torn meniscus

[stewilko]

Hi, im about to have keyhole surgery on my knee to remove /repair damage on my meniscus.
Im not sure if it was caused by playing golf or running but either way it has prevented me from participating in both.
Ive been running for 7 years and had no problems untill i completed the nyc marathon in 2006. At first it felt like my hip/pelvis had rotated, it felt weak, numb and ache. I went to see a chiropractor and he fixed the problem and give me exercises to strengthen the area.
Then i noticed the pain on the outside of my knee. It feels like it has twisted and generally feels very weak and un-stable. MRI scan revealed a tear in my meniscus.
I love to play golf but when i do i notice it aggravates not just my knee but also my back and hips. I feel the knee twisting on the follow through on my swing and know its not right.
I dont know weather to stop playing golf an see how the running goes after the operation or just persevere with it. Im worried that ill do long term damage and if i had to choose between running or golf it would be running.
At 27 i feel cheated!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Steve

[Heidi]

I think that after your operation you need to make sure you get a thorough rehabilitation programme from an experienced and reputable Physio (or PT if in the US). This wioll help get the knee back on track as soon as possible but should also address any problems with the pelvis/hip area.
You're right that at 27 you shouldnt have to compromise and choose one over the other! But as there has been no traumatic injury to the hip, it is probably just a muscle imbalance problem which can be corrected through exercise rehab.