Injuries from a painful torn meniscus can happen to anyone. The meniscus is the medical term for the layer of cartilage that covers the knee joint. During strenuous activity or high-intensity exercise, the cartilage is at risk of tearing so that the joints become stiff, painful, or experience other unpleasant symptoms. Instead of constantly wincing at the pain, consult a doctor for a thorough diagnosis of the condition of the injured knee. This wikiHow teaches you frequently asked questions about therapy for meniscus tears to help your knee heal quickly.
Step
Method 1 of 10: Will a meniscus tear heal on its own?
Step 1. Yes, but it depends on how badly the tear is
Minor tears that occur in the outer of the meniscus may heal on their own without surgery, but tears along the inner of the meniscus may require surgery. Do not worry! When consulted with a doctor, he is able to diagnose how severe the injury is and explain the appropriate method of therapy.
Usually, a meniscus tear can heal without surgery
Method 2 of 10: How to heal a meniscus tear with home remedies?
Step 1. Apply the "RICE" method
This method is an acronym for the four main steps that need to be taken to heal yourself safely and comfortably at home, namely "rest" (resting), "ice" (compressing with a cold object), "compression" (bandage), and "elevation" (lifting the injured leg). Once an injury occurs, the RICE method can reduce swelling and pain, maintain muscle flexibility, and speed up the recovery process. For that, do the following steps:
- Rest: don't do any physical exercise or activity that causes a meniscus tear and use crutches if you want to walk.
- Compressing with a cold object: wrap a cold object (such as an ice cube) in a towel or washcloth, then apply it to the injured knee for 20 minutes. Do this step several times a day. Remember, don't put the ice directly on the knee while compressing.
- Bandaging: Wrap an elastic bandage to bandage the injured knee. Try to keep the bandage tight enough, but not too tight. Loosen the loop if the bandaged leg feels numb or tingling.
- Elevating the leg: if possible, support the injured leg (eg with a pillow) so that it is higher than the heart.
Step 2. Take pain medication if the knee injury is not severe
If the meniscus tear doesn't lock the knee, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to treat swelling and pain, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If the knee still hurts after 6 weeks, you need to consult a doctor because for now, surgery can be the best solution.
- Acetaminophen dosage for adults: 1 tablet of regular strength acetaminophen every 4-6 hours up to 12 tablets in 24 hours. If the first 1 tablet does not help, take 2 tablets, but wait 4-6 hours after the first tablet.
- Dosage of ibuprofen for adults: if you are taking MOTRIN, the dose is 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours a maximum of 6 tablets in 24 hours; if you are taking Advil, the dose is 1 tablet every 4 hours or 2 tablets every 6-8 hours a maximum of 6 tablets in 24 hours.
- Naproxen sodium dosage for adults: 1 tablet every 8-12 hours up to 2 tablets in 24 hours.
- Aspirin dosage for adults: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours up to 12 tablets in 24 hours so you don't overdose.
Method 3 of 10: Can a meniscus tear be treated with nonsurgical therapy?
Step 1. See a doctor for information about steroid injections
Corticosteroids are useful in relieving pain and reducing swelling. During the consultation, the doctor may inject steroids directly into the joint to reduce pain and swelling.
Researchers are also developing plasma injections to heal meniscus tears
Step 2. See a physical therapist
Physiotherapy is useful for treating various types of meniscus tears even if you don't have surgery. Physical therapists may perform therapy manually, for example using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). In addition, he may suggest that you compress the knee with a cold object, bandage the knee, and do some movement to deal with the injury. The therapist can help you get back to your normal activities.
Method 4 of 10: Do I need to have surgery?
Step 1. Probably, if the meniscus tear is very severe
During surgery, the surgeon will insert a tiny camera into the knee to see how severe the tear is, then perform surgery with surgical instruments to connect or cut the torn meniscus. After that, he may suggest that you undergo physiotherapy to restore the condition of your knee so that you can exercise and carry out your normal daily activities.
- The surgeon will operate on the torn meniscus by stitching it back together or perform a partial meniscectomy by cutting the injured meniscus tissue. In general, meniscus tears cannot be repaired and must be treated with a partial meniscectomy.
- Meniscus surgery is quite safe and does not cause complications. Studies show that 98 out of 100 meniscal surgery patients have no complications.
Method 5 of 10: How long is the recovery period after meniscus surgery?
Step 1. You can resume your normal activities in a few weeks
You will feel weak for a few days after the operation and your knee will feel numb due to the incision made by the surgeon. The duration of the recovery period is affected by the method of surgery performed. The recovery period after knee surgery to repair the meniscus is longer than meniscectomy.
- After having a meniscectomy, you can immediately use your knees to support you; walk without crutches in 2-7 days; drive a car in 1-2 weeks; reach full range of motion in 1-2 weeks, and run in 4-6 weeks.
- After having surgery to repair the meniscus, you may be able to stand on a knee brace, walk without crutches in 4-6 weeks, drive a car in 4-6 weeks, achieve full range of motion in at least 4-6 weeks, and run after 3-6 weeks. month.
Method 6 of 10: How long does it take for a meniscus tear to heal with nonsurgical therapy?
Step 1. Approximately 6 weeks
By this time, the injured knee is usually less swollen and less painful. Unfortunately, the injury cannot be treated with nonsurgical therapy if the knee is still painful after 6 weeks.
A severe meniscus tear does not heal on its own. Immediately see a doctor for a checkup so that the injury can be treated medically
Method 7 of 10: What is the prognosis associated with a meniscus tear?
Step 1. In general, people with a meniscus tear are able to carry on with their normal activities with the help of physiotherapy
While undergoing therapy, patients will be trained to be able to recover at home and adapt to carry out daily activities in a safe way, such as walking or climbing stairs. Depending on the case, many patients are able to return to their normal activities after regular physiotherapy for 4 months.
After a few months of recovery, you are ready to do all the physical activities in your daily routine as before your injury
Method 8 of 10: How do I know if I have a meniscus tear?
Step 1. The knee joint is difficult to move
If a meniscus tear occurs, you may not be able to straighten or rotate your knee as usual. In addition, the knees are difficult to bend and unable to support the body.
Step 2. The knee is very painful
Pay attention to how you feel during your daily activities, such as when climbing stairs or walking. If a meniscus tear occurs, the knee is painful, swollen, and/or very difficult to move. In addition, the knee seems to lose strength.
Usually, the knee is very painful when you rotate or twist the knee joint
Method 9 out of 10: Do I need to consult a doctor?
Step 1. Yes
You should consult an orthopedic specialist. He or she will examine your knee and diagnose how severe the injury is. Depending on the results of the examination, he or she may recommend home therapy or surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
When you see your doctor, he or she will examine your knee to see if you can move your knee and ask how severe the pain is. In addition, he or she may perform an MRI or X-ray to pinpoint the exact position of the meniscus tear
Method 10 out of 10: Can I walk when I have a meniscus tear?
Step 1. Yes, but you should still consult a doctor
A meniscus tear may seem negligible, but it can cause big problems later on. If left untreated, knee injuries that are not treated properly are at risk of triggering arthritis and other more serious problems.
