Long story-- but here's the short version:

I hurt my knee about 7 years ago (heavy treadmill workout, then jogging,
next morning problems). After a few months, it settled down but would flare
up now and then. Eventually, assorted tests (x-rays/MRI) showed arthritis
and tear in the meniscus.

No problems for maybe the last year and 3 weeks ago it flared and is
actually worse than ever (pretty much limping around and in pain all the
time). I can't walk or really move my leg freely and it's keeping me up at
night.. In the past, with the exception of the initial flare-up which took
months to calm down, in about a week I would be okay. But this pain is
different. Feels like I have a few knives in my knee and any/every movement
hurts.

I'll be trying to see an orthopedic guy (I hope I can get in quickly).

My question: Can a torn meniscus cause so much pain? I suspect there might
be debris causing this but also arthritis. Can scoping the knee help with
arthritis too (I'm assuming there is a scope in my future)?

Is there any way to figure out the actual cause of this pain (tendinitis,
arthritis, meniscus, combination of these)?
Mel