This video was great to hear two years ago when I had my first ever meniscus tear. You convinced me I didn’t need surgery, and I didn’t. Patience was the key, and that was hard to hear for an athlete. Thanks!

Excellent video, giving hope to many who thought they were stuck with knee pain and injury for the rest of their lives. I'm now retired but was formerly an Alexander teacher in private practice in the UK. Sometimes knee pain can be the result of an imbalance in muscular pulls in the legs, with the result that a torque is being applied to one of the knees as the person runs. This can result in a lot of strain in the medial and/or lateral collateral ligaments, which persists regardless of how much massage or treatment the person undergoes. It feels like injury, and indeed, because the knee mechanism is under greater stress may lead to such, but often it ends with the person giving up running - or whichever other physical activity they are engaging in. As this surgeon points out so well, surgery is usually not the answer. In these types of cases, becoming aware (experientially) of how you are over-tightening specific muscle groups in the legs (and sometimes also in the back) will lead to the person gradually letting go of those unnecessary muscular pulls - thus allowing the correct balance of muscular activity to reassert itself. Then the strain will be alleviated and instead, distributed evenly. In other words, the person learns how he or she is creating the problem .... then learns to let go of the unnecessary muscular pulls ... allowing the balance to reassert itself, and then - PROVIDED the pain was due to strain caused unwittingly by the person (what Alexander teachers calls 'misuse') the pain will disappear, because it was only a symptom of imbalance.

Here's the Orthopedic Surgeon we all wish we had

So calming to listening to. Patients must love you.

I like your answer better. I have a torn meniscus in 2 places on my right knee. I've had fluid removed via a needle and a cortisone shot about a year and half ago. I was told I would need surgery within about 6 months but so far haven't had any problems. Thanks for your video !!!!

This is just about the best damned news I've heard in weeks. Had what I am pretty sure is a tear near the end of June. After a few weeks of cycling only, I started running again. Didn't feel bad while running, but it was sore in the evening and the next day. Then one day there was a spike in pain and I had to mostly walk the 2 miles home. I finally took about two months off doing nothing but cycling again, and I basically forgot about it. I guess I thought at 54, my running days were finally over and I needed to get used to it. Some weeks ago, I noticed that the pain was 100% gone. Not a single symptom. No pain or locking or anything else. (Isn't it funny that we are slow to notice when things stop hurting?) I've been back on the trail twice in the last few days, and I'm taking it slow. So far, so good.

THANK YOU Dr for explaining that so clearly and thoroughly! In the past week I've probably watched 50 videos on meniscus tear and yours has helped me the most. I'm subscribing to your channel immediately.

I'm 74 years old and I workout on the treadmill 5 hours a week at 3.6 miles per hour. I have a meniscus injury on my right knee. I don't feel much pain while on the treadmill. I also use low elevation 3 to 4. My Cardiologist is thrilled. I feel as you age you have to move such as walking, jogging or treadmill.

Thanks for posting ! I am 57 years old . I have an old knee injury from the ski season of" 83" torn meniscus . I was 23 or 24 . Never did the surgery or follow up . Wore a knee a mobilizer for some time , until my leg really began to atrophy . I basically went on with my life , even skied the following season . Fast forward to today , took up trail running a couple years back . Slow and steady aware of my previous injury . After a few runs I began to experience some pain/discomfort . These were short runs 2-3 miles . As of late , past 4-5 months the discomfort has turned into unmistakable pain . Writing this out is making me realize I need to speak with Dr. here , I'm in California . Again Thanks for posting ! Enjoy the video ! I want to continue to run !

Thank you very much. That was the best thing I’ve heard today.

I’ve been running with a torn miniscus for 10 years. It gets sore on longer runs 5+ miles, but I still do them (full trail marathon 4 years ago). I have found that weight lifting, particularly weighted squats, has really helped strengthen my knee and ease the pain. I’ve also found that elliptical workouts between running days helps too.

Although I used to be a runner (many marathons, including Boston), I tore my medial meniscus, while lifting weights. I was 42 at the time, and after two months of pain that would not go away, I chose a partial meniscectomy. 30% was removed, which exposed underlying moderate arthritis. Even if running had been acceptable after this, the discomfort of running without the support cushion of that portion of the meniscus, was too unpleasant and awkward. I am able to run "bleachers" and stairs, but not on flat terrain. I also noticed over time a bony growth from my femur which I suppose was a response to the surgery. I will quickly add that just because you have a meniscus tear, it doesn't mean it won't heal on its own, but it's very different to say you can return to "activities" than it does to say back to RUNNING.

exactly I had this question in mind..I got a very clear answer... this is the kind of medical advice patients need from doctors.. clear answers.. thank you.

