Walking after arthroscopic knee surgery

[Glenshiro]

On my last day on the Camino, and after I had obtained my Compostela, I crouched down in my hotel room to pick something up and experienced a sharp pain in my right knee. Fast forward four months and I am awaiting knee arthroscopy for "an extensive tear of my medial meniscus extending from the body right up into the posterior horn and root." Whatever that means. I am told that "interestingly the articular cartilage looked well preserved throughout the rest of the joint."

I am booked in for the procedure on 9 November and I am, of course, extremely grateful that whoever arranges these things waited until I had finished the Camino before allowing my meniscus to tear. At the moment I cannot walk more than about half a mile without it becoming too painful to carry on and at one stage I was contemplating the awful horror that I might not be doing any long distance walking ever again.

So I'm looking for uplifting tales from others (I should mention that I am a male, age 70) who have undergone similar surgery and been able to continue walking reasonable distances. I had already given up on the prospect of walking the Cape Wrath Trail in northern Scotland, but there's still an awful lot of walking in Europe I would like to do, given the chance.

All reassuring stories of complete recovery will be very welcome!

 

[DanielH]

I had total knee replacement surgery in November 2022 and just completed the Camino Portuguese from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain in September 2023. I did all of the physical therapy exercises prescribed and began walking two months after surgery, slowly increasing the distances. Don't be discouraged. I'm 64. If you're active now, you probably will be just fine after surgery.

 

[Glenshiro]

Thanks, that's really reassuring!

Any tales of post-meniscus surgery?

 

[Former member 94614]

i had arthoscopic meniscus surgery about a year before a 500 mile journey on the french way. pretty much the same issue as yours. a couple months before leaving i still had some pain so got gel injections and had no problem with the knee on the camino . i hope that helps!

 

[Glenshiro]

Thanks, yes, it does help. Can I ask how long after the surgery you still experienced pain? Was it constant, or just after exercise?

 

[lovelyshell]

I’ve had two meniscus surgeries but several years before the Camino. To ensure my knees were in the best shape I got stem cell knee injections. Worth the money. I also wore neoprene knee sleeves euu hi icy was very helpful going downhill.

 

[Glenshiro]

I’ve had two meniscus surgeries but several years before the Camino. To ensure my knees were in the best shape I got stem cell knee injections. Worth the money. I also wore neoprene knee sleeves euu hi icy was very helpful going downhill.

Thanks - I'll look into stem cell injections. Didn't know about that therapy. What a source of information this forum is!

 

[bergmannfamily]

I have had multiple meniscal surgeries owing to have been born quite bow-legged. Remove the offending cartilage flaps and life got better each time. Six years ago the same condition led to nasty arthritis and so I had bilateral knee replacements. 10 weeks after that surgery I was back in the Canadian Rockies hiking. 50 km in four days. Two years ago we walked SJPdP to Finisterre. No problem from the knees point of view. You will walk again, and not in pain.

 

[Lurch]

OK kid…(I am approaching 79)…had three arthroscopic surgeries way back when and recovery time is minimal, compared to knee replacements, of which I have had 6. Two were doctor error, two were manufacturer defect and subject to recall and two were doctor error. Point is that I managed to walk 150 miles of the Camino twice and plan to walk the remaining 200 miles next April, and the last knee replacement was last February. You can do it! FWIW, on Monday I am scheduled for angioplasty for heart problems, and I don’t plan on giving up. If a bag full of replacement parts like me can do it, you can. Encouraging enough?

 

[Alister M]

I had arthroscopic surgery on 4 February and was hiking the VDLP in late March. My condition wasn’t as bad as yours sounds, an infection rather than a tear, but I still worried about the recovery process. I walked as much as I could and was glad that although I was still restricted at the start of my Camino my knee became progressively more flexible and was fine by the end

 

[walking sticKs]

Two months after the third scope and the last of the meniscus in my right knee I walked from SJPD to Santiago. Since then I have completed the Portuguese from Porto and the Primitivo. My left knee is more of a problem since it is simply worn out, but I am still going. I also carried a neoprene knee support and would use it on steep downs. Stay as fit as possible and all will be good!
At 71, I am planning the Vdlp for April of next year as my retirement Camino.

 

[Brenda54]

On my last day on the Camino, and after I had obtained my Compostela, I crouched down in my hotel room to pick something up and experienced a sharp pain in my right knee. Fast forward four months and I am awaiting knee arthroscopy for "an extensive tear of my medial meniscus extending from the body right up into the posterior horn and root." Whatever that means. I am told that "interestingly the articular cartilage looked well preserved throughout the rest of the joint."

