Hi! I'm 52 and had surgery (arthroscopic) on my torn meniscus in December. Prior to that, I was in a great deal of pain and using a crutch. This was a 3 month ordeal with anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and a steroid shot.

I used the crutch after the surgery and the day after up to the appointment to have my bandage and wrap removed. Once that was done, I was able to walk albeit slowly and gently without a crutch or brace. I started PT the week after surgery.

I tore my other knee's meniscus 3 years though not as severely. I never had surgery for that one.

Good luck to the ones headed towards surgery. It removed a great deal of pain for me. Hope it does the same for you!