I had a torn medial meniscus which responded well to a program of leg extension exercises--Rod has given you some good (& free) professional advice. I didn't have surgery but patience and by following my own Chiropractor's recommendations I have recovered to the extent that I have not had a problem since (2009). It took about 3 months before I could walk normally and without feeling anything in the knee. I do now hike with a Cho-pat knee brace and have put it on occasionally when I feel a strange twinge.
