The meniscus is a moon-shaped pad that acts as a cushion within your knee. You have 2 problems - the tear and the chondromalacia. They may have the same cause, but they will most likely require different treatment.
You can't change chondromalacia except through lifestyle and basic anti-inflamatories like ibuprofen. A tear in the meniscus may require surgery, as a loose flap could tear more.
The meniscus is about 70% "gray" tissue and 30% "red" tissue. What this means is that only 30% of your meniscus gets regular blood flow, so most of it will only benefit from less stress on the knee (a brace that prevents twisting may help) and time. You might try a glucosamine-MSM supplement, but physical therapy won't make the meniscus regenerate any faster.
You say you have lots of pain - that's all the indication you need to make some changes. Ibuprofen is good as long as your stomach can handle it. Also, ice it down if you get any swelling (look at your legs - are your knees the same shape/size?).
Most importantly, consider surgery if your doctor says that's what you need. Without regular blood supply, the gray part of your meniscus won't heal itself. If the loose part is there, you may need to have that trimmed off so the tear doesn't get any worse.
I have a medial meniscal tear right now and I have all of those symptoms that you described you don't have, and I did it over a month and a half ago. If I were to guess I would say that you don't have a tear, but the MRI will show for sure. Hope it turns out you don't have one!!
Eat nourishing food with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables being part of it. Chew each morsel at least 32 times. This will activate signal to the brain as soon as u have had enough. Besides this change in eating style, take regular light exercises and brisk walks every day. U will be able to gain/shed all extra weight gracefully and in a reasonable time span. No food or drink in between the food and not more than three meals a day, unless u r diabetic.
Comments
The meniscus is a moon-shaped pad that acts as a cushion within your knee. You have 2 problems - the tear and the chondromalacia. They may have the same cause, but they will most likely require different treatment.
You can't change chondromalacia except through lifestyle and basic anti-inflamatories like ibuprofen. A tear in the meniscus may require surgery, as a loose flap could tear more.
The meniscus is about 70% "gray" tissue and 30% "red" tissue. What this means is that only 30% of your meniscus gets regular blood flow, so most of it will only benefit from less stress on the knee (a brace that prevents twisting may help) and time. You might try a glucosamine-MSM supplement, but physical therapy won't make the meniscus regenerate any faster.
You say you have lots of pain - that's all the indication you need to make some changes. Ibuprofen is good as long as your stomach can handle it. Also, ice it down if you get any swelling (look at your legs - are your knees the same shape/size?).
Most importantly, consider surgery if your doctor says that's what you need. Without regular blood supply, the gray part of your meniscus won't heal itself. If the loose part is there, you may need to have that trimmed off so the tear doesn't get any worse.
I have a medial meniscal tear right now and I have all of those symptoms that you described you don't have, and I did it over a month and a half ago. If I were to guess I would say that you don't have a tear, but the MRI will show for sure. Hope it turns out you don't have one!!
Chondromalacia Grade 3
Eat nourishing food with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables being part of it. Chew each morsel at least 32 times. This will activate signal to the brain as soon as u have had enough. Besides this change in eating style, take regular light exercises and brisk walks every day. U will be able to gain/shed all extra weight gracefully and in a reasonable time span. No food or drink in between the food and not more than three meals a day, unless u r diabetic.
Grade 3 Chondromalacia
Sorry to hear that.
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