In the "just because we have neuropathy doesn't mean we can't have a lot of other stuff happen to us" department:

I seem to have developed a meniscal tear in my left knee.

I'd been having some swelling, popping, occasional locking of it over the last month or so, so I decided I did need to get it checked out (I do very much rely on my legs, like to do a lot of walking, etc.). Plain x-rays were normal, but an MRI did show a small, but rather definite meniscal fragment poking up in the synovial joint space.

Fortunately, it still seems to be "attached"--no cartilage piece has broken off--so we're going to go conservative for a while--rest, ice, elevation, compression, physical therapy, and the like, and watch it over the months. I do know these injuries are common and often take a very long time to heal, especially as we get older and the cartilage deteriorates, and the area does not have a great blood supply in even the best of circumstances to promote healing--the reason so many of these result in surgery (but I'd like to avoid that if I could).

Unlike Melody and her dancing exhibition, I don't have any definite injury incident I can point to that may have caused this, although I understand that this can result from wear over time--and I've certainly done enough over 54 years (running, basketball, and the like) that I shouldn't be too surprised. I'm just annoyed because with all the other stuff that's gone on with me, I have never had a knee/leg injury before beyond the occasional bruise.

My biggest worry beyond lack of healing leading to surgery would be that having to cut down on the amount of walking I do will result in weight gain, and I will have to modify my diet accordingly. (Sigh. I did like those gluten-free oatmeal cookies.)

I'm not sure my experience will be what you want to hear. I have suffered several meniscal tears (many years back)...always with the hope of repair through rest, ice, elevation. It never happened and surgery was required.

As a matter of fact, I know several people that have followed the same protocol for their tears...all ending up with surgery.

There are several factors that have to be considered...age being at the top of the list. These types of injuries are not as likely to heal on their own in older people. Activity (lack of), overweight, and even poor diet also play a role, but I don't think any of these are issues for you...and the opposite will therefore benefit your possible healing. But the age factor alone could play a significant role, as you know. The older the body, the more it lacks in healing properties, joint fluid, and regeneration of connective tissue.

But I will say the surgery is easy, outpatient, and your up on your feet in quick order, so lose very little exercise time. You may actually lose more time through this process of resting, elevation, and PT...especially if it still ends up in having to do the surgery. But I certainly understand wanting to try to have this repair on it's own. And I wish you much luck on this process and hope you keep us posted.

Tendons are very painful. I am sorry to hear, Glenn, that you have joined my ranks.

I had alot of tendon problems this summer.

Check your diet for silica containing foods. The tendons use silica to maintain strength.

I take kelp now for my iodine, and it also contains silica.

http://www.vitalhealthzone.com/nutri...of-silica.html

We try to eat alot of green beans in this house too. Steamed and fresh they are great. Neither one of us consumes beer.

My daughter and granddaughter both have had surgery to repair meniscus tears. My granddaughter tore hers playing volley ball, and both had a surgeon specializing in sports injuries do the repairs. My granddaughter is back on the volleyball court and both recovered very well after a lot of PT--about 6 weeks worth.

I, on the other hand, tore my meniscus, had a repair which didn't work, and eventually had a knee replacement. I think they've learned a lot since I had my work done, however, and maybe it depends on the doctor, too.

Hi Glenntaj,

So sorry to hear your news. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

--I'm in reasonably good shape, with a decent diet (despite the infrequent cheats), though I am 54, with a considerable history of pounding to my legs. . .

I'm going to be hopeful and see how a few months of conservative treatment works. I can walk, albeit uncomfortably, so we'll see how that goes, too.

I am seeing a very well known sports doctor (he's one of the orthopedic surgeons for the new York Jets) and I like the fact that when he and I and one of his students were discussing possible physical therapists, and one local one was suggested, he immediately piped up with "Not him--he sucks". I appreciate a doctor who'll give a candid negative opinion on another health professional. (Very rare indeed.)

I'm sorry to hear you have a tear. As far as walking while waiting for healing, be careful. I've seen many patients who put too much pressures on their good knee by compensating.

I'm glad to hear you have a good orthopedic doctor makes all the difference. Good luck with everything!