Vibrams and Torn Meniscus

Oki, I had the same thing as you, no pain except after running, but was pushing through it with training for a 70.3 in June.  Then in mid-March I was out for a light run and my knee collapsed under me and forced me to have MRI, x-rays etc as I couldn't walk without pain.  I had the same prescription as you and decided to have the operation, the surgeon stated bluntly that the knee pain would disappear afterwards and I should be able to continue competing.

Well, six weeks after the incident, I had the surgery (arthroscope) last week and walked out of the hospital afterwards.  A week later and you wouldn't know that I've ever had a problem, I can walk freely and sometimes have to stop myself limping, I've been doing it so long my mind can't fathom that there is no pain.  I have six weeks of exercises and gently pushing it, like walking in water, to strengthen the muscles.  The surgeon (also a triathlete ) is confident I will be able to resume running and road cycling before the end of June, which is astonishing and obviously dependent on how the recovery comes along.  

I can only recommend having it done if the meniscus is torn, but of course it depends on your circumstances and the extent of the tear.  I'm 48 and doctors estimated it had been tearing for about 10 years so I didn't really have much choice.  But man, it feels good now! 

Thank you for sharing your experience with me.  Reading your post has really made me think twice about having the surgery.  Like you I was contemplating just continuing my runs...and dealing with the pain.  But I figure, I might end up in a similar situation, with my knee giving out...and end up doing the operation anyways.  Definitely will think through it...and will probably go for it...!!