I've had medial meniscus tears in both knees since 2003/2004. Both tears are where there's little-to-no blood flow, so no repairs for me. I've had no surgery on them. I'll have them for life (I'm 51). Fortunately, so far, there isn't a whole lot of pain with mine. No swelling at all so far. Moderate discomfort? Yes. Many days I feel nothing. Other days, I definitely know they're there when walking but still not too painful. Been riding moderately twice a week for the last 5 yrs w/o too much problem. 99% of the time while riding at the brisk pace that I do, even standing up quite a bit on climbs, they don't bother me. Problem is, it limits me, so I can no longer ride flat-out/wide open. So, I'm happy just to ride twice a wk (about 50 - 70 miles total) at my 14-15 mph avg speed over my rolling-to-hilly loops. Other activites, such as yard work, shoveling snow, working out on the ball diamond w/ my 11 yr old son...then I wear neoprene braces with metal stays on both knees. The braces really work and allow me to stay active. Good luck!