After suffering a couple tears to the meniscus in my right knee (diagnosed after months of pain that wasn't responding too well to physical therapy) my Dr referred me to a specialist who referred me to a surgeon. The surgeon basically gave me the information and advice Dr Peng gave in this video. Referring to the same studies, he recommended no surgery, prescribed a custom brace, and told me to work out a pain management plan and non-surgical treatments with my GP, and that I work on building strength in the structure surrounding my knee - focused on the quads. Following that advice, I have a good 80% of my mobility back (& improving every day), and next to no pain. I have a plan for non-surgical interventions (cortisone or HA) if required and a schedule for follow up appointments to monitor my progress and ensure I am getting interventions when I need them. I am thankful everyday for a surgeon who believed that my original knee (with some help) would serve me better than a premature surgical intervention!
PRP therapy requires extensive expertise and time. The doctor has to utilize a concise method in order to ensure result which requires him to spend a lot of one on one time with the patient. With any procedure requiring constant physician time and skill, the price is likely to be higher.
Happy New Year, Dr Peng. I’m a 49yo registered nurse in the Bay Area recently diagnosed with bilateral moderate OA and bilateral complete medial meniscus tears. You’re video helps me a lot to decide the path for my treatment. I have opted to do non-surgical route since arthroscopic procedure can worsen my OA. I’m learning more and more and pray I won’t have to be in this pain for long.
4:13 BINGO .. that's brilliant. I did PT 2 wks and cont those exercises daily at home. Meniscus pain and immobility 100% resolved. It is 9 years later and still all good. Listen to Dr Peng!
I had to torn meniscus 20 years ago and TKA 1 1/2 years ago, both on right knee. Despite doing the exercises mentioned in video, even buying a stationary bike, I tore my meniscus in left knee. I had an arthroscopy and chrondroplasty surgery in my left knee yesterday. I'm thankful I did! Surgeon discovered the tear was larger then he expected. ALWAYS see a orthopedic Dr and develop a plan based on your needs. Don't let a video decide.
Could they repair your meniscus or removed it.. removing is risky . Mine is 17 yrs old tear.. managing it only minor catching happens . Mostly now ok. It had started with complete knee lock back then but i never went fr surgery
Great video Dr. Im 62 and have stage 3 OA in my left knee with a medial meniscus tear. I have been using your videos to adjust my treatment plan with my orthopedist and so far it’s working well. I’m doing PRP and HA as well as physical therapy and treatment for weight loss. Thank you for everything.
How r u now? I am also having medial meniscus complex tear n walking is painful?what do u feel about prp? Did it help n how long did it take for meniscus to heal?
Dr. Peng. Thanks a million for the information and i just wanna let you know that this is the 2nd opinion I kinda was hoping for since I found out 2 weeks ago what the problem was in my right knee.. Trust me this video needs to be shared cause i feel that going under the knife as a first option that's been given around needs to be stopped and I know u feel me on that. U R a blessing doctor and coming across this video for me is the answer to my prayer. THANK YOU.
I was given the arthroscopic option as well and had the op but now have more pain than before. I did not have excruciating pain just discomfort but that was not analized
PT made my pain and swelling worse. My surgery, which was arthroscopic, was so easy and I was up the next day without any restrictions. So glad I had the surgery.
I can’t thank you enough for this information. I was diagnosed with exactly that, osteoarthritis and a meniscus tear. I have been a dancer all my life! I have been so in the dark regarding any further help other that just surgery which was offered to me a week after this diagnosis!! It was all happening too fast and my gut said no. I’m just so happy to hear there are alternatives and I will look into some physical therapy now and start some home exercises.
Can I ask how you are getting on ? I tore my medial meniscus about 3 months ago, complex degenerative tear with very early osteoarthritis as well. I am 39, very active and going to try PRP before even considering surgery. Just wondering if you tried it?
@@thomasgargrave-e6m hey sorry for late reply. I never went down the route of surgery. I feel the physio and exercises help a lot! It doesn’t of course take it away but it certainly helps. I just know some days that I can’t over do! I’m still a little lost with it some days but trying to learn bit by bit. Hope you’re doing okay. It isn’t easy
@@mariecashin2499 Keep pushing forward, and never stop. Continuously strengthen your muscles, and eventually, you’ll reach a point where you don’t feel the strain anymore. For me, it took 2 years. I went through many depressive phases because I was physically limited and felt like I wasn’t making any progress. But no matter how long it takes, don’t give up. Keep stretching, doing strength exercises, and introduce as much variety as you can-like cycling, walking, and other activities. It takes time, but it will be worth it. Once you’ve achieved your goals, don’t let up. If your muscles weaken, you’ll find yourself back at the starting line. As you said, it isn't easy.
Wow…I wish this video had been available two years ago…my story is exactly as the one you related, except that I had little or no arthritis in my right knee for a 75 year old. It was in the beginning of the pandemic and my family physician said that surgery was necessary so I went ahead in a rush because the hospitals were being over run with COVID! Anyway, the upshot of my story is that my life as a physically fit, able to walk normally, human being was over. Depression set in and months of just wishing to end the whole pain thing, but, finally, I found a naturopath that did PRP. We first tried months of prolotherapy with not much effect and then PRP which seems to be working. I’m not quite there yet, but I do see a light at the end of the tunnel…just hoping that it’s not a train 😂
Even in midlife I managed to maintain the fitness I enjoyed as a college athlete. I took up power walking in my 50s and tore my right meniscus in half - tripped over an uneven sidewalk plate. I'd never heard of PRP so agreed to have the loose half removed, and the pain only got worse with time. Even with an unloader brace, my other knee took the load and became arthritic. The pain is indescribable, and I have become quite sedentary in old age. I HATE that! PRP injections are being lined up for me now, and I do hope they work for me. I can't wait to be active again.
