Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice or similar experiences because I’m getting completely different opinions from doctors and don’t know what to think.
Timeline:
Feb 25: missed a step on a stair and got a mild sprain in my big toe (left foot) that lasted 3-4 weeks. I spent that time limping and overcompensating with my right leg. I’m sure my muscles weakened but I was able to be active right after this, and even do some light work at the gym with no issues. (Not sure if this is relevant)
March 30: I was at the park chasing my nephew and lost my balance while wearing thicker/higher-soled New Balances and my left foot twisted outward (toes pointing away from my body). I didnt feel a pop or have any have immediate sharp knee pain. The pain was only in my foot which caused me to limp a bit. Over the next 2 days, I started noticing left knee pain that gradually got worse.
Symptoms:
My knee pain has now been going on for about 1 month. I also have intermittent sharp pain while going down the stairs. This has improved within the past two weeks. I’ve also been experiencing burning in my left quad, probably from the muscle overcompensating. I have no locking/ catching/ giving away feeling at all and I never had any visible swelling. I also have pain in my knee where I have a long day of walking.
MRI (done 4/20): the findings by the radiologist stated “possible free edge minimal lateral meniscus tear”. Everything else intact (acl, etc)
Sports Medicine Doctor read the MRI and said “No evidence of ligamentous or meniscal injury. Articular cartilage intact.” He Diagnosed me with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and recommended PT. Says I will recover fully within 6-8 weeks.
Orthopedic Surgeon read the MRI and said that I definitely have a lateral meniscus tear. He says that tears like mine “don’t heal on their own” and is recommending arthroscopic surgery (scheduled July 14).
Current status: It’s now April 27 and I’m not clearly improving. My pain has remained the same despite
R.I.C.E and doing basic home exercises for a few days (clamshells, side lying hip abductions, bridges, etc). I’m starting formal PT on May 4th. My surgery is scheduled but still 2.5 months away.
My questions:
- Has anyone had a situation where one doctor saw a tear and another said there wasn’t one?
- Does this sound more like PFPS or a meniscus injury based on my symptoms?
- if PT improves my symptoms by 90%, (which the sports medicine doc assured me will happen), will the tear always bother me in the future and I’ll end up needing surgery either way??
- Has anyone had similar symptoms with a meniscus tear (especially the delayed pain after a twist without a pop)?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. Thank you in advance 🙏
TL;DR:
Twisted my foot while lightly running (no pop, no immediate pain), and knee pain developed 2 days later and has lasted ~1 month. MRI interpreted two completely different ways: sports med says there is no tear and says I have PFPS. Orthopedic surgeon says it’s a meniscus tear and recommends surgery. No classic symptoms of a meniscus tear. I’m starting PT next week regardless, since the scheduled surgery is 2.5 months away.