Thanks man, at least some good news for me today. I was starting to get desperate

Thank you. I often feared that I might not be able to run at all after the tear. But with some exercise treatment I am able to continue running without pain. Many of my peers (65+) stopped all together because of knees problem. I tend to think it was just an excuse to not exercise. 😜

You are a Fantastic Guy thank you, Doctor. You explained that Great. I tore my meniscus about 4 months ago I am hoping my knee gets better.

Thank you for a crystal-clear, articulate, and professionally informative vlog.

Thank you for posting such an honest comment. I also didnt feel like surgery was necessary. It has been 4 months since I got injured, but during this period I seriously focused on therapeutic treatment which yielded some good results. This should be your first choice before going into surgery.

*Just do that exercise in **_Bulletproof Your Knee_** - works every time*

Sincerely the best and clear opinion I’ve ever heard about a meniscus tear. I am suffering from a lateral meniscus tear, doing Fisio therapy and strengthening exercises so that I can shortly run again. Thank you doctor! Greetings from Portugal

I had the Johnson vaccine and got a dangerous adverse reaction. My legs were constricting with my knees bent and locking at the knee straight out. Each for hours at a time. I'm the percent of Americans that don't matter, no health care or got the healthcare and can't afford a copay or the time off to treat and heal, feeling so helpless. At 23 aN ortho doctor said i had arthritis but then didn't want to treat it . I've already had problems. But The pain even after my reactions stopped didn't stop at my joints. Where I live we need to go up and down hills and staircases to do anything. I didn't do anything that forced this tear, but woke up with it basically. This is a very motivational video. Thank you

Great video. This has helped me to relax about my mensicus tear rather than panic. In the UK I have to wait 3 months to see an orthopedic consultant on the NHS, but it's free, so might as well wait and give it time to sort itself out. I was running on the tear with no issues, only realised I had a problem when I was standing with the knee locked which caused some irritation in the joint - physio diagnosed the tear. For now, I will behave and not run for a few weeks and focus on some strength training without overloading the knee and go from there 💪💪. My aim will be a hill race in Scotland in September: Two Breweries 18 miles, 1500m ascent.

I am a 51 yr old cyclist. I took a slow moving fall very hard on my knee. This injury took place 5 months ago and I am still in some pain. Tender and problems squatting but am able to bike, ski and jog pain free. MRI did not show nothing but a minor tear (Interior) but no pain in that area. My Orthopedic seems to think it's a IT band issue...

Thanks for the info! You seemed to describe my situation, as I've been collecting as much information as I can on this subject, except in your case you put it out there more clearly.

Thank you Doc! I was having minor knee pain on my long run two Saturdays ago. At mile 11, something happened. Not so much a pop, but I clicking type feeling. I had four more miles to go. No option but to run all the way back down the mountain. When I was done, I could barely walk. I’ve seen my primary care physician, my orthopedic specialist, had an x-ray, and an MRI. My orthopedic specialist says I have a torn medial meniscus and osteoarthritis. They told me this on Thursday, and I could still barely walk. I talk to a surgeon on Wednesday. I’m feeling a lot better already, but definitely still unstable, and still clicking. It’s sensitive to the touch, on the inside, and definitely still inflamed. But this video gives me a lot of hope. After seeing this, I am almost certain I won’t go through with surgery. I thought I was done. Running his life. Thanks again Doc!

I got a meniscus tear in my left knee from twisting/playing golf. I first got various injections for the tear pain and wore a brace playing golf. But I also had bone on bone, so I got a knee replacement and because I got tired of wearing a brace all the time. Everything is back to normal everyday activities and playing allot of golf.

Thank you very much for simple but understandble explanation for meniscus. Im 50 yr old sports enthusiast. With knee pain. Thank you Doc.

In this day and age of modern medicine and with all the research around stem cells it seems incredible that it's still not possible to regenerate a meniscal tear in the white zone.

Thank you Doctor. I sincerely appreciate your highly esteemed information.

