Meniscus tear?

[griffithsgriffin]

hey guys and gals, need some input. Early this summer I got a knee injury that started off with some pain in my left knee from going too heavy on leg press. I took some time off and and iced it, etc. Improved. However, in late June my truck got rear ended and I braced for it by stiffening my left leg as if I was trying to shove it through the floor. Long story short, it got bad. Real bad. Doc told me it was probably a minor Meniscus tear (he didn't order an MRI. Just felt it, had me bend it, asked questions). He gave me some exercises to do for it. Worked for awhile. Now for the past 45 or 60 days it has gotten gradually worse. To the point that it will start hurting at random times and often feels like it is going to "give out (though it hasn't yet)." Also, when I squat down there is a pain in my anterior knee and a popping/crinkling sound. Overall I would describe this pain as an acute pain mostly in the back of my knee (but a little in the front) that feels similar to a very bad funny bone hit.

So anyone had these symptoms? I am thinking surgery or meniscus repair might be the only solution. Just trying to get an idea because I work part time and thus do not qualify for health insurance. Want to get an idea of what I might have to deal with before I pay a butt load of money for a visit. Thanks!

-Zack

[Heidi]

Hi
Sorry to hear about your knee but its pretty difficult to give you any advice without seeing it. A cartilage tear is definitely possible. Pain, clicking and instability are all positive signs.
The only way to know for certain is an MRI. The need for surgery is dependant on where the tear is, how bad it is and how bad your symptoms are.