Depending on type of degenerative tear the trimming of the meniscus worked for me. I had went through a lot of PT, no improvement , them tried a prp shot , which worked for almost a year then pain came back. Took another prp shot but it was ineffective and didn’t work. Then did the trim of the flapping area of the meniscus that was protruding outside and this procedure removed the pain. Been almost two years and still going well. Avoid any jumping , heavy squats, use stationary bike, walking. PRP is not always effective , less than 50% chance and those shots are not covered by insurance and cost over $600 or More for one shot. It may not be cost effective compared to the trimming of the meniscus which is covered by insurance. Eventually you’ll neeed a partial knee or full knee replacement. I had the surgery at age 67. Be aware of docs who push the prp shots. My doc explained all the pluses and minuses , pro does not heal a torn meniscus it serves as an anti inflammatory. As a qualified orthopedic surgeon that also does biologics.
Dr Peng thank you for all the information you give us. I had an unnecessary arthroscopy and now have more pain which is travelling into my thigh.I have since learnt so much from your channel. ❤
Wow! I wish I knew this info before my arthroscopic 2 Wednesday's ago. I can't Bend or straighten my knee it seems swelling but Is not there no pain when I stand on my left leg but my leg is weak. If I bend my knee it is very painful. I can stand straight with both legs but knee still bends out and there pain in my thigh,ankle, shin. Docter did say I had mild orthritus in my knee and that he cleaned it up a bit. My Dr is also stumped because he said he's done this surgery for 25 years and never seen a post recovery so horrible. There is no fluid in my knee and before the surgery I could at least walk on treadmill and swim a little with some pain. Now I'm almost immobile with 1 crutch trying to walk and get my knee back. I am 39 and very active this is quite disheartening. Please help with any advice!
I held off medial tear surgery till I couldn’t walk downhill. It was the last option. Two years later and no complaints. However the surgeon said I might need a partial knee replacement down the road in that knee.
Dr. Peng , I do not see you speak about acute meniscus injuries. Unfortunately, watching your videos makes me fear that I have been taken advantage of by my doctors and have made the wrong decision. I have a partial medial meniscus removal on both knees. I exercise and PT my body so I can stay active and live the lifestyle I want. But I feel my knees getting worse with time. You seem to be very knowledgeable about these things, your advice would be incredibly appreciated
I'm 70 years old. No medical issues other than a 20 mg statin. Lucky. (adopted) I lift heavy weights (Up to 50 lb. dumbbells) 2-3 days a week for 50-60 minutes. I speed walk at a pace of 4 MG for 3 miles for 3-4 days a week. Some uphill. No issues at all, other than my recent torn meniscus tear. (I used to carry a 30 lb. backpack while walking uphill,) I wear a Fitbit. I still walked today. What do you recommend?
Your data is statistical in nature. If a person had a meniscus tear, and he got PRP injection. How did the MRI change after 1 month, 3 months or 1 year? What repairs can the PRP elicit?
One thing important to mention is: Osteoarthritis can be (and frequently is) a result of "muscle imbalance". Meaning: sone muscles are too developped, while others are not enough. This leads to a wrong movement, where the string muscles can pull too much, so the bones in the knee (also applies to ither joints), can have a wrong trajectory and grind against eachother. In this case, if you dont fix tye ubderlying cause, no matter what you do, you will cobtinue to cayse damage. My example: i have a degenerative menisvus tear, plus damage on the inner side of the patella. Among all other thinds i did to umprove the meniscus (no surgery), i went to see a physio therapist, to analize my walking abd muscles. He saud that out of the 4 quad muscles, 1 is underdevelopped. Also nt glutes are not strong enough - thats why the femur keeps grinding against it. The solution is to do personalized exercises - some ate surected towards creating glutes and one of the quad muscles, others are aiming to stretech/relax tte quad and the hamsteing. So both activationg abd stretching is important (a musle that is nit stretched, will pull on the knee). So do yoyrself a favor and find an expert on this, to show you the right ecercuses for you. (My health systems phisio therapy did not do rhis for me).
This could be my case also. I am 65. While I am convinced I do suffer of osteo arthritis. I submitted that pain at the back right side of my knee that feels like being pulled from a tight press is released as it sounds a click is part of the osteoarthritis ordeal. My doc does not speak of probobility ofminiscus teat tho. Am in the Phils, seeing you is not workable even in the near future. Thankyou for this learning Doc. You are a blessing to many
*Moderate sprine of posterior cruciate ligament noted with low-grade partial interstitial tear near femoral attachment *Moderate sprine of anterior cruciate ligament noted *Grade II signal changes in posterior horn and body of medial meniscus *Grade I signal changes in posterior horn of lateral meniscus *Mild sprine of medial and lateral collateral ligaments *Minimal patello-femoral knee joint effusion Sir, this is my MRI report. This PRP injection cure my problem? 😢😢
Thank you for this information, I consulted two different doctors and the first wanted to operate and the second didn’t. So glad I watched this video because I decided with no surgery. He also recommended a Cingal injection?
I’m a 73 year old male that was walking 10,000 or more steps every day until a month ago when my right knee started giving me a lot of pain. I made an appointment with an orthopedic doctor and he said to use a walker for 8 weeks, put ice on it and a typical ointment and continue to use Tylenol (I use the 650 mg kind). I just saw him three days ago. This doctor replaced my left knee two years ago because that was bone on bone pain. He showed me the x-ray pictures of bone knees. He showed me what my left knee looked like before the surgery that I had two years ago. He said there’s a gap on my right knee so I don’t need to have it replaced. That’s good. I was wondering if because I don’t eat meat if my right knee gave way because of lack of protein. I do eat yogurt and meatless foods that have lots of protein. Would hyaluronic acid shot help? This thing even throbs in bed. By the way what is prp? Thanks!
My doc said my acute radial tear should be trimmed out because it's not repairable and I'm in a lot of pain. And he also said that part of the meniscus that's torn isn't doing it's job anyways so might as well trim it. But this video says it's better to leave torn meniscus in. I don't know what to believe 😖 (btw the tear is not in the red/red white zone.) he said the part that's gonna be trimmed won't even be in a major load bearing area so it won't be bad but Idk.
Love the content, Dr. Peng. How about a video about BPC-157 + PRP injections? I've played volleyball for the majority of my life, collegiately and professionally and now I'm a strength & conditioning coach. I have a degenerative meniscus tear on the left knee and am looking at best practice and protocols for surgery free recovery. And also always looking to learn as I train volleyball athletes for living. Thanks!