Exactly! My knee is healing, it takes time guys. If you have an injury and don't know it, then don't worry

Thank Dr. Howard Luks. You addressed all my questions in your video. 😊👍

Accurate and honest. Thank you.

Thanks so much. Great advice for this 65 year old runner.

You are fantastic. Thank you ever so much.

Can you swim or do cycling with light resistance with a meniscus tear?

Update to my post from 4 years ago: Knee is fine. Barefoot running 3-5 times per week, doing p90x2, zero issues. Many thanks, doc. 👍

Greetings from Greece. I suffer the last 10 days from this. Your video was very useful.

Be wary people-I got 16+ years of relative pain-free function from my knee after having 70% of my pulverized meniscus removed. This only works if you have a stable relatively tight knee (i.e., good ACL, MCL structure). You will always find patients with torn meniscus with no symptoms but his was not a scientific study on this. Pain and swelling from a shredded meniscus that conservative treatments don't resolve sometimes can only be improved with a carefully done partial meniscectomy.

Well said, balanced, to the point.

Thank for your suggestions

I’m ten weeks into a tear, I was back playing light hockey at 6 weeks, full on hockey at 8 weeks, I am just able to run without too much impact pain now at ten weeks, I am 39. At 3 weeks I started cycling as my treatment, first on the stationary bike, then on my mountain bike at about 4-5 weeks. I feel like I will make a full recovery, although at first I was quite concerned. It has been a very slow, but very steady recovery. I noticed very subtle improvements every day. Good luck guys, definitely start cycling!!

Great video. I miss your videos. I hope you are well and you come back soon. God bless 🙂❤

A little while ago I wrote a comment under another video, on the same topic. Where I write that I got hope that I won't have to have surgery, it refers to this video of yours. Thank you for that, thank you very much... (I had a problem with the meniscus, but for two months I didn't know what it was about, I thought it was the ligaments, but since the problem didn't go away, I went for an MRI, where it turned out that the meniscus was slightly torn on the rear horn. I didn't go to a specialist , I saw on YT that an orthopedist from NY said that it was not necessary to go to surgery, which encouraged me. Little by little, it passed, with the fact that I walked for 10 minutes at first, then more and more, so I needed about 6 months to be able to walk for 60 minutes. Today I don't have a major problem with that, but I can't squat all the way, nor can I stand for several hours, but I'm satisfied with this too, I avoided surgery. I'm 53 years old. That's my experience. First of all, patience is needed. A few kilos less would help.Do not overload the knee. "Listen" to the sick knee, it "says" itself, unmistakably, when it should no longer be stressed, but to rest. Comfrey ointment, but more psychological. Eating cooked cartilage, calf's tail, for example, maybe it helps, cartilage it restores the cartilage (perhaps, you have to believe, it can't do damage). Comfortable shoes for the foot, insoles, this is a must, hard shoes in no case. Meditation, lying quietly in bed on your back, head on a pillow that is neither too high nor too low, and so on breathe calmly, for 20 minutes or more, the organism has intelligence, it heals itself as much as it can. If it then feels as if something in the knee is "working" in some way, that's it. Maybe avoid sugar, they say it creates inflammation in the body. I didn't know that).An exercise bike is also not a bad option, it's a good exercise, and there's less pressure on the knee. pass without surgery. When I remember now, that I used to leave the apartment for 10 minutes, and so for days, slowly, as if I were walking on eggs... Now I walk every other day for 60 minutes, I can bring 5-6 kg from the store, i.e. walk with it for 10-15 minutes... There are also exercises, they are on YT, but I haven't done them... Good luck!)

Thanks for sharing! Very informative and straightforward.

This is the answer that I needed. Great video. Thank you so much.

Thank you sir!! That was really great information!!

Thank you for your help!!! Its so much relief

Thanks Dr. Luks. Very helpful.

Thanks for the video!

thank you --

Thank you so much

I'm 42 and in good shape. I train boxing and Muay Thai 4x per week and then a regular gym session the other 1 or 2 days. 5'9" and 190lbs...14.5% body fat. For two years yy bursa sack in my right knee fills up with fluid when I squat or sit for extended periods. I thought it was a cramp. Ortho felt an MRI was in order as the Bursa Sack filling up is a sign that it's protecting me from something. Turns out I have a torn meniscus and what not. I'm nearly certain that this surgeon is going to want to operate. It's not going to happen. I'm not going to do it. I have a PT because I just had surgery for my pec tendon and he too said many people live happy active lives on a torn meniscus. So, thanks for a great video!

