Greetings with a different slant on Meniscal issues

[Ronin]

Hi All,

Lurked a bit and thought I would share a story that might help some odd folks like me.

I am not a runner- but spent the last 16+ years in martial arts. Barefoot tends to come naturally with that group.

Last year at 51- I had a root tear of my right meniscus. After surgery it was reveled that I was 4 out 5 almost bone on bone.  The pain was severe even after the surgery.
After a series of euflexxa injections- little relief was felt but I remained active- until I had a root tear in my left knee!

Surgery on that knee shortly after that and my life was fairly miserable. I was unable to walk or work out for any length of time without severe pain.

The end result was to endure the pain as long as possible or have two new knees.

I ran into a training partner who stated he had switched to minimalist shoes and was astounded at the relief he had on his knees. So I figured what the heck and bought a pair of Filas. I bought them on lunch threw them on and instantly the pain started to decrease.
By the next day my pain was 75-80% less.

Now three weeks later and my life has changed substantially- my pain has subsided dramatically and I am able to resume my "normal" life.

I purchased a pair of Stem(Now Leming) shoes to be more PC in the office and can tell you it has been a wonderful ride.
I know I will one day need new knees but for now I can still do my work outs and enjoy.

Given the little investment I would highly recommend anyone with knee issues to give this a try-it may change your life.

Ronin

[Mr. Leigh]

Welcome to the forum.  I am glad that minimalist footwear is making such a positive difference in your life.  I was a little sad to read that you began your journey in FILA shoes, because they are no where near the shoe that Vibram Five Fingers are.  I wear VFFs as often as possible.  I also own STEMs for non-toe shoe days.  They too are great.  I am sure you will find the minimalist footwear to be addictive and the health benefits are nothing to scoff at either.

[PB Junkie]

Welcome Ronin!

[JustinB]

Welcome and congrats.  it's amazing how less padding and less shoe can help joint pain.  I understand that purchase of the Fila's to start.  They are definitely at the right entry point. I think we are going to be seeing more and more people on this board who wear or started with the non VFF brands of toe shoes.  That said, if you get the opportunity, pick up a pair of Vibrams and I am sure you will enjoy them as much if not more.

[monkeyshoes]

Welcome 

tell us about your martial arts experience

[Ronin]

Thanks for the greetings all. My martial arts background is in several styles- I did "hard" styles like kajukenbo for 12 years. In the past few years I have been studying the "soft" arts Ba Gua in particular. I have been fortunate to find skilled teachers over the years.  I am sure that kicking poles for 8 or 9 years did not help the knee issues!

Peace...

[shadowfax_c11]

Welcome to the forum. I also practice a martial art. Have been in  aikido for the past 3+ years and just getting ready to test 2nd kyu. Had a history of knee issues and added to it with a minor meniscus tear in my right knee coming up on two years ago. Getting into the toe shoes a yer ago, has dramatically reduced the knee pain to almost zero. Meniscus healed well with just ultra sound therapy and chiropractic care, a month off the mat and two months off my horse. Took almost a year to heal but I am back to 100%. In fact better than before the injury in many respects although I will never be able to do any swari waza or hanmi handachi. Just too much risk considering the history.

[tmac5454]

Greetings! While I purchased my VFFs for comfort, one of my first thoughts was how great these would be for when I start up my Systema train8ng again!