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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think I could run a marathon with a torn meniscus

159 replies

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 18:43

Well, a suspected torn meniscus.

I injured myself last year and have been running since then, but I finally saw a physio at the start of this year who has referred me for imaging. She has a pretty confident feeling that I’ve torn my meniscus with potentially some ligament damage. My first consultant physio appointment is in three and a half weeks.

I still love running. I’ve had to reduce it over the last few weeks because of pain, but I think part of that is down to running in some seriously worn out trainers that are not designed for running. Think Primark £10 memory foam trainers 😬 I keep seeing the marathon runners this year and I really, really want to do it.

AIBU to think I could? Should I just shelve this dream?

OP posts:
Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:46

AlbieJiggered · 24/04/2026 19:44

Yes but the damage is done. If you couldn't afford running shoes, you should have shopped around. Previous seasons' shoes are often half price.

And I’ve admitted I made a mistake. Not the end of the world really

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AlbieJiggered · 24/04/2026 19:44

Yes but the damage is done. If you couldn't afford running shoes, you should have shopped around. Previous seasons' shoes are often half price.

2ndcarowner · 24/04/2026 19:44

Look I get it, I love running, sometimes I feel I just need to run, but if you’ve got an injury the worst thing you can do is run on it, you’re only going to make it worse.

Obimumkinobi · 24/04/2026 19:43

I tore my meniscus and had the op to trim it. The things I learnt were:

  1. First, find out if you've actually torn your meniscus. Hunches, even from physios, are no basis for decisions (like running a marathon).
  2. It's definitely worth trying to find the money to get a one-off private consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon to get an answer to your questions.
  3. Exercises to strengthen the muscles to support the knee are vital but neither that, nor a steroid injection, will ever heal your torn meniscus.
  4. I loved skiing but decided it wasn't worth risking my longterm mobility for. I'm still really active and play a variety of sports.
Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:35

GentleSheep · 24/04/2026 19:30

Well having injured my knee meniscus a few weeks ago (not torn thankfully) and seen a physio, he said definitely don't do anything like running, because it will be perpetuating the injury. Leave off running until it recovers, you're not going to do yourself any favours.

I was told that as long as I work within the limits of my pain (e.g. stop if it becomes sharp or unbearable), and it’s not unstable, I can carry on like I was. Thankfully I’ve only had a few instability episodes

OP posts:
GentleSheep · 24/04/2026 19:30

Well having injured my knee meniscus a few weeks ago (not torn thankfully) and seen a physio, he said definitely don't do anything like running, because it will be perpetuating the injury. Leave off running until it recovers, you're not going to do yourself any favours.

dovesquare · 24/04/2026 19:29

I had a fall and I have torn my meniscus. I am also missing some cartilage. I couldn’t run for a bus let alone a marathon. I struggle daily and have been at physio for 10 months. Good for you if you think you can do it but invest in proper running trainers from a shop where your gait is properly measured. Dont be foolish and try it in trainers from Primark. May be you are fortunate and you’ve not got a significant tear or any other issues.

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:26

oustedbymymate · 24/04/2026 19:24

Really want to do what? Go out and run a marathon with rubbish shoes and an injury? Why???

I DO NOT WANT TO RUN IN PRIMARK SHOES!!! I HAVE ORDERED ASICS. But yes I do want to run with an injury because I’ve been told it’ll never be fully healed and I can’t live my life like I’m 80 for the next 60 years

OP posts:
Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:26

AlbieJiggered · 24/04/2026 19:25

Have you had your gait analysed?
Why on earth were you running in fashion shoes?

Because to be honest, I’m a bit of an idiot and didn’t think about it properly. I own that and that’s why I’ve done a lot of research to get some proper ones now

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Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:25

Londonmummy66 · 24/04/2026 19:25

Normal little needle - I'm good with them as I've been having regular blood tests since I was 7 but by the time they'd but a numbing gel on it was barely noticeable.

Ignore the people who didn't read all your posts but do heed the ones advising a gait analysis - most good running shops will offer that as there is no point wearing neutral shoes if you pronate and it could damage you further.

The thing my physio was hardest on was that he didn't want me to run until I could shift my body weight on a single leg press.

