If that is the case, why does it hurt so blinking much when I walk, especially up and down stairs or grades? sigh.

Best of luck with your knees. I wish medical science would hurry up and find a cure for aging.

[handlebar]

You did the right thing sending to your trusted orthopedist at home. When it comes to surgeons, "Trust, but verify" is a good idea. Do what s/he says.

FWIW, I had severe hip tendonitis (I think due to an injury in Mt. Rogers NRA) that took me off the trail for 3 weeks in May. I could barely walk and really had to dose myself with ibuprofen to make it to Partnership Shelter near Marion VA. I went home to OH and saw my primary care doc who put me on a modified RICE regimen of anti-inflammatory (600mg Ibuprofen 3 times per day), stretching, icing, and non-weightbearing exercise (bike) for two weeks. Cleared it up after 2 weeks and I was able to complete my thru hike, starting again slowly in the easier VA terrain. I had a torn meniscus repaired a couple years before starting the AT via arthroscopic surgery. Trekking poles, if you don't already use them, can offload some of the weight and wear and tear from your knees. I used Chopat knee braces for the next 1000 miles then as my leg muscles were very toned, found didn't need them any more when I left them behind where there were drying on a fire tower in NJ. I shed a little pack weight and that probably helped too. Since that episode, I've added a good 9500 miles of long distance trekking.

[jeffmeh]

I saw that you have sent the MRI to your orthopedist back here, and he is a thru-hiker. That should give you a different medical perspective. I was going to tell you to see an orthopedist in a sports medicine practice, but it looks like you have it covered. Orthopedists who generally see older, unfit people can have very different perspectives than those who are more focused on getting active people back to being active.

[Ender]

Pain meds are a poor substitute for good health. I'm learning this myself, and can't stress enough that if you NEED them, stop doing whatever causes you to need them. It's not worth it in the long run, regardless of the disappointment of having to change your plans.

Ditto this.

[stillatit]

Of course, every person's situation is different. My active sister was all set to have her knee replaced, even slated for surgery when she heard of a new, far less invasive procedure, a partial knee replacement. Few surgeons who specialize in the knee even know about it. She's had it done (2 weeks ago) and is already up and about walking w/o a cane. Surgeons who specialize in sports medicine have pioneered this new procedure. My point here is not to run down whatever doctor(s) is (are) helping you out, but have you looked into a second opinion here, one from a knee specialist who is associated with a medical school where all the latest is available? My sis lives in a large town/small city in central Illinois. She had to travel a ways to a city with a medical school to find someone qualified. She is ecstatic that she did now. Another relative had a knee replacement (we have bad genes for this in our family) and she's never recovered. CHECK THIS OUT BEFORE YOU GO UNDER THE KNIFE, and don't count on your current MD(s) only! My sis had to travel to one of the few surgeons who did it and have him look at her before she qualified for the procedure.

[MuddyWaters]

I would not entertain the idea of putting something as meaningless as completing a hike of the AT in a single trip, ahead of my long term well being and mobility. But thats just me.

You are on the right path with multiple opinions for sure.

Good luck. Hope for the best, but mentally prepare for the worst.

[fiddlehead]

OH PLEASE! GET A 2nd OPINION!
My brother had it all removed when he was younger.
Now, his one leg is 2" shorter than the other, has lived in pain most of his life because of this and now, finally got the whole thing replaced.
The specialists told him it's mostly because they took ALL the cartilege out when he had it done.

GO to a Specialist!
My sister had arthroscopic surgery on hers where they just cleaned things up in there and she was walking the next day.

Good luck.

[WILLIAM HAYES]

I worked in healthcare for 30 years and can tell you ortho guys typically want to operate-see a sports medicine specialist and get another opinion

[bamboo bob]

Seems to me that this sort of advice should be coming from the Dr and the Dr providing the second opinion. When a Dr (the professional) says the hike is over, it's over. They're there to help you look after your health and wellness.

Medical people for reasons of medical caution or legal caution always give the most conservative advice. Blisters? Go home for three weeks. So You need a second opinion from a Sports Medicine person who understands what this kind of thing means to you. I'll say it again, Sports Medicine anyone else doesn't get it.

[Riocielo]

My husband said to tell you that depending upon the severity of your injury, once the initial swelling and inflammation is gone you may be able to hike if you take the proper precautions (go slowly, wear a brace, etc. )

He was able to play basketball, golf, etc for years before he finally had surgery. Our youngest daughter tore hers ice skating last winter. So far, she too, has avoided surgery.

Most of all, use your common sense and follow your doctor's orders.

[SunnyWalker]

Takethisbread: Sorry to hear about your experience. I too had an injury at a bad time. I was riding my bicycle across country having a great time. In WY I had an accident and broke my ankle. Had to go home. BUT . . . next year I started from where I left off. There is next year or the time after you heal. Trust in the Lord and let Him be with you in this great disappointment. He will give you the patience to go through it. The only way through this is to go through it and you can't escape reality. Take care.

[misprof]

Thanks for posting. I am sitting at home resting a torn meniscus and watching my hiking this summer go down the tubes. Glad to hear your getting a second opinion. I had the arthoscopic surgery back in 81 for another problem. The recovery from it was not bad (2 weeks) A year later I was rock climbing. Remember the mountains will not disappear. Good luck