Arthritis
Torn knee cartilage
Q. I am 72 years old and in good health. I've had left knee pain on and off for almost six months, nothing too severe, but it aches if I walk more than a mile or so, and I sometimes get sharp pain on the stairs. My doctor sent me for an MRI of both knees; it showed "mild to moderate osteoarthritis" in both knees and a torn meniscus in my right knee, which feels fine. I think I know what to do about my painful knee — but what should I do for the torn meniscus in my "good" knee?
A. Before we get to your interesting questions, some background information may be helpful.
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