I had major pain in both knees a few years back. By January 2007 I was using 2 canes to walk. This after spending the better part of 3 months mostly in bed.

Went to a surgeon and had the MRIs done. I do have tears like you. I also have almost no cartilage between the bones, hence all the pain. I have been on naproxen since. THe surgeon says I need 2 knee replacements; but he wants to wait because the replacements currently last about 15 years; and I would end up paying again! So he wants to wait until the 2d time around, I am on Medicare, as they will pay for the 2d set.

The naproxen works fine, no canes or anything; but boy do I know when it is time for another dose!