You may study the animals which are injured by miniscus tare. How they are recovering from it. After the equipmets for key hole surgery were invented, the Sergent are recommending minescus sergery. But how did they treat the patient before that?
I have a medial compartment posterior root avulsion. I love your videos and the information you give out. I am 65 years old very active and very dedicated workout person. I have decided not to do the surgery for meniscus root avulsion. Can do almost everything not much pain. But still have stiffness. I have listened to all your PRP videos. My question to you is would I get any benefit with PRP for root avulsion? Thanks Ted
🟢❗Hello Jeffrey, I am 27 years old and recently underwent an MRI on my leg due to persistent pain and occasional swelling in my knee, which locks up without any apparent cause. The MRI results indicate that I have a complex tear of the medial meniscus in my left leg. I have been researching extensively and want to understand the best solution for my long-term knee health. Could you please advise me on the best course of action in this situation? I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you very much.
Is there need for surgery for a small radial tear in the white zone. No pain etc, will this inevitable get worse over time now that the tear has begun?
I need to find a MD in my area (Minnesota) who has the same approach to knee surgery or the lack there of as Dr. Peng? I've been to two over the past 4 years and each one suggests surgery right off the bat. I have a small meniscus tear almost no arthritis.
What is the solution for acute tears? I am a young athlete and my acute tear was the result of twisting my knee when throwing javelin. I’ve still been training pretty regularly for 6 months but it gets inflamed after intense workouts
Dr thank you for the information. I have a meniscus tear in one knee and degeneration in the other knee. For the meniscus tear, what repair surgery is suggested? My doctor suggested me to do 3 times prp and I did 2 of it. However, I want to know should I also look for the repair surgery? Some doctors suggested me to cut the tear part. Some doctors suggested as I am young prp is a good candidate. I am very worried about future that I can walk as before. Is prp help me or I have also do repair surgery? Thanks
What if you've had the lateral meniscus trim/repair like 2 years ago and you're in worse shape than ever ? What a mess. Now have clicking coming from cartilage any time i move my knee. Never had that before surgery .
My mom 60 years old has radial tear in the posterior root attachment of the medial meniscus with mild adjacent stress response and mild associated medial meniscal extrusion. Some doctor said about surgery and some other there is no treatment. We are far away from you but i want an opinion. Thank you so much! Greetings from Cyprus
Dr Peng where do you practice? Suppose I wanted a second opinion. How would this be possible? I had a meniscus tear, a possible meniscus root tear. I was offered arthroscopic meniscus surgery but not offered PRP injections despite my request for it. I do not know what to do next.
I'm from Europe, do I don't know your system, but generally I'd say while arthroscopy and partial meniscectomy are part of the system usually, and routinely prescribed - PRP and other regenerative treatments are not. So you'll have to look for other doctors and facilities that offer this. Keep believing your mind, your intuition and gathering information. All these doctors at different facilities will tell you totally different things but keep looking. I have degenerative tear for cca 16 months, and in this time I've done phisiotherapy and saw 5 different doctors. Their opinions on partial meniscectomy were split down the middle. I wasn't sure, but I canceled 2 surgeries. Only now am I pretty sure (and happy) I didn't do it. I think I will do PRP and hyperbaric oxygen chamber. It may be late because the time from issues onset also plays a role.
My case is the same as that man's. (Same age and I literally wasn't moving for 4 year, then started working out, with 20 pounds of surplus weight). Except that I had phisiotherapy. That didn't really stop my pain. It reduced but became more random (pain also without doing anything in particular). I year on, I was taking supplements for 6 months, then one day the pain stopped. It was exactly after I went skiing for 3h, and had 3 sauna visits in 2 weeks, sone was IR sauna. My meniscus isnt healed. It's still degenerated. But something changed. I don't know which one thing or combination it was, but I think movement is a plus, and all the other stuff I mentioned.
@@simonround2439 collagen, glucosamine & Chandroitin & MSM, Boswelia with Tumeric, silicone with Choline, different B vitamins, D3, K2, magnesium, omega 3. (From B vitamins on it's general, not for knees). But I have to say I think these supplements are probably working temporarily. I also started taking them for pain in my finger joints, due to hormonal changes. I think the most important things is exercise, building the correct muscles (including Glutes!), maybe the sauna, and time. I didn't do workouts that hurt the knees, mostly. And the pain went up and down. You need to be patient. But that's just my experience. If you have a different kind of tear that may not work.
@@simonround2439 I've been taking supplements before (D3, K2, Mg, Collagen, Omega-3, B12 etc etc), but last Sept I specifically added anything joint related, possibly in high doses (Glucosamine+Chamdroitin+ MSM - food for joints , Boswelia + Curcumin - anti inflammatory, MSM separately, Silica --> will replace with Diatomaceous Earth now, Boron --> haven't started that). Add vitamin C to Collagen. I was taking the Boswelia + Curcumin not just for the knee, but also because I have hormonally related finger joint pain. And I can see that it works while you're taking it, because if I quit for one week, the ginger joint pain starts to reappear. Boswelia has been used from biblical times on Collagen definitely works for hair, nails, skin etc....for sure also for bones etc. Glucosamine is shown in studies that it has a positive effect. What kind of effect remains to be seen. Not everything you will directly "feel" an effect.
Hello doctor Myself umar from Coimbatore, Tamilnadu , I have a meniscus bucket handle tear in 2021 September and underwent a Meniscal repair in the same month , but yesterday I had a locking of Knee while getting up from ground and today went for an MRI and found out that the meniscus tore again - bucket handle tear . Sending you both the reports now , let me know what should be done now . Thanks
What about acute trauma root tears that are not degenerative? I’m 43 and tore it completely at the posterior root (radial) while playing soccer. One doctor wants to do the root repair surgery. Another says it’s okay to wait and see. Is there significant value vs risk with the surgery? I read mixed reviews.
