Had a complex medial meniscus tear 3 weeks ago. still limping and pain around the joint. i don't see an orthopod for at least 6 months. how soon does it need to be see & will early arthoscopy be better?

Torn meniscus: If you want to return to normal function sooner, you will need to be seen sooner. If it is truly torn, it is not likely to rtn to normal on it's own.

Sooner the netter: If 3 weeks of rest has not helped. Good chance you may need arthroscopic knee surgery. The sooner the better.

Surgery is answer: In people over 40 it is highly unlikely the tear will heal even if repaired so there is no emergency in getting it done. There will be pain and swelling until it is treated and some buckling and giving way. You should protect yourself from falling and injuring yourself worse.

Follow up sooner: Often times in my practice patients with arthritis and meniscal tears are treated with an initial conservative management program. This is because it is difficult to discern between arthritic pain and meniscal pain. If however your symptoms are getting worse not better earlier followup may be considered to reevaluate the knee and to consider other treatment options.