I am booked in for the procedure on 9 November and I am, of course, extremely grateful that whoever arranges these things waited until I had finished the Camino before allowing my meniscus to tear. At the moment I cannot walk more than about half a mile without it becoming too painful to carry on and at one stage I was contemplating the awful horror that I might not be doing any long distance walking ever again.

So I'm looking for uplifting tales from others (I should mention that I am a male, age 70) who have undergone similar surgery and been able to continue walking reasonable distances. I had already given up on the prospect of walking the Cape Wrath Trail in northern Scotland, but there's still an awful lot of walking in Europe I would like to do, given the chance.

All reassuring stories of complete recovery will be very welcome!

When I walked the Camino a few years ago I met a retired school principle from Canada. He had had two knee replacements, the last one was done a few months before. He said he would rather “wear it out then rust it out”! I will never forget that. He walked the entire French Route and finished. Listen to your body and take it slow. Good luck!

 

[Glenshiro]

@bergmannfamily , @Brenda54 , @walking sticKs , @Alister M, @Lurch - many thanks for your very encouraging inputs. They are much appreciated. I'll start planning my next Camino!
Incidentally, "rather wear out than rust out" has long been my motto.

 

[Lurch]

And if you need more inspiration, this morning’s paper headlined a 92 year old Spaniard walking the Grand Canyon from north to south, 24 miles in 21 hours! That is the definition of tough.

 

[CaminoAddict]

On my last day on the Camino, and after I had obtained my Compostela, I crouched down in my hotel room to pick something up and experienced a sharp pain in my right knee. Fast forward four months and I am awaiting knee arthroscopy for "an extensive tear of my medial meniscus extending from the body right up into the posterior horn and root." Whatever that means. I am told that "interestingly the articular cartilage looked well preserved throughout the rest of the joint."

I am booked in for the procedure on 9 November and I am, of course, extremely grateful that whoever arranges these things waited until I had finished the Camino before allowing my meniscus to tear. At the moment I cannot walk more than about half a mile without it becoming too painful to carry on and at one stage I was contemplating the awful horror that I might not be doing any long distance walking ever again.

So I'm looking for uplifting tales from others (I should mention that I am a male, age 70) who have undergone similar surgery and been able to continue walking reasonable distances. I had already given up on the prospect of walking the Cape Wrath Trail in northern Scotland, but there's still an awful lot of walking in Europe I would like to do, given the chance.

All reassuring stories of complete recovery will be very welcome!

Hi Glenshiro.
I hope this uplifts you and restores your confidence: In Spring, I had three doctors opinions for my knee:
1. I must have a full knee replacement
2. I must have monthly cortisone injections as there was nothing they could do for me
3. I must have remedial work on my knee and miniscus - the cortisone injections every month would not be good and that a complete new knee would do more damage than good.

The Number 3 specialist doctor did the op, removed 60% of my miniscus, cleaned the back of my knee cap and arthritic joint and repaired a ligament - all with two key-hole incissions, one on each side (I can hardly see the scars). Then I had three months of intense physio - including water therapy and building-up my walking stamina and strength, and was on the camino a week after the therapy finished (September 2023). I couldn't believe how good it felt, it was like a new knee and it even improved/stopped pain I had had in my left knee for some years (it must have been compensating for the bad right knee). BUT - you have to maintain a good exercise routine when off-camino (muscles, stamina and condition quickly deteriorate if you don't). I have a physio routine I use in my local gym two-three times a week, and will be on Camino next year
Get a few opinions from specialists. Find a specialist who is interested in helping you maintain your lifestyle (Camino), not just your knee.
I hope that helps in some way. Another tip - I have expensive knee support sleeves but now use KT Tape properly applied - my physio taught me how to do this. The KT tape is magic. All the best to you.
Ultreia et Suseia
PS. I'm 67, not that that matters (?)

 

[Glenshiro]

Thanks, @CaminoAddict - that's really encouraging. My surgeon did tell me that the good news is there is no arthritis in the knee joint and that the articular cartilage is in good condition, so I'm hoping for a full recovery, although I understand it will take quite a bit of work.