Is a radial meniscus tear in a 63 year old man considered a degenerative tear ? The tear is in the white zone about 50% of the way through my meniscus and the surgeon who is removing a calcified loose object from my knee says he will not do the surgery unless I allow him to cut the meniscus away at a 45 degree angle from the tear .He says otherwise there is a chance that the tear will go all the way through...(of course there's also a chance that it will heal and become smaller )
Do you know if BPC-157 to treat the symptoms of meniscus tear and/or arthritis is effective? I don't want surgery. I can get a hyaluronic acid injection but PRP may be to costly since I don't think my insurance will cover it.
I was in physical therapy for many weeks . No change .. Over a year later and surgeon is cutting on me tomorrow . Arthroscopic . No arthritis right now .
What if the patient was an avid gym goer and runner. No super muscles but obviously has been working strengthening the muscles and that didn't stop injury from happening. Injection offered was cortisone and rejected. Inflammation goes but as soon as I go back to an easy, normal routine, to just work and house chores, it comes back.
I been doing 3 shot PRP but still gt pain at knees improvement and healing slow .My clinic doc ask to do 4 shot prp is it still necessary?If no improvement.
Can your PRP strategy work and help? I have a medial side complex meniscus tear of the body that extends into the root ligament? I had a partial knee replacement to lateral side of left knee 5/1/2019 and now just injured the medial side of knee. Hoping for possible solutions to avoid a total knee replacement now. Thank you for review and if possible are you seeing new patients? Robert
Your videos are outstanding, if you add hyluronic acid and do not only intra-articular guided injection but intradiscal injection then a better outcome
I really want to avoid surgery for my my degenerative lateral meniscus tear ( I'm 52), but the prp I had 3 weeks ago isn't showing signs of improvement yet. ( I still can't flex my leg without pain).Do you recommend more than one PRP? I fear if the first doesn't work, I'll be wasting my money on a 2nd, but would prefer PRP to surgery.
Thank you for your reply. This is good to know and gives me some context. I will be more patient! Out of interest, do you think two injections increase likelihood of success? After nearly a year off the tennis court, I'll do anything to get back to it. I'm doing physio to rebuild quads in injured leg too.
First of all thank you very much for advice. I am Indian 67 years old, have osteoarthritis of left knee. I don't have pain in knee but have inner lateral restrictions, like folding left leg more than 45 degrees and squatting movements and heaviness in both the thighees, also less speed while walking. I am taking glucosamine daily and doing exercise regularly. Do you suggest any thing more to reduce heaviness in both the legs.
Can I avoid surgery if I can’t straighten my knee all the way? It doesn’t lock up like how some people describe it. It just feels stuck and stiff. I can’t bend both knees all the way either, even my good knee now. I don’t know what happened to it. Might I have locked knee? I didn’t want surgery I’m only 19 :(
@@_BolHariBol_ hey, I’m 20 now too. I tore my meniscus last summer. I went to an orthopedic and they told me that they didn’t think I needed surgery and to just do physical therapy. I still can’t bend both knees all the way or extend my right one all the way but they have definitely improved since. I’m not as consistent with my therapy so that might be why… I used to have a therapist but now I have to work on it in my own. What happened to you?
@@BellahBoo idk how worse it got, I had this injury I guess it's in 2020 , found it in 2021 and had mri. Said I/II grade meniscus tear in mri report. I didn't have any medications nor mri again since then. It pains too much whatever I do more. Maybe I should do some exercise. I have been neglecting it too much.
WRONG! I had this series done, the first 2 series were wonderful after the initial soreness wore off!! However, no benefit after 3rd shot, finished the series with no benefit after first 2!!
OMG! a torn frayed meniscus is still better than removing that portion? No shot - a torn frayed meniscus is PAINFUL! some good info here, but mostly misleading info IMHO and experience.
After suffering a couple tears to the meniscus in my right knee (diagnosed after months of pain that wasn't responding too well to physical therapy) my Dr referred me to a specialist who referred me to a surgeon. The surgeon basically gave me the information and advice Dr Peng gave in this video. Referring to the same studies, he recommended no surgery, prescribed a custom brace, and told me to work out a pain management plan and non-surgical treatments with my GP, and that I work on building strength in the structure surrounding my knee - focused on the quads. Following that advice, I have a good 80% of my mobility back (& improving every day), and next to no pain. I have a plan for non-surgical interventions (cortisone or HA) if required and a schedule for follow up appointments to monitor my progress and ensure I am getting interventions when I need them. I am thankful everyday for a surgeon who believed that my original knee (with some help) would serve me better than a premature surgical intervention!
Thank God you helping people ❤❤❤❤
Hallo sir I am suffering very pain in my knee please help me
PRP therapy requires extensive expertise and time. The doctor has to utilize a concise method in order to ensure result which requires him to spend a lot of one on one time with the patient. With any procedure requiring constant physician time and skill, the price is likely to be higher.
@@lenny108 thanx but prp injection really heal torn meniscus
Happy New Year, Dr Peng. I’m a 49yo registered nurse in the Bay Area recently diagnosed with bilateral moderate OA and bilateral complete medial meniscus tears. You’re video helps me a lot to decide the path for my treatment. I have opted to do non-surgical route since arthroscopic procedure can worsen my OA. I’m learning more and more and pray I won’t have to be in this pain for long.
AMEN 🙏
4:13 BINGO .. that's brilliant. I did PT 2 wks and cont those exercises daily at home. Meniscus pain and immobility 100% resolved. It is 9 years later and still all good. Listen to Dr Peng!
Nice! Thanks for sharing
How old are you?
I had to torn meniscus 20 years ago and TKA 1 1/2 years ago, both on right knee. Despite doing the exercises mentioned in video, even buying a stationary bike, I tore my meniscus in left knee. I had an arthroscopy and chrondroplasty surgery in my left knee yesterday. I'm thankful I did! Surgeon discovered the tear was larger then he expected. ALWAYS see a orthopedic Dr and develop a plan based on your needs. Don't let a video decide.
Could they repair your meniscus or removed it.. removing is risky . Mine is 17 yrs old tear.. managing it only minor catching happens . Mostly now ok. It had started with complete knee lock back then but i never went fr surgery
Great video Dr. Im 62 and have stage 3 OA in my left knee with a medial meniscus tear. I have been using your videos to adjust my treatment plan with my orthopedist and so far it’s working well. I’m doing PRP and HA as well as physical therapy and treatment for weight loss. Thank you for everything.
