I had arthroscopy and microfracture 9 months ago. My left knee- both Meniscus' were gone and lots of crumbling stuff in the knee.My surgeon was amazed I had been walking, running on that knee.All probably due to bad fall years ago.
At my best was running 30 miles week rec running but knee pain had essentially reduced my running to 1-2 miles 1x week which is when i knew to see MD.
I also am a soccer referee for Jr High,High School age players and was "reffin" several hours each weekend.
Post Op
I did the crutches for 6 weeks total non wt bear, then 3 weeks partial wt bear, CPM machine x 6 weekes.Physiotherapy for 8 weeks or so .
As soon as I could I began water aerobics , walking (including Leslie Sansone's marching in place techniques).,strength train at my club's circuit machines Began Yoga approximately 6 weeks ago.
My doctor first said 6 months,then 12 before running.
My PT suggested trying wee bursts of running
Pain free walking but aches during rainy damp weather with barometric pressure changes
well, my soccer season started and two weeks ago- 9 months post op, I began by Assistant Referee which is side stepping and brief bursts of running straight along touch line on field.
I am having pain back of knee and along lateral edge of knee, probably have inflamed the bursa (sacs) around the knee. Gone back to wearing compression sleeve
But very disappointed- truly gettign discouraged that I will ever be able to "jog" again. Have purchased a bike,like it (relearning how to ride after 30 years!) but it is not the same as jogging. I know not to expect quite what younger runners can achieve (I am 68 years old) but am disappointed when I read people back running afer 4 or 6 months.