4 Answers
Spencer Chan:
It seems that there are a good number of people who do run after meniscectomy, but it sounds like the lack of a meniscus does reduce the ability of the knee to bear the stresses of running. Basically, it probably varies on a case-by-case basis, so you should talk to your doctor and your physical therapist.
Andrew Everett:
Partial menisectomy or removal of just the torn piece instead of a total menisectomy (complete removal of the entire meniscus) is much easier to return to running depending on the size and the location of the tear. As all patients are different, the time to return to sports can vary.
Leith Tarling:
Spencer Chan's answer is spot on. I respond as having gone through medial meniscus removal in 2008. I resumed 3-4. times per week squash with treadmill running x3 per week usually 30-45 min. It all went well for me till 2011 when my knee had a meltdown and MRI showed significant damage. Issue is that significant problems in joint can occur without pain markers or symptoms. When the knee swells, or shows pain or mobility issues significant changes could already have happened.i would treat my knee carefully after meniscus removal, exercise it but be careful in not overloading it and if it could be afforded have MRI every 12-18 months so medical professional can check knee joint integrity- it is possible to avoid knee damage-it is almost impossible to reverse knee joint damage from my personal experience.
Best of luck! :)
Shar Su:
As research studies show, the chance of developing osteoarthritis significantly increases after a meniscectomy has been performed. If one limits high-impact activities such as running, the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis decreases.
The likelihood of developing osteoarthritis also depends on the amount of cartilage that was trimmed in the meniscectomy. If less cartilage was trimmed, then more cushioning remains in the knee, and the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis diminishes. The reverse also holds true.