On W7. Injured knee 22nd Sept Just found out I've done 6 weeks with a Torn Meniscus

[Circle_On_Legs]

I did something to my knee on 22nd Sept which, for a couple of weeks was very painful. However i used a knee support until the pain was non existent walking the dog. I started C25k and not had any problems or pain when jogging. However as I am still having a problem walking down steps if more than one or two and an egg lump on one side. Sometimes pain but then it would instantly recede my chiropractor suggested there likely a fragment of something moving around in my knee from a painless to painful location. Had MRI on both knees. Going to see GP this afternoon for follow up. Receptionist said the notes are torn meniscus and osteoarthritis. Had arthroscopy several years ago on the other knee.

I don't want to stop doing the programme. I am aware jogging is more impact than walking. I'm certain my GP will advise I stop. But torn meniscus don't ever heal and I will no doubt have another arthroscopy. Until I have the op and I've already run 6 weeks and 25 minutes yesterday for week 7 R1, is it really going to make any difference to the outcome. Honestly, there is no pain when i run but it does hurt if sitting with bent leg for a long time like on a long car journey.

I know dear reader you think me bonkers to even consider running with an injury but i really don't want to give up. I shall resume wearing the elasticated support. Probably know more after gp this pm

[steviej99 Graduate]

So sorry to hear, your doing so great. Can't advise sorry I'm not qualified, but I wish you the best and hope you can manage through to week9!!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

The doctors may well advise that you stop for now, I really don’t know. I’d listen to them and then maybe go see a sports physio for advice and exercises... then I’d listen to them instead 😂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

If you’re happy enough running, then I’d carry on as you’re doing. Maybe just take extra special care with footing and don’t go too fast. A knee support is definitely good.

Obviously getting advice is also a good idea, but you know your body best, and unless the pain starts up whilst actually running or gets a lot worse otherwise, I’d roll with it. 😀

Massive good luck!

[PeteB1961 Graduate]

I’d seriously listen to advice from a specialist as although this programme is great if there’s a possibility it might do you permanent damage you might be better off finding alternative exercise like swimming.

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate in reply to PeteB1961]

That is a very good suggestion but i have been able to stick to the running because I dont go anywhere to do it. It's out of the gate and down the lane. I dont stick at things that are inconvenient and require special time. C25k fits in with taking the dog out. Saw GP earlier this evening. I have a complex tear in right knee and progressive tear in meniscus of left knee. Also swelling between the joints of both knees. She is amazed I'm not in massive pain let alone dog walking and doing c25k. She's referred me to a specialist and I will have surgery on both knees. She didn't think it makes much difference now to carry on running but said better discuss with knee specialist.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

See what the gp says 👍 maybe you could complete it by running in water at your local pool. Much less stress on your knees...

[SlowLoris]

I'm running on a torn meniscus. It hasn't got any worse. (I was unable to run for months though.) And I've also got OA in both knees. The running has actually made the pain from that nearly disappear now. They can do surgery to tidy up the torn bits of the meniscus but I'm going to leave mine alone. The egg sized lump sounds a bit ominous though. In short, listen to the doctor and ask for a physio referral as well. The GP told me to stop running (he thought I was a bit old for it). The physio told me to run if I wanted but take it slow. Don't get downhearted.

[Musicalcat]

So frustrating, isn’t it?!! 😩Completed C25K again a few weeks back (second time in a year) and, also for the second time, my old left knee sports injury (from Feb 2010) comes a-haunting me 😫 except this time my hip has come out in sympathy as well 😖 (I too had an arthroscopy - in Nov 2011.) I mention my experience as, on the face of it, running with no pain may be OK, yet your body may make compensations and you may find additional pains crop up elsewhere. You don’t mention your age - I’m 58 - if you’re much younger, you may well bounce back from your injury more easily than a dinosaur like me! 😉 Finally, your decision about what to do next very much depends on your motivation for starting C25K in the first place: I want to be fit enough still to be able to hike in the Peak District if I’m lucky enough to make it to my 90s; ie, I’m not looking to be the next Paula Radcliffe! 😂 I’m going to give my knee a rest for a while and see what I can do in a few weeks... I wish you well. x

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate in reply to Musicalcat]

Hi Musicalcat. (Great user name). It is indeed very frustrating and I sympathise with your problem too. My chiropractor also suggested that should I feel pain anywhere else while running, then stop as could be compensating. So far I haven't. GP has referred me to a specialist. MRIs showed complex meniscus tear in right knee. That's the one I injured Sept. Lots of other stuff also damaged in right knee. However there is also a progressive tear in meniscus of left knee. Osteoarthritis both knees. She was amazed I'm walking wirhout complaint. I'm 61 so more dinosaur than you 😁. After Research it seem that running is probably beneficial for OA as produces lubricant in the joint. Also applying Rock Tape or KT tape is more targeted and much better support than a knee sleeve. Yesterday my knees were very achy so I'm going to have a second rest day. Motivation for c25k. To be fit, lighter, not pre diabetic, strengthen bones. Generally all the benefits one can gain. I'd like to live until I'm 90 like my mother in law and be as active as she is. I'd like to prevent stroke or heart attack if possible. We don't have many high hills in Norfolk. I rather fancy hill walking. I have a dog and horse. There are people still riding in their 80s. I want to be able to stay that agile. Thinking about it QE is 90. Although I don't suppose she has to muck out or actually catch her pony. I'm still impressed she still gets on though.