Thank you very much for this video

🟢 Hello Doctor, I have undergone ACL ligament surgery and had a complex median meniscus tear from which a piece was removed. Can I continue to play sports, and can I run? Thank you!

Dr.Luks thank you for this video, my knee swelled up and got really tight about a month ago when running, I do have a meniscus tear, I have taken it easy, ice, exercise , light exercise for my knee, riding the stationary bike, and my knee is starting to feel better, maybe in a week I’ll start some light running, I have a question, what are your thoughts on compression sleeves for the knees? Thank you your great videos, I have subscribed to you channel!

god bless you, such a great video

Hello Doc, I am a 48 year old man who is athletic and in good health. No history of knee issues aside from some patellar tendentious from tennis. About 9 weeks ago I was surfing and injured my right knee after jumping off the board and coming down hard on her right foot in shallow water. I just had an MRI and the results state: “Complex tear posterior horn and body medial meniscus. Meniscus fragment displaced vertically adjacent to posterior horn root. Small meniscus fragment displaced vertically within the anteromedial gutter“. I have never had sever pain but 9 weeks out I’m still limping and get some internal swelling. The doc thinks I should have surgery because these fragmented pieces that are displaced. Thanks in advance!

Thanks. Very informative!

Great info! Thank you.

5 years ago MRI with showing meniscus tear left knee. No surgery although i was not able to walk decently for weeks...but it cured. I run again after 3 months...but when i do intense runs (20 minutes on 5km) I get really pain after the run and need to rest for weeks. Now i have pain in my right knee...it feels like a meniscus tear although not proven yet. My left knee...no problem (for the moment).

Thanks for this, it's given me some hope! I had arthroscopies on both knees, at different times, 10-12 years ago. Carried on running, up to 70 miles per week, after first op, but had to cut right down to twice a week after second. not been too bad until last month or two, got quite inflamed one side, can't run at all, no jumping exercises. Painful after long walks. My therapist has been closed because of lockdown, but finally open next week, so I'm booked in on Friday. Hopefully she can loosen off and along with a bit of rest and the right exercises get back to normal.

Thank you doc for taking the time to explain it.

he looks nicely toasted... but very informative

I use my CBD infused knee compression sleeve when I run or exercise and it helps greatly!

Thanks, easy to understand. I am a former High Hurderler and Long Jumper, I am hoping at the age of 53, to get back into jumping shape in the next 2 or 3 years. I need to train my youngest boy. I am hoping to get into a position of being able to handle the compounding of the landing, as well as on the basketball court. I am feeling more motivated to work on my right knee issues. Thanks for the video

I'm 13 and I don't know if my meniscus is teared but I know I can't walk or run because my knee would just give up and I would stumble instead of walk

Thank you sir

Thank you!

God bless you.very useful guidance

excelent, thank u very much doc. may the god save you. regards.

Thank you for the Information!

Informative upbeat advice

Especially interesting, thanks

Thank you for the good news

So basically this doctor is telling me my body is an old pair of jeans... Encouraging.

Great comment Thank you

Very helpful video

Hello Dr.Howard, I am 34 yrs old female and when I recently started running ( only for 2 months , 2-5k / twice a week or so and other days lunges squats sets), after the initial 2-3 months , I started getting some discomfort in my right knee. Wasn’t that bad when it started but it aggravated 3-4 months down the line to the extend that I could not walk comfortably. The pain at worst is 5/10. 2 MRIs show ‘ linear myxoid intrasubstance degeneration of post horn and body of medial meniscus without overt tear ’ plus grade 2 control lesion at anteromedial femoral condyle with grade 1 changes elsewhere. I have been doing some quad strengthening exercises but situation is a mix of some better days and some bad days. Can’t walk more than 10-15 min at a stretch and lately my left knee has started giving similar symptoms although less problematic. ROM is almost 80%in right knee and almost 100% In left. Been to 3 ortho specialists and the verdict is wait it out. Appreciate your advice on how best to manage this. Right now, getting to my morning brisk walk comfortably is a dream, forget running!! Please advice.