Amazing! Glad it was helpful
How r u now? I am also having medial meniscus complex tear n walking is painful?what do u feel about prp? Did it help n how long did it take for meniscus to heal?
Dr. Peng. Thanks a million for the information and i just wanna let you know that this is the 2nd opinion I kinda was hoping for since I found out 2 weeks ago what the problem was in my right knee.. Trust me this video needs to be shared cause i feel that going under the knife as a first option that's been given around needs to be stopped and I know u feel me on that. U R a blessing doctor and coming across this video for me is the answer to my prayer. THANK YOU.
You're welcome! Glad it was helpful
I was given the arthroscopic option as well and had the op but now have more pain than before. I did not have excruciating pain just discomfort but that was not analized
PT made my pain and swelling worse. My surgery, which was arthroscopic, was so easy and I was up the next day without any restrictions. So glad I had the surgery.
Good to know. My tear sounds acute, I tore my meniscus playing tennis. My PA is pushing arthroscopic surgery.
Glad you're better. This clip is a bunch of nonsense. Torn meniscus will NEVER heal, no matter amount of PT. surgery is the only option
I can’t thank you enough for this information. I was diagnosed with exactly that, osteoarthritis and a meniscus tear. I have been a dancer all my life! I have been so in the dark regarding any further help other that just surgery which was offered to me a week after this diagnosis!! It was all happening too fast and my gut said no.
I’m just so happy to hear there are alternatives and I will look into some physical therapy now and start some home exercises.
Can I ask how you are getting on ? I tore my medial meniscus about 3 months ago, complex degenerative tear with very early osteoarthritis as well. I am 39, very active and going to try PRP before even considering surgery. Just wondering if you tried it?
@@thomasgargrave-e6mI have been diagnosed with exactly the same. What treatment r u taking?
How are you now
@@thomasgargrave-e6m hey sorry for late reply. I never went down the route of surgery. I feel the physio and exercises help a lot! It doesn’t of course take it away but it certainly helps. I just know some days that I can’t over do! I’m still a little lost with it some days but trying to learn bit by bit. Hope you’re doing okay. It isn’t easy
@@mariecashin2499 Keep pushing forward, and never stop. Continuously strengthen your muscles, and eventually, you’ll reach a point where you don’t feel the strain anymore. For me, it took 2 years. I went through many depressive phases because I was physically limited and felt like I wasn’t making any progress. But no matter how long it takes, don’t give up. Keep stretching, doing strength exercises, and introduce as much variety as you can-like cycling, walking, and other activities. It takes time, but it will be worth it.
Once you’ve achieved your goals, don’t let up. If your muscles weaken, you’ll find yourself back at the starting line. As you said, it isn't easy.
Wow…I wish this video had been available two years ago…my story is exactly as the one you related, except that I had little or no arthritis in my right knee for a 75 year old. It was in the beginning of the pandemic and my family physician said that surgery was necessary so I went ahead in a rush because the hospitals were being over run with COVID! Anyway, the upshot of my story is that my life as a physically fit, able to walk normally, human being was over. Depression set in and months of just wishing to end the whole pain thing, but, finally, I found a naturopath that did PRP. We first tried months of prolotherapy with not much effect and then PRP which seems to be working. I’m not quite there yet, but I do see a light at the end of the tunnel…just hoping that it’s not a train 😂
How r u now? Has the prp helped?
Even in midlife I managed to maintain the fitness I enjoyed as a college athlete. I took up power walking in my 50s and tore my right meniscus in half - tripped over an uneven sidewalk plate. I'd never heard of PRP so agreed to have the loose half removed, and the pain only got worse with time. Even with an unloader brace, my other knee took the load and became arthritic. The pain is indescribable, and I have become quite sedentary in old age. I HATE that! PRP injections are being lined up for me now, and I do hope they work for me. I can't wait to be active again.
Good luck!
Check your arches with a podiatrist because it sounds as though you have runners knee too.
Depending on type of degenerative tear the trimming of the meniscus worked for me. I had went through a lot of PT, no improvement , them tried a prp shot , which worked for almost a year then pain came back. Took another prp shot but it was ineffective and didn’t work. Then did the trim of the flapping area of the meniscus that was protruding outside and this procedure removed the pain. Been almost two years and still going well. Avoid any jumping , heavy squats, use stationary bike, walking. PRP is not always effective , less than 50% chance and those shots are not covered by insurance and cost over $600 or More for one shot. It may not be cost effective compared to the trimming of the meniscus which is covered by insurance. Eventually you’ll neeed a partial knee or full knee replacement. I had the surgery at age 67. Be aware of docs who push the prp shots. My doc explained all the pluses and minuses , pro does not heal a torn meniscus it serves as an anti inflammatory. As a qualified orthopedic surgeon that also does biologics.
Thanks for your comment. Very helpful.
Excellent doc. Thank you for telling the truth rather than looking to chase $$$ thru unnecessary surgeries🤙
Thanks for commenting!
@@JeffreyPengMDwhat about regenexx?
Dr Peng thank you for all the information you give us. I had an unnecessary arthroscopy and now have more pain which is travelling into my thigh.I have since learnt so much from your channel. ❤
Wow! I wish I knew this info before my arthroscopic 2 Wednesday's ago. I can't Bend or straighten my knee it seems swelling but Is not there no pain when I stand on my left leg but my leg is weak. If I bend my knee it is very painful. I can stand straight with both legs but knee still bends out and there pain in my thigh,ankle, shin. Docter did say I had mild orthritus in my knee and that he cleaned it up a bit. My Dr is also stumped because he said he's done this surgery for 25 years and never seen a post recovery so horrible. There is no fluid in my knee and before the surgery I could at least walk on treadmill and swim a little with some pain. Now I'm almost immobile with 1 crutch trying to walk and get my knee back. I am 39 and very active this is quite disheartening. Please help with any advice!
Best of luck!
I held off medial tear surgery till I couldn’t walk downhill. It was the last option. Two years later and no complaints. However the surgeon said I might need a partial knee replacement down the road in that knee.
