Hi R. May

Glad you found it useful. Just thought I would add a bit:

*Arthroscopic knee surgery has greatly improved over the years. and there are a variety of new techniques such as biological implants that may improve knee function when a problem that is chronic as it seems now in your case. So if it is a Wikipedia reference-linkmeniscus problem and surgery is required it might all be more good news than bad news

*putting it off might do more harm than good (not saying it will but it is something you should consider). The abnormal forces and tissue may predispose your knee to osteoarthritis later.

*It sounds like it is getting worse not better anyway so might be worth doing something now before your knee gets in worse condition.

You could just get a no commitment consultation. Just find out what is going on, find out the treatment options and ask about prognosis. If the surgeon does indicate that surgery is warranted you could ask him about the prognosis of doing surgery vs the prognosis of doing nothing or doing and exercise programme. And you can always get a second opinion. Then you can make an informed decision.

By the way a good surgeon would always recommend an intensive rehab programme in a job like yours but don't go for the surgery without the rehab. With an ongoing problem like yours you are bound to have muscle weakness and a rehab programme could get you back to work quicker and safer.