Plica Syndrome

Hi, I have had a problem with my right knee for the past 3 years now. About every 6 months or so, my knee does this popping/cracking noise I can hear in my ear that causes me to fall to the ground and not able to get up for several minutes, because of intense pain, almost making me pass out once. The 3rd time it happened to me, I was taken to the emergency room because I could not walk on it. I had a doctor look at my knee the first time it happened and they said I had plica tissue in my knee that was causing the severe irritation and pain but said that therapy would clear it up.

Tonight was the first time in 6 months it’s happened … and I am starting to believe I have Plica Syndrome after reading about the symptoms… I was on therapy for about 3 months when I went to the doctor the first time, and it seemed to help, but the pain/problem still occurs. Would surgery be a way to correct this problem? I have heard that this is a very painful operation and takes several weeks to heal, is this true? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I just want this to get healed more than anything… it’s caused me to miss out on playing sports while in high school. Thank you! -Jason