Dr. Peng , I do not see you speak about acute meniscus injuries. Unfortunately, watching your videos makes me fear that I have been taken advantage of by my doctors and have made the wrong decision. I have a partial medial meniscus removal on both knees. I exercise and PT my body so I can stay active and live the lifestyle I want. But I feel my knees getting worse with time. You seem to be very knowledgeable about these things, your advice would be incredibly appreciated
Sincere video .. maintain the sincerity.. and honesty.. became a subscriber today just for that. Thank you
I'm 70 years old. No medical issues other than a 20 mg statin. Lucky. (adopted) I lift heavy weights (Up to 50 lb. dumbbells) 2-3 days a week for 50-60 minutes. I speed walk at a pace of 4 MG for 3 miles for 3-4 days a week. Some uphill. No issues at all, other than my recent torn meniscus tear. (I used to carry a 30 lb. backpack while walking uphill,) I wear a Fitbit. I still walked today. What do you recommend?
Thank you for your expertise doctor
Your data is statistical in nature. If a person had a meniscus tear, and he got PRP injection. How did the MRI change after 1 month, 3 months or 1 year? What repairs can the PRP elicit?
One thing important to mention is:
Osteoarthritis can be (and frequently is) a result of "muscle imbalance". Meaning: sone muscles are too developped, while others are not enough. This leads to a wrong movement, where the string muscles can pull too much, so the bones in the knee (also applies to ither joints), can have a wrong trajectory and grind against eachother.
In this case, if you dont fix tye ubderlying cause, no matter what you do, you will cobtinue to cayse damage.
My example: i have a degenerative menisvus tear, plus damage on the inner side of the patella. Among all other thinds i did to umprove the meniscus (no surgery), i went to see a physio therapist, to analize my walking abd muscles. He saud that out of the 4 quad muscles, 1 is underdevelopped. Also nt glutes are not strong enough - thats why the femur keeps grinding against it. The solution is to do personalized exercises - some ate surected towards creating glutes and one of the quad muscles, others are aiming to stretech/relax tte quad and the hamsteing.
So both activationg abd stretching is important (a musle that is nit stretched, will pull on the knee).
So do yoyrself a favor and find an expert on this, to show you the right ecercuses for you.
(My health systems phisio therapy did not do rhis for me).
This could be my case also. I am 65. While I am convinced I do suffer of osteo arthritis. I submitted that pain at the back right side of my knee that feels like being pulled from a tight press is released as it sounds a click is part of the osteoarthritis ordeal. My doc does not speak of probobility ofminiscus teat tho. Am in the Phils, seeing you is not workable even in the near future. Thankyou for this learning Doc. You are a blessing to many
Thanks for commenting!
Love it. Thank you, doctor.
Is Radial tear, treated with PRP?
*Moderate sprine of posterior cruciate ligament noted with low-grade partial interstitial tear near femoral attachment
*Moderate sprine of anterior cruciate ligament noted
*Grade II signal changes in posterior horn and body of medial meniscus
*Grade I signal changes in posterior horn of lateral meniscus
*Mild sprine of medial and lateral collateral ligaments
*Minimal patello-femoral knee joint effusion
Sir, this is my MRI report. This PRP injection cure my problem? 😢😢
Very good information, thank you
What are your thoughts on meniscus replacement, either a cadaver graft or a man-made prosthesis?
Thank you for sharing the latest state of affairs and adding your own experience to it :)
Thanks
I think you so much for the information Doc.
Thank you for this information, I consulted two different doctors and the first wanted to operate and the second didn’t. So glad I watched this video because I decided with no surgery. He also recommended a Cingal injection?
I have meniscus tears + lose bodies in knee; even if my meniscus tear heals should I still get a surgery for knee loose body removal?
I’m a 73 year old male that was walking 10,000 or more steps every day until a month ago when my right knee started giving me a lot of pain. I made an appointment with an orthopedic doctor and he said to use a walker for 8 weeks, put ice on it and a typical ointment and continue to use Tylenol (I use the 650 mg kind). I just saw him three days ago. This doctor replaced my left knee two years ago because that was bone on bone pain. He showed me the x-ray pictures of bone knees. He showed me what my left knee looked like before the surgery that I had two years ago. He said there’s a gap on my right knee so I don’t need to have it replaced. That’s good. I was wondering if because I don’t eat meat if my right knee gave way because of lack of protein. I do eat yogurt and meatless foods that have lots of protein. Would hyaluronic acid shot help? This thing even throbs in bed. By the way what is prp? Thanks!
My doc said my acute radial tear should be trimmed out because it's not repairable and I'm in a lot of pain. And he also said that part of the meniscus that's torn isn't doing it's job anyways so might as well trim it. But this video says it's better to leave torn meniscus in. I don't know what to believe 😖 (btw the tear is not in the red/red white zone.) he said the part that's gonna be trimmed won't even be in a major load bearing area so it won't be bad but Idk.
Thank you doctor. ❤ Greetings from the other side of the globe.🙂🙂🙂
When should someone get PRP injections? Like how long post-injury?
Love the content, Dr. Peng. How about a video about BPC-157 + PRP injections? I've played volleyball for the majority of my life, collegiately and professionally and now I'm a strength & conditioning coach. I have a degenerative meniscus tear on the left knee and am looking at best practice and protocols for surgery free recovery. And also always looking to learn as I train volleyball athletes for living. Thanks!
There are 0 randomized controlled trials involving BPC 157. Until those are trials are done, I would say highly experimental with unknown results.
❤ 😢 where is info to help AFTER the meniscectomy. Where Please 🙏🏽I need help so I can avoid total knee replacement ❓❓❓❓❓ Thank you Doctor ❤
You may study the animals which are injured by miniscus tare. How they are recovering from it.
After the equipmets for key hole surgery were invented, the Sergent are recommending minescus sergery. But how did they treat the patient before that?
I have a medial compartment posterior root avulsion. I love your videos and the information you give out. I am 65 years old very active and very dedicated workout person. I have decided not to do the surgery for meniscus root avulsion. Can do almost everything not much pain. But still have stiffness. I have listened to all your PRP videos. My question to you is would I get any benefit with PRP for root avulsion? Thanks Ted
PRP can potentially help reduce symptoms in any degenerative knee
I wish I had seen your post before I had the surgery.