I haven't heard of KT tape but I have now googled it and will take some time to understand it. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Betsybro]

I had part of my right knee meniscus removed 10 years ago. Similar to you, it was pretty painful before. The pain went away immediately. The surgeon told my husband I'd need a knee replacement next time. But I lost some weight, did PT, walked, did strength training, and changed my diet to be less inflammatory. (less sugar, wheat, red meat, and dairy.) Fast forward to now: I did the Camino Portuguese last spring, having mild tendonitis now, but am doing well. I think the key for me was the weight loss and strength training, along with stretching. I've also found that zero drop shoes like Altras make a huge difference! I really feel it in my knee more when I walk in shoes that have a higher drop from the heel to forefoot. Plus using hiking poles helps take the strain off your knees! Personally, I'd avoid any steroid injection because it can make the joint deteriorate faster. My bet is that you'll be able to keep walking.

 

[Bogong]

On my last day on the Camino, and after I had obtained my Compostela, I crouched down in my hotel room to pick something up and experienced a sharp pain in my right knee. Fast forward four months and I am awaiting knee arthroscopy for "an extensive tear of my medial meniscus extending from the body right up into the posterior horn and root." Whatever that means. I am told that "interestingly the articular cartilage looked well preserved throughout the rest of the joint."

I am booked in for the procedure on 9 November and I am, of course, extremely grateful that whoever arranges these things waited until I had finished the Camino before allowing my meniscus to tear. At the moment I cannot walk more than about half a mile without it becoming too painful to carry on and at one stage I was contemplating the awful horror that I might not be doing any long distance walking ever again.

So I'm looking for uplifting tales from others (I should mention that I am a male, age 70) who have undergone similar surgery and been able to continue walking reasonable distances. I had already given up on the prospect of walking the Cape Wrath Trail in northern Scotland, but there's still an awful lot of walking in Europe I would like to do, given the chance.

All reassuring stories of complete recovery will be very welcome!

Here’s some encouragement. Both my knees, well I was in some much pain I could scarcely walk, mainly hobble. As a result of too many falls XC skiing and trying to telemark in dubious snow conditions carrying a 30kg pack more than likely. My first operation was in 2011 left knee and my right knee in 2013. Meniscal testing etc same as yours. Actually I had no pain much before the second and was then running regularly. Before the op I suggested to the surgeon that I may be there under false pretenses and he said I wasn’t. Only after the op I realised that I had been in pain and had become inured to it. Two days later I walked 8k. After my final check-up I asked the surgeon if I could walk the Camino and he said go for it. So in February 2014 I headed off from St Jean p d Port into rain, snow, hail, sleet and wind most of the way to Santiago de Compostela. It was a pilgrimage. I was 69, weighed around 70kg, and was carrying a 16kg pack whittled down to 12 from Ponferrada on. It took me 26 days.

De colores

Bogong

 

[Glenshiro]

@Betsybro and @Bogong Thanks very much, both of you, really helpful.

 

[Former member 94614]

Thanks, yes, it does help. Can I ask how long after the surgery you still experienced pain? Was it constant, or just after exercise?

my story is a little bit different than the usual because I was injured by the physical therapist who was supposed to help me -that prolonged my healing. i'm on my second round of gel injections and they are fantastic. The first set of gel injections lasted about a year, including the camino. your surgeon will be the best source of information! buen camino!

 

[HeidiL]

I had arthoscopic meniscus surgery 18 years ago. I walked many, many painless kilometres for 11 years after that, then I walked with varying degrees of pain for another few thousand kilometres - until this summer, when I just had to stop.

Two weeks ago, I had a total knee replacement, and expect to walk our normal Easter camino. Right now, my knee hurts quite a lot and is stiffer than I would like it to be, but I see progress.

 

[Jim]

My spouse had total knee replacement in the year 2000 and was able to do fine with me and others on Camino Portuguese in 2011 (granted, it's fairly flat compared to other routes). We went slowly, no more than about 12 or 13 miles per day (20 to 22 kilometers), took ample breaks for lunch, snacks, hydration and photo shoots. We all did fine, including a gentleman with us who was going to have surgery to correct a hernia AFTER his return home.
An addendum for other readers: I know a doc who once mentioned to me that meniscal tears can occur in the absence of much strenuous activity, i.e., there doesn't have to be an injury. With some folks, fraying of the tendon occurs as part of their "wear and tear" (fairly painless) and at some point, the last strands simply break causing the pain. Treatment usually involves braces (from simple ones to very expensive unloader braces) and physical therapy. And could also involve surgery-- all pending the case presentation and the judgement of the orthopedist.
So I would say to you: go for it, but use common sense approach and not push it. I am assuming that you are in good shape overall and should do just fine! Don't embark on anything before getting specific recommendations from your ortho doc and therapist. The best to you! Buen Camino!

