About a year and a half ago, when I saw my orthopedic doctor, they said that I had “a few miles left” on my knees. However, I think I have recently run out of miles as the pain has increased tremendously.

Even after undergoing physical therapy, using knee exercise machines at the gym, and daily stretching, regrettably, I think it is time for knee replacement surgery followed by post-knee surgery recovery.

I know that I am only fifty-two years old, but I was an active athlete for my whole life up until the last couple of years, and as a result, I have a few overworked injuries, including a torn meniscus in both knees. My right knee has been the most aggravated lately.

Furthermore, there are certain movements I can no longer perform without nauseating, intense pain associated with the following actions:

• Using my right foot to brake while driving (currently driving two-footed because of the pain)
• Lifting the right leg to put up on the footstool
• Stretching the leg out straight
• Walking up the stairs (currently leading with left foot up each stair, then bringing up right foot  – it takes forever to get up the stairs!)
• Walking down the stairs (again, have to lead with left foot)
• Kneeling (can’t do this at all)
• Lunging
• Twisting
• Pivoting

According to an orthopedic specialist, meniscus symptoms tests happen when, “Certain tests are done to provoke the knee and assess which structures are affected. For example, tests such as the Thessaly test, McMurray’s test, or Apley’s test.

For the Thessaly test, the patient stands on one leg. Then, the patient squats down to 20 degrees of knee flexion while rotating the knee with the hip abducted (the leg away from the body) and then adducted (the leg towards the center of the body). The test is positive if it provokes pain.

To perform McMurray’s test, the doctor passively extends the knee while the patient is supine from a fully flexed position to 90 degrees flexion while fully rotating it. The test is positive if there is pain.

For Apley’s compression test, the patient starts in a prone position. The doctor passively flexes the knee to 90 degrees and then rotates it with axial compressive force.

Any pain reproduced during these tests indicates a problem with the meniscus. These tests have varying degrees of specificity and are usually used in conjunction with imaging,”.

*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.

Does a torn meniscus hurt all the time?

No, the pain is thankfully not constant like my shoulder pain was – that was exhausting. But when it is present, it too is exhausting because it gets to be extremely painful to the point of feeling like I could vomit.

The pain is often intermittent when I do the above-mentioned movements, which worsen with certain activities like driving, and has been accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and walking with a limp. Additionally, this is not helpful because my left knee also has a torn meniscus, and putting pressure on it to compensate for the right knee is troublesome at best.

By the end of the day, I am beyond ready to relax in my jetted tub for about twenty minutes and then turn the jets off to soak in Epsom salt for another twenty minutes. Afterwards, I slather on some sports rub, get into my jammies, and crash out until the morning.

Can pain be psychological

Coming from someone who suffers from chronic pain, both from old sports injuries and a brutal divorce, I can attest that my pain is very real.

When my pain level is at a constant eight or ten, all day, every day, yes, it most certainly affects me psychologically. To the point that I am unable to get a good night’s rest, as I toss and turn all night.

Not getting a healthy amount of sleep affects my mood, my self-perception as a professional, and the patience I have as a parent. Depression because I am so tired and anxious because I fear the pain will last FOREVER. So yes, pain affects me psychologically.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Psychogenic pain” is an outdated term for pain that doesn’t happen directly because of an injury or illness affecting your body. Instead, this form of pain originates in your brain and happens because of a combination of factors, including mental health, personal history and circumstances, other health conditions and more.

While psychogenic pain may not have a direct physical cause, this pain is still real. People who have this aren’t faking, lying or seeking attention. This pain feels the same — and involves part of the same processes — as pain from an injury or illness,”.

While I have endured chronic pain for some time now, it has been primarily on my mid back, sciatica on my lower left back, and pelvic floor, which affects my back and causes nerve pain in my legs all over.

When my orthopedic was doing discovery testing to figure out where the back pain was originating from, he found that I also have arthritis in my left hip as well as the torn meniscus in both knees. Here are some of the tests they did:

• MRI of the lower back
• MRI on both knees
• Ultrasound on both knees
• Ultrasound of the pelvic floor
• X-ray of the lower back
• X-ray on both knees
• X-ray of pelvis

And then there is a woman I know who has had multiple back surgeries, and nothing has changed. It’s important to note that she has refused to participate in physical therapy in the fashion she needs. So, is her pain psychological in the way that she is choosing to stay in that state by not doing the necessary rehab? Or is it because of underlying psychological factors such as fear of pain, fear of failure, or a lack of motivation to commit to the rehabilitation process?

It is imperative to approach a case like this with empathy and understanding, as I can contest that chronic pain and the emotional toll it takes are extraordinarily complex and multifaceted. Professional support from my healthcare team, physical therapy, and pain management counseling is beneficial in addressing any psychological barriers to recovery.

Torn meniscus symptoms test

In conclusion, living with torn meniscus pain is physically and emotionally exhausting. Although, if one seeks proper diagnosis, compassionate care, and a personalized recovery plan, it will make all the difference.