🟢❗Hello Jeffrey, I am 27 years old and recently underwent an MRI on my leg due to persistent pain and occasional swelling in my knee, which locks up without any apparent cause. The MRI results indicate that I have a complex tear of the medial meniscus in my left leg. I have been researching extensively and want to understand the best solution for my long-term knee health. Could you please advise me on the best course of action in this situation? I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you very much.
Hello Dr, where are you located? How to contact you? I would like to get second opinion from you in my knee issue.
If you have a locked knee you have to do something ??
What about stem cells as another alternative?
Hello I have fluid on my knee what can I do to get some relief? Thank you.
Is there need for surgery for a small radial tear in the white zone. No pain etc, will this inevitable get worse over time now that the tear has begun?
What about bucket handle meniscus tear
does the tear heal you don't say
Very good information.
Would you recommend injections before trying physical therapy?
What about the meniscus root tear
I have been diagnosed with a acute meniscus tear would you still recommend surgery or should i first try non surgical healing method ?
I need to find a MD in my area (Minnesota) who has the same approach to knee surgery or the lack there of as Dr. Peng? I've been to two over the past 4 years and each one suggests surgery right off the bat. I have a small meniscus tear almost no arthritis.
What is the solution for acute tears? I am a young athlete and my acute tear was the result of twisting my knee when throwing javelin. I’ve still been training pretty regularly for 6 months but it gets inflamed after intense workouts
Dr thank you for the information. I have a meniscus tear in one knee and degeneration in the other knee. For the meniscus tear, what repair surgery is suggested? My doctor suggested me to do 3 times prp and I did 2 of it. However, I want to know should I also look for the repair surgery? Some doctors suggested me to cut the tear part. Some doctors suggested as I am young prp is a good candidate. I am very worried about future that I can walk as before. Is prp help me or I have also do repair surgery? Thanks
What if you've had the lateral meniscus trim/repair like 2 years ago and you're in worse shape than ever ? What a mess. Now have clicking coming from cartilage any time i move my knee. Never had that before surgery .
My mom 60 years old has radial tear in the posterior root attachment of the medial meniscus with mild adjacent stress response and mild associated medial meniscal extrusion. Some doctor said about surgery and some other there is no treatment. We are far away from you but i want an opinion. Thank you so much! Greetings from Cyprus
There's PRP in Europe as well. And there are stem cells (more expensive though). But just keep googling, look it up, perhaps even in Cyprus.
Dr Peng where do you practice? Suppose I wanted a second opinion. How would this be possible? I had a meniscus tear, a possible meniscus root tear. I was offered arthroscopic meniscus surgery but not offered PRP injections despite my request for it. I do not know what to do next.
I'm from Europe, do I don't know your system, but generally I'd say while arthroscopy and partial meniscectomy are part of the system usually, and routinely prescribed - PRP and other regenerative treatments are not. So you'll have to look for other doctors and facilities that offer this.
Keep believing your mind, your intuition and gathering information. All these doctors at different facilities will tell you totally different things but keep looking.
I have degenerative tear for cca 16 months, and in this time I've done phisiotherapy and saw 5 different doctors. Their opinions on partial meniscectomy were split down the middle. I wasn't sure, but I canceled 2 surgeries. Only now am I pretty sure (and happy) I didn't do it.
I think I will do PRP and hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
It may be late because the time from issues onset also plays a role.
My case is the same as that man's. (Same age and I literally wasn't moving for 4 year, then started working out, with 20 pounds of surplus weight).
Except that I had phisiotherapy. That didn't really stop my pain. It reduced but became more random (pain also without doing anything in particular).
I year on, I was taking supplements for 6 months, then one day the pain stopped. It was exactly after I went skiing for 3h, and had 3 sauna visits in 2 weeks, sone was IR sauna.
My meniscus isnt healed. It's still degenerated. But something changed.
I don't know which one thing or combination it was, but I think movement is a plus, and all the other stuff I mentioned.
What supplements did you take?
@@simonround2439 collagen, glucosamine & Chandroitin & MSM, Boswelia with Tumeric, silicone with Choline, different B vitamins, D3, K2, magnesium, omega 3. (From B vitamins on it's general, not for knees).
But I have to say I think these supplements are probably working temporarily. I also started taking them for pain in my finger joints, due to hormonal changes.
I think the most important things is exercise, building the correct muscles (including Glutes!), maybe the sauna, and time. I didn't do workouts that hurt the knees, mostly. And the pain went up and down. You need to be patient.
But that's just my experience. If you have a different kind of tear that may not work.
@@simonround2439 I've been taking supplements before (D3, K2, Mg, Collagen, Omega-3, B12 etc etc), but last Sept I specifically added anything joint related, possibly in high doses (Glucosamine+Chamdroitin+
MSM - food for joints , Boswelia + Curcumin - anti inflammatory, MSM separately, Silica --> will replace with Diatomaceous Earth now, Boron --> haven't started that). Add vitamin C to Collagen.
I was taking the Boswelia + Curcumin not just for the knee, but also because I have hormonally related finger joint pain. And I can see that it works while you're taking it, because if I quit for one week, the ginger joint pain starts to reappear. Boswelia has been used from biblical times on
Collagen definitely works for hair, nails, skin etc....for sure also for bones etc.
Glucosamine is shown in studies that it has a positive effect. What kind of effect remains to be seen.
Not everything you will directly "feel" an effect.
Hello doctor
Myself umar from Coimbatore, Tamilnadu , I have a meniscus bucket handle tear in 2021 September and underwent a Meniscal repair in the same month , but yesterday I had a locking of Knee while getting up from ground and today went for an MRI and found out that the meniscus tore again - bucket handle tear . Sending you both the reports now , let me know what should be done now . Thanks
Thank you very informative
What about baker cyst behind knee and pain put me to urgent care
Insurances should not approve surgery before exhausting all alternative healing methods 🤷🏻♂️
What about acute trauma root tears that are not degenerative? I’m 43 and tore it completely at the posterior root (radial) while playing soccer. One doctor wants to do the root repair surgery. Another says it’s okay to wait and see. Is there significant value vs risk with the surgery? I read mixed reviews.
