[mel the great]

i had an excercise injury in jan 07 last year.. the sports doc said it was a lateral meniscal tear.. i asked a surgeon that does regular knee reco's and said it was probably a strain.. ive been wearing knee supports when i excercise since then.. should there be a time where i should not wear it at all? my knee would probably be weaker now i have worn that knee support? any advice to strengthin it? ive hurt the other knee today rollerblading and i dont want 2 gimpy knees..