Thanks Dr. for this useful video. It was really helpful. I have medial meniscus tear (grade III) in my rt. knee. It is more than 45 days when this injury happened. I'm doing regular physio exercises (morning and evening) for last 30 days. I have decided to cure through non-surgical way as suggested by Dr.. I'm still having stiff knee and not able to fully straightening and fold my knee. I also have slight pain while walking and not able to walk normally. Kindly suggest if pain would reduce over time and would be able to walk normally if I continue with exercises. How long will it take for me to start running again. Thanks,

hey doctor Howard I have a suspected (MRI this week) inner meniscus tear from doing martial arts. How long does it usually take for the pain to go away?? and when the doctor says to rest what does it mean, not to move and stay in bed or not to put pressure and load on the knee?? thank you

Dear Dr..I am 55yrs old woman having knee pain, MRI showing Horizontal tear of posterior horn of medial meniscus. Is it can be get healed. Am getting pain, doing knee strengthening exercises and empirical machine. Please suggest is this going to get better or do I need surgery.. Tx

I am 21 and recently had a tear. After rehabilitation or surgery if needed, will I ever be able to lift (squats/deadlifts) in the near future again?

Thank u 👍👍👍👍

Can meniscus tears heal on their own and get to the point where it won’t hurt anymore?

I’ve watched dozens of vids- similar situation where No traumatic event, just stated to hurt worse and worse over a few months from avid surfing. I can jog and do may things w/no pain. Only certain movements and going UP stairs hurts my knee (outer rear of left knee). Thank you, I think I’ll continue to lightly jog until my appointment in a week with sports Med rehab facility. (Or should I go straight to orthopedic? I’m paying cash 💵 😑 no insurance) thank you so much for the valuable info Doc❤

i wrestled for almost a year with my meniscus torn in half horizontally pretty bad. it sucks in some positions but i went to 2 national tournaments and competed with guys that are the best in the nation. i’m a pretty determined guy so i would do whatever it took, but i’m sure anyone can run a little bit if it’s torn but don’t overdo it. it’ll suck when it starts to hurt again

Thank you, Doctor!!! This is really what I was hoping to hear.

Do NOT have meniscus repair if you can help it. I did 18 years ago at age 30. I was a runner, I was told "Go ahead, keep running" Ha. I am a knee replacement candidate now. Can only do low impact everything :(

33, have had pain consistently for over one year. In physical therapy now, ortho did not think mri was necessary based on X-ray results... Not seeing much difference and a trip down stairs while carrying even a light package has me swollen back to square one for days. Suffering from depression since exercise was my hobby. Where do I go from here? Push ortho further? I don’t want surgery but I make progress and then the littlest thing brings me back to where I started and these occurrences are devastating each time. :(

I wish I could do full on sprints with my MCL tear. 🤔

Nice to see your video. I am 62 years old. I used to do lot of activities like walking,jogging, running, swimming, golfing etc. Now suffering from Grade 2 signal change in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and ACL injury with small ganglion cyst over the PCL(according to MRI Report). If I walk for 30 munites and more or if I play 9 hole golf I feel pain on the inner side of the right knee joint. I'm going to be frustrated. Could you please give me some advice? Engr Abdul Majid, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

4 weeks into a tear, cycling at the moment,still have days where the knee hurts but taking it steady with no running. one of the best video's i've seen so far about this problem

Thank you! 🥰

Excuse me sir would you say the same for getting back into squatting and deadlifting in the gym? I tore my meniscus 6 months ago and I’m very hesitant to start lifting legs again even though I miss them.

Hi. I've a grade 3 ACL tear in both my knees. I need advice on exercises and surgery. Thanks

Excellent advice. But please stand closer to the camera so I can see you properly.

Can I play football again with a grade 2 acl and meniscus injury that I've suffered on 21st December 2023? How many months does it need?

Hi Dr, What about having miniscus posterior horn tear and a moderately swelling knee, but with no pain. I had a surgery 6 months ago but unfortunately the latest MRI showed the same situation before surgery. What would you recommend.

Greeting to u all, my meniscus teared while carrying a baby i was feeling moderate pain then went to doctor i got the medication needed my situation got better in 5 says after taking the medication i thought i got healthy so went back to my daily basis but the first day i came home with a pain worse than previous one. after 20 days m getting better but the doctor recommended a surgery which m hesitant to get into although i cant walk fully not coz of locking but coz of minor pain i get when straightening my leg while walking.

Thank you doc. I have tear in medial meniscus and I know who to blame in my case, playing squash. This video helped me decide to go rehab instead of surgery. Thanks