Pretty easy to test for meniscus damage, look up diagnosing it. Recovery is dependent on the type of tear it is

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Strava

I know how do diagnose it with imaging (I'm a radiologist). No clicking/locking or other obvious exam findings. Not really tender, but a bit of a nagging pain in region of medial tibiofibular joint.

I really posted just hoping to hear from anyone with personal experience dealing with a tear conservatively. If it doesn't show improvement soon, I'll pursue a further workup.

I'm having a medial and lateral R-knee meniscus tears repaired next week. I went screaming downhill on a black diamond run as fast as I could last week. Crash was worthy of the "Agony of Defeat" from the Wide World of Sports. I almost heard the voice of Jim McKay. Skis went in every direction.

Knee Specialist and I laughed like hell when I told him about it.

Tears needed to be officially diagnosed by 30min. MRI. Says he won't know until he gets inside if repair will need to be stitched or just shaved. He also said... "EZ fix, EZ rest period (2-4wks), resume life in tolerance to recovery pain."

My Rehab Specialist is Basil Hayden.

have previously had medial meniscus tears in both knees trimmed and it is a very easy operation and quick recovery (don't rush it). Couple of weeks ago I thought I tore the left meniscus again and got an MRI done. Turned out to be a grade 1 strain of the MCL and bone bruise. Treatment recommended was 10 days of anti inflammatories (Meloxicam) will be getting a Synvisc injection (first time in left knee, have done twice previously with right knee) and getting fitted for a custom brace. Point being if your insurance will cover it, get an MRI to confirm first that it is a meniscus tear. My understanding is that meniscus tears do not heal themselves, they don't have blood flow so can't regenerate.

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Mike Plumb, TriPower MultiSports
Professional Running, Cycling and Multisport Coaching, F.I.S.T. Certified
http://www.tripower.org

Thanks for advice. Yeah, I see potential value in getting MRI. I could be wrong and it's not meniscal. Or it could be a tear that requires surgery.

In either case, glad to hear a few success stories with quick recoveries!

Good luck to you!!

Been there, done that......

MRI is the definitive image obviously. I had a tear that needed surgery. I was walking on crutches on day 3, was off crutches and swimming on day 7, on the bike on day 14, running on day 30, ran Dallas marathon on month 6 and never knew I had surgery.