 

[Tomativo]

On my last day on the Camino, and after I had obtained my Compostela, I crouched down in my hotel room to pick something up and experienced a sharp pain in my right knee. Fast forward four months and I am awaiting knee arthroscopy for "an extensive tear of my medial meniscus extending from the body right up into the posterior horn and root." Whatever that means. I am told that "interestingly the articular cartilage looked well preserved throughout the rest of the joint."

I am booked in for the procedure on 9 November and I am, of course, extremely grateful that whoever arranges these things waited until I had finished the Camino before allowing my meniscus to tear. At the moment I cannot walk more than about half a mile without it becoming too painful to carry on and at one stage I was contemplating the awful horror that I might not be doing any long distance walking ever again.

So I'm looking for uplifting tales from others (I should mention that I am a male, age 70) who have undergone similar surgery and been able to continue walking reasonable distances. I had already given up on the prospect of walking the Cape Wrath Trail in northern Scotland, but there's still an awful lot of walking in Europe I would like to do, given the chance.

All reassuring stories of complete recovery will be very

Sorry to hear about your maniscus tear. I have had arthroscopy on both knees with some cartilage damage over the years. That was my biggest fear in doing the Camino - that my knees could not handle it. But, I finished the entire Camino Frances over a week ago with little to no knee pain at all. I’d recommend doing all the physical therapy available after the procedure. I learned to walk with a more balanced distribution of weight on my feet. This helped immensely. Buen Camino, the road is yours.

 

[Glenshiro]

Sorry to hear about your maniscus tear. I have had arthroscopy on both knees with some cartilage damage over the years. That was my biggest fear in doing the Camino - that my knees could not handle it. But, I finished the entire Camino Frances over a week ago with little to no knee pain at all. I’d recommend doing all the physical therapy available after the procedure. I learned to walk with a more balanced distribution of weight on my feet. This helped immensely. Buen Camino, the road is yours.

Thanks - that's the most useful reply I've had, and just what I was hoping for. Really inspiring.

 

[Betsybro]

Thanks - that's the most useful reply I've had, and just what I was hoping for. Really inspiring.

Agree that things are hopeful. Exercise with walking should aid in healing and injury prevention. I'm amazed how well I've done the past 10 years!

 

[Robo]

Encouraging to hear how people have recovered.

I tore a meniscus on Camino in 2018.
My doctor advised no surgery saying it is very hard to repair?

I had it scanned again this year before doing the VdlP and it had worsened a bit.
Part of the meniscus protrudes apparently?

A few times it was painful, but a knee stretch seemed to get things realigned again.
Hoping to avoid surgery, but encouraging to know that it can be effective, once I reach that stage.

 

[Glenshiro]

My doctor advised no surgery saying it is very hard to repair?

As I understand it (and I'm open to correction) meniscus repair is only really possible in children and young adults.

My surgeon advised that one option was simply to leave things and see if they got any better, but, by that time, I had had the symptoms for over four months and there was no realistic prospect of them improving. The surgery I will be having is just to trim the torn parts of the meniscus to relieve inflammation and pain.

Glad to hear yours is under control, but, at the moment, I can't walk more than half a mile, so surgery is definitely indicated. My surgeon has assured me that I will walk out of the hospital, although I don't expect to be dancing the polka for a few month afterwards.

 

[NikoAW]

Many thanks for your experience! I am thinking about having a knee arthroscopy and wanted to see what I can expect after the operation. I'm going to Germany especially for this. I should be able to expect the best result there.

 

[Glenshiro]

I had the operation on 9 November and, as promised, walked out of the hospital the same afternoon. I don't know if I was particularly lucky in my surgeon, but I can honestly say that post-operative pain has been absolutely minimal. I had prepared myself for a certain amount of pain and discomfort and some sleepless nights, but it simply never happened. Once I had learned that the knee joint didn't like being twisted while it was healing, everything was absolutely fine and I was walking normally within a couple of days. The main problem has been simply loss of muscle tone over the four months when I was unable to take any exercise, but I am building that up with walking at least 1 mile every day.

I am hoping to get out with my usual walking group before too long: the main problem is that, where I live, the top soil is clay which, when wet, (and we've had a LOT of rain recently) has the consistency of Vaseline! I have also had to unlearn limping, which had become second nature over the four months between the injury and the operation. The fact that it was not diagnosed sooner is my fault rather than that of the medical profession. Like most men, I thought that if I ignored it, it would go away.

I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to my original query, and who reassured me that I would be walking again normally within a short space of time, which has proved to be the case. Hope yours goes okay too.