What do you think about steroids as an anti inflammatory? Would they work or make it worse?
As with everything in medicine, it depends. You may find this helpful: th-cam.com/video/qO6-xvWl4o4/w-d-xo.html
Is a radial meniscus tear in a 63 year old man considered a degenerative tear ? The tear is in the white zone about 50% of the way through my meniscus and the surgeon who is removing a calcified loose object from my knee says he will not do the surgery unless I allow him to cut the meniscus away at a 45 degree angle from the tear .He says otherwise there is a chance that the tear will go all the way through...(of course there's also a chance that it will heal and become smaller )
Dr. Peng, would you recommend my 16 year old daughter get the surgery for a complex tear of posterior horn of medial meniscus?? Thanks
Best to discuss with your docs
Gym bikes are okay for meniscus tear?
Do you know if BPC-157 to treat the symptoms of meniscus tear and/or arthritis is effective? I don't want surgery. I can get a hyaluronic acid injection but PRP may be to costly since I don't think my insurance will cover it.
Can you suggest some info on Shoulder Rotator Cuff meniscus tears. Thank you.
I'm assuming you mean the labrum? www.jeffreypengmd.com/_files/ugd/3b3e5d_f083141fb284479d9b1a14bb84fc2294.pdf
I’m from Canada can I make a virtual appointment with you ?
Sorry, I can only do virtual appointments for people in California.
I was in physical therapy for many weeks . No change .. Over a year later and surgeon is cutting on me tomorrow . Arthroscopic . No arthritis right now .
Even i got a tear 25days back my doctor suggested me rest and ice is it really necesary for surgury
What if the patient was an avid gym goer and runner. No super muscles but obviously has been working strengthening the muscles and that didn't stop injury from happening. Injection offered was cortisone and rejected. Inflammation goes but as soon as I go back to an easy, normal routine, to just work and house chores, it comes back.
I had it done and it’s made mine even worse for me so I wouldn’t recommend this to anybody 😡
Really? Doctors told me to have operation. I am hesitant.
I been doing 3 shot PRP but still gt pain at knees improvement and healing slow .My clinic doc ask to do 4 shot prp is it still necessary?If no improvement.
Can your PRP strategy work and help? I have a medial side complex meniscus tear of the body that extends into the root ligament? I had a partial knee replacement to lateral side of left knee 5/1/2019 and now just injured the medial side of knee. Hoping for possible solutions to avoid a total knee replacement now. Thank you for review and if possible are you seeing new patients? Robert
PRP can 100% help a degenerative knee. Yes, our clinic takes new patients, but only in California
@JeffreyPengMD perfect! I'm in San Diego! I will call Tuesday!
@soldatintelectual6544 try prolozone and brace,and collegen supplements, use cane for bit right after shot and dont use or bend couple days after,
Why do you look so different than in your video "Why You Don't Need Surgery For Your Meniscus Tear"?
Your videos are outstanding, if you add hyluronic acid and do not only intra-articular guided injection but intradiscal injection then a better outcome
Great information
I'm passing on surgery
New stem cell medical procedure a possible solution
I really want to avoid surgery for my my degenerative lateral meniscus tear ( I'm 52), but the prp I had 3 weeks ago isn't showing signs of improvement yet. ( I still can't flex my leg without pain).Do you recommend more than one PRP? I fear if the first doesn't work, I'll be wasting my money on a 2nd, but would prefer PRP to surgery.
3 weeks is still very early for PRP! Best to discuss with your health care providers
Thank you for your reply. This is good to know and gives me some context. I will be more patient! Out of interest, do you think two injections increase likelihood of success? After nearly a year off the tennis court, I'll do anything to get back to it. I'm doing physio to rebuild quads in injured leg too.
How was it after 3 months just with PRP.. Please share
First of all thank you very much for advice. I am Indian 67 years old, have osteoarthritis of left knee. I don't have pain in knee but have inner lateral restrictions, like folding left leg more than 45 degrees and squatting movements and heaviness in both the thighees, also less speed while walking. I am taking glucosamine daily and doing exercise regularly. Do you suggest any thing more to reduce heaviness in both the legs.
You may find this helpful: th-cam.com/video/z3veeAgR8AQ/w-d-xo.html
Thank s
Welcome!
Can I avoid surgery if I can’t straighten my knee all the way? It doesn’t lock up like how some people describe it. It just feels stuck and stiff. I can’t bend both knees all the way either, even my good knee now. I don’t know what happened to it. Might I have locked knee? I didn’t want surgery I’m only 19 :(
I'm 20 too, what happened to you? Any treatment m? Pls reply
@@_BolHariBol_ hey, I’m 20 now too. I tore my meniscus last summer. I went to an orthopedic and they told me that they didn’t think I needed surgery and to just do physical therapy. I still can’t bend both knees all the way or extend my right one all the way but they have definitely improved since. I’m not as consistent with my therapy so that might be why… I used to have a therapist but now I have to work on it in my own. What happened to you?
@@BellahBoo i did nothing Neither Pt nor surgery nor injections. But it pains when I walk too much. Idk my future lol.
@@_BolHariBol_ how bad is your injury? Do you know what happened to your knees? I believe that knee exercises will help you reduce your pain
@@BellahBoo idk how worse it got, I had this injury I guess it's in 2020 , found it in 2021 and had mri. Said I/II grade meniscus tear in mri report.
I didn't have any medications nor mri again since then. It pains too much whatever I do more.
Maybe I should do some exercise. I have been neglecting it too much.
WRONG! I had this series done, the first 2 series were wonderful after the initial soreness wore off!! However, no benefit after 3rd shot, finished the series with no benefit after first 2!!
What about root tears for degenerative meniscus for 60+ patients
I recommend ALL my patients with degenerative tears to try an extensive trial of exercise and injection therapy
Wat about meniscus replacement ?
OMG! a torn frayed meniscus is still better than removing that portion? No shot - a torn frayed meniscus is PAINFUL! some good info here, but mostly misleading info IMHO and experience.
BIG NO
How to contact doctor. Telephone number
Not true it dose not help
Go straight to the point. What's the solution? Gee! What a long video.