It’s been a year (and a month) since I had my second partial meniscectomy back in September 2022. In this 1 year update after a partial meniscectomy, I’ll share how my knee is doing now and how it’s been holding up since I returned to soccer.
However, I highly recommend checking out my previous updates before reading this one or asking questions:
- 6-Month Update
- Weeks 10-12 Rehab
- Week 8 & 9 Rehab
- Week 7 Rehab
- Week 6 Rehab
- Week 5 Rehab
- Week 4 Rehab
- Week 3 Rehab
- Week 2 Rehab
- Week 1 Rehab
How I Feel Mentally About My Knee
As I mentioned in my last update, I felt back to 100% around 10-12 weeks post-op. Since my 6-month update, I still don’t think about or worry about my knee much. It feels completely normal when I’m at rest or even playing. I rarely think about the meniscus surgery.
I haven’t had any “scares” or concerning moments since then either. I’m sure that if I were tackled a certain way, it would make me stressed or nervous. However, overall I feel confident and strong.
How My Knee Feels
My knee feels the best that it has since my ACL and meniscus surgery back in 2018. It feels better than it had after my 2019 partial meniscectomy as well. It feels closer to my non-operated knee, and I haven’t been struggling with any pain.
At this point, I no longer face swelling and rarely have to ice, heat, or treat my knee. There’s only one movement I have slight discomfort with, and that’s a figure-4 position/ trying to sit in a pretzel. I can feel a little irritation right on the joint line, the same way I described in my 6-month update.
Major Events
I haven’t really had any major milestones or changes since my last update. I’ve really committed to 1-2 lower-body days at the gym this season, which I feel is helping quite a bit.
Some notable points about my knee include:
- I began a new soccer season since my last update.
- I do not experience any pain or discomfort when running or playing.
- I only experience mild discomfort when positioning my leg in a figure-4 stretch/pretzel
- Prioritize lower body strength and mobility at least 1-2x per week
- It does not limit me as an athlete or in daily life right now
Exercises I Do 1 Year Post-Op
Once again, I’m in the middle of a soccer season, so I participate in team training and matches. I also aim to do lower-body strengthening at least 1-2x per week. During the offseason, I also played a lot and did similar strengthening amount.
I look to incorporate several exercises I showed in my 9 to 12-month ACL recovery exercises video including:
- Split squats
- Pistol Squats
- Step-ups
- Broad Jumps
- Lateral Jumps
- Lateral Squats
- Shoulder-elevated glute bridge
- Leg extension
- Leg curls
- RDL (including single-leg)
FAQ About Partial Meniscectomy
Do you suffer from arthritis?
Arthritis is a concern after a partial meniscectomy, but as of right now, I do not have issues with this.
How much of your meniscus was removed?
I was not given a percentage of how much meniscus was trimmed, so I do not know.
Can you play sports?
Yes, I am 100% back to playing soccer now and am not experiencing any side effects at the moment.