Torn Meniscus Misery: My Stair-Climbing Struggle and Tips to Survive
Torn Meniscus Misery: My Stair-Climbing Struggle and Tips to Survive Torn Meniscus Misery: My Stair-Climbing Struggle and Tips to Survive In October 2024, at 35, every step up my 12-stair apartment felt like a knife in my knee. A $150 MRI confirmed a torn meniscus after a bad twist during a 5K run. I faced pain 8 hours daily, swelling 4 days a week, and could barely climb 10 steps without stopping. Over 6 weeks, I spent $300 on treatments and tried 5 home remedies to ease the agony. Here’s my story, with numbers, tables, and tips to manage a meniscus tear and keep moving in daily life. What Is a Torn Meniscus? The Painful Truth The meniscus is cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint. A tear, often from twisting or wear, causes pain, swelling, and limited movement. A 2023 study estimates 2 million U.S. cases yearly, with 60% from sports or aging knees. My symptoms—knee pain (8/10, 8 hours/day), swel...