I've heard different things about the meniscus. I know you can get it surgically repaired if it is torn very badly. However, I have heard that you can go years with a partially torn meniscus and just fight through the intermittent pain. ... I just looked it up though and it seems like this latter approach may not be a very good one. Apparently the menisci are the cartilage (2 separate pieces) that supports the weight of the femur on the tibia and evenly distributes it to avoid biomechanical imbalances. So if you've got one torn menisus, then I'd seek treatment to ensure that it doesn't get out of hand and end up causing damage later on down the line. Though, I'm fairly certain that this doesn't mean surgery, but simply strengthening and rebuilding exercises. Cartilage grows in the first place so it can probably grow back assuming it's not ripped to shreds.
[url=http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/meniscusinjuries1/a/meniscus.htm]This is the link I looked at[/url].
[url=http://laxbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/knee-ligaments-and-meniscus1.... this is a pretty good picture with descriptions[/url].

Good luck to you

[quote=Warrior] I checked with my physio he said yep it sounds like a miniscus. [/quote]
Sounds like and it actually is are two different things. Get it professionally checked out before assumptions are made. That's not an injury you want to guess and take chances with.

go to a sports doc who has the imaging equipment in his office...the doc will have far more experience diagnosing than a pt (and a few more tools at his disposal)

i had a knee issue this fall where I saw a pt first and followed with a sports doc. while i trusted the pt, the doc was far more conclusive and gave me a clear course of action to get over the problem

[quote=tri-ac]go to a sports doc who has the imaging equipment in his office...the doc will have far more experience diagnosing than a pt (and a few more tools at his disposal)

i had a knee issue this fall where I saw a pt first and followed with a sports doc. while i trusted the pt, the doc was far more conclusive and gave me a clear course of action to get over the problem[/quote]

I agree that an MD has more toys for diagnosis than PT's typically do. One of the tricky points is that the PT field is changing and fast (I'm a student and have been doing lots of observations). Some PT's are worthless, others are magic workers, well close. If you want something conclusive telling you what is busted go to an MD. They can do MRI's, x-ray, bla bla bla. From there it becomes a question of philosophy. MD's like to give you pills and cut people open, which is why I am not going to Med school. PT's like to work to let the body heal itself, beautiful. As far as the knee is concerned good luck. They are tricky. Find someone that is actually helping you and is working within what you want as a treatment plan. Working with the knee, make sure you take it slow. You might become a rock star swimming, then a killer cyclist before you feel strong enough to run on it. I had about two years off when I messed up my knee. Good luck.

[quote=jnrice][quote=tri-ac]go to a sports doc who has the imaging equipment in his office...the doc will have far more experience diagnosing than a pt (and a few more tools at his disposal)

i had a knee issue this fall where I saw a pt first and followed with a sports doc. while i trusted the pt, the doc was far more conclusive and gave me a clear course of action to get over the problem[/quote]

I agree that an MD has more toys for diagnosis than PT's typically do. One of the tricky points is that the PT field is changing and fast (I'm a student and have been doing lots of observations). Some PT's are worthless, others are magic workers, well close. If you want something conclusive telling you what is busted go to an MD. They can do MRI's, x-ray, bla bla bla. From there it becomes a question of philosophy. MD's like to give you pills and cut people open, which is why I am not going to Med school. PT's like to work to let the body heal itself, beautiful. As far as the knee is concerned good luck. They are tricky. Find someone that is actually helping you and is working within what you want as a treatment plan. Working with the knee, make sure you take it slow. You might become a rock star swimming, then a killer cyclist before you feel strong enough to run on it. I had about two years off when I messed up my knee. Good luck. [/quote]

To add a little to this argument often imaging is great BUT often uncovers a lot of problems that are not causing symptoms. It can be a too sensitive a measure. If your physio (PT) didn't recommend a course of treatment to help your knee pain then go see one that specializes in Orthopedics. If you're in the United States look for someone with an OCS (orthopedic clinical specialist) it means that they're been through extra certification process in orthopedic disorders. You can ask the clinic about this when you call them.

I tore my Miniscus years ago. The Docs had to scope my knee and remove the damaged Miniscus. Since then what is left tends to tear more. I have had a total of 3 surgeries, and I am not suppossed to run. I have very little Miniscus left in my knee. This problem also cause a medical discharge from the military. Now I take joint supps, see a chiro on a regular basis, have custom orthodics, but my knee is a constant problem. I now basically have arthritic knee. But I did get into tri's after all of this crap happened. Now it is all about pain management and knowing when to go easy on my knee to let the inflamation from running go down. Good Luck!!

[quote=charlie6460]I tore my Miniscus years ago. The Docs had to scope my knee and remove the damaged Miniscus. Since then what is left tends to tear more. I have had a total of 3 surgeries, and I am not suppossed to run. I have very little Miniscus left in my knee. This problem also cause a medical discharge from the military. Now I take joint supps, see a chiro on a regular basis, have custom orthodics, but my knee is a constant problem. I now basically have arthritic knee. But I did get into tri's after all of this crap happened. Now it is all about pain management and knowing when to go easy on my knee to let the inflamation from running go down. Good Luck!![/quote]

If I can ask why a chiropractor?

[quote=Crazyquick23]

If I can ask why a chiropractor?
[/quote]

I read a book (cannot remember the name) that discussed the value of keeping your body and spin in allignment. I used to think they were a bunch of quacks, but now I am huge believer in their value. Just like anything else, you have to find a good one.

[quote=charlie6460][quote=Crazyquick23]

If I can ask why a chiropractor?
[/quote]

I read a book (cannot remember the name) that discussed the value of keeping your body and spin in allignment. I used to think they were a bunch of quacks, but now I am huge believer in their value. Just like anything else, you have to find a good one.[/quote]

You can find a chiro who does neuro link and what not which help a bit as well.

Its each to their own really.

[quote=CreamedCorn]Cartilage grows in the first place so it can probably grow back assuming it's not ripped to shreds.
[/quote]

Actually damage to fibrous cartilage (in your knee joint and also between the vertebrae of your spin) heal very poorly. Cartilage is avascular which means blood isn't directly supplied to the connective tissue. It recieves its nutrients through diffusion which causes a slow rebuilding process, especially in adults. I think growth hormone can be used but I think surgery is the most common option.

I'd make sure a doctor takes a good look at it and would most likely seek out an orthopedist. If it is serverly damaged the body will repair it by just putting a fibrous patch over it which is not what you want.