Brief Answer:
Surgery can be avoided.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The discoid change in the meniscus is a degenerative change in the knee and at your age since it was asymptomatic till date there is no immediate need of surgery. The pain and stiffness that you are having is due to the muscle spasm and post horn of lateral meniscus tear.
The treatment usually involves pain killers, muscle relaxants and adequate rest to the knee joint. You can use an elastic knee brace for relief. You need to restrict the running for few weeks and concentrate on knee strengthening exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
Try cushioning the blows the knees take by
1. Maintaining the weight near ideal
2. Wearing shock absorbent walking shoes or tennis shoes and wearing cushioned shoes even around the house
3. Taking a Glucosomine/chondroitin supplement. You need to increase the dose of megafreeflex to twice a day and get appropriate muscle relaxants prescribed from your orthopedician for relief. You will feel considerable improvement in 2 weeks.
Stretching and strengthening the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups is critical for proper treatment. Quad sets are done by contraction the thigh muscles while the legs are straight and holding the contraction for a count of 10. Sets of 10 contractions are done between 15-20 times per day.You can do the required exercises under the care of an expert physiotherapist.
Heat application and use of knee brace is advised for proper knee support at the time of exercise.
Avoid such activities as squatting, kneeling, heavy lifting, climbing, etc.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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