Edited
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Ah amazing, I can cope with them if I close my eyes 😂

OP posts:
AlbieJiggered · 24/04/2026 19:25

Have you had your gait analysed?
Why on earth were you running in fashion shoes?

Londonmummy66 · 24/04/2026 19:25

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:22

Apparently when I get to that point I have the freedom to choose to travel to get it a bit faster.

Can I ask, what size needle is it? I’m terrified of them at the best of times!

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Normal little needle - I'm good with them as I've been having regular blood tests since I was 7 but by the time they'd but a numbing gel on it was barely noticeable.

Ignore the people who didn't read all your posts but do heed the ones advising a gait analysis - most good running shops will offer that as there is no point wearing neutral shoes if you pronate and it could damage you further.

The thing my physio was hardest on was that he didn't want me to run until I could shift my body weight on a single leg press.

oustedbymymate · 24/04/2026 19:24

Really want to do what? Go out and run a marathon with rubbish shoes and an injury? Why???

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 24/04/2026 19:23

I wouldn't.
I once ran a 100 yards with a flappy plims*l at school and it was a struggle.

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:23

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:22

Please do leave me alone if you’re just going to be smarmy and rude.

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But seriously - please do!

over and out

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:22

Londonmummy66 · 24/04/2026 19:22

Steroid made a huge difference - the physio was so impressed with the range of movement I recovered shortly afterwards

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Apparently when I get to that point I have the freedom to choose to travel to get it a bit faster.

Can I ask, what size needle is it? I’m terrified of them at the best of times!

OP posts:
Londonmummy66 · 24/04/2026 19:22

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:20

She told me the vast majority don’t as the blood flow is so poor. To be honest I’d take the steroid injection just to stop it niggling at me. It’s so frustrating trying to keep active and getting pain.

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Steroid made a huge difference - the physio was so impressed with the range of movement I recovered shortly afterwards

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:22

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:20

My first consultant physio appointment is in three and a half weeks.

Pls do update when you have asked her whether you can run a marathon!

Please do leave me alone if you’re just going to be smarmy and rude.

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Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:20

My first consultant physio appointment is in three and a half weeks.

Pls do update when you have asked her whether you can run a marathon!

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:20

Londonmummy66 · 24/04/2026 19:19

I tore mine last year and had the steroid injection then a lot of physio to rehab. I'm now beginning to run again but it takes a lot of time - I'm now on 2 5k runs a week and a 10 -12k at the weekend but I suspect that even being careful I'm only ever going to get it back to a half. The intensity of training for a full marathon is massive and I doubt I'll be able to get there again.

I'd query the physio though as most meniscal tears do heal.

She told me the vast majority don’t as the blood flow is so poor. To be honest I’d take the steroid injection just to stop it niggling at me. It’s so frustrating trying to keep active and getting pain.

OP posts:
Londonmummy66 · 24/04/2026 19:19

I tore mine last year and had the steroid injection then a lot of physio to rehab. I'm now beginning to run again but it takes a lot of time - I'm now on 2 5k runs a week and a 10 -12k at the weekend but I suspect that even being careful I'm only ever going to get it back to a half. The intensity of training for a full marathon is massive and I doubt I'll be able to get there again.

I'd query the physio though as most meniscal tears do heal.

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:14

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:14

Omg

you are joking? Please say you are joking

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I’m not entirely sure why you seem to think I’m walking out the door tomorrow and doing a marathon 😂 I’d obviously do a training block before, I’m not just waking up tomorrow and going one 😂

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SunnyAfternoonToday · 24/04/2026 19:14

I’d question that physio as depending on which surgery you can return to running up to 6 months after!

It wasn't a physiotherapist who told DD she wouldn't be able to run, but the orthopaedic consultant who did her op!!! But you asked if you could still run marathon and pps who have suffered with the same thing have told you no.
But it's your knee ...

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:14

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:12

I think I could do 10k if I were to just put my shoes on tomorrow and go. Longest one so far is 7k.

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Omg

you are joking? Please say you are joking

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:12

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:11

As it stands - what’s the longest distance you think you can run?

hat is the longest distance you have run?

I think I could do 10k if I were to just put my shoes on tomorrow and go. Longest one so far is 7k.

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