Medication
Treatment for meniscus tears ranges from icing and pain medication to surgery, depending on your symptoms and the type of tear. Nonsurgical Options Nonsurgical treatments may include: Icing Bracing Pain medication Muscle-strengthening exercises Meniscus Tear Surgery
Procedures
· Nonsurgical Options. Physical Therapy. Knee-specific exercises strengthen the muscles that surround and stabilize the knee joint. Physical therapy will help prepare your ... Medications. Office-Based Cortisone Injections.
Therapy
Knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, is often used to treat meniscal tears. During an arthroscopy, a small, lighted, optic tube (arthroscope) is inserted through a small incision in the joint. Images of the inside of the knee are then projected on a screen allowing the provider to repair or trim out the torn portion of the meniscus.
Self-care
· Conservative treatment — such as rest, ice and medication — is sometimes enough to relieve the pain of a torn meniscus and give the injury time to heal on its own. In other cases, however, a torn meniscus requires surgery.
Nutrition
· Treatment of a torn meniscus may include observation and physical therapy with muscle strengthening to stabilize the knee joint. When conservative measures are ineffective treatment may include surgery to repair or remove the damaged cartilage. Torn meniscus does not heal by itself without rehabilitation and recovery time.
How to heal a torn meniscus naturally?
If your injury doesn’t improve with RICE, NSAIDs and physical therapy, your healthcare provider may recommend arthroscopic surgery. Surgery is a very effective way to repair a torn meniscus. If the tear is too big to repair, your surgeon may remove all or part of the meniscus.
What happens if you leave a torn meniscus untreated?
Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy — The goal of this surgery is to remove a small piece of the torn meniscus in order to get the knee functioning normally. Arthroscopic total meniscectomy — Occasionally, a large tear of the outer meniscus can best be treated by arthroscopic total meniscectomy, a procedure in which the entire meniscus is removed.
How can you tell if you have a torn meniscus?
Meniscus tear exercise 2: Improve the stability of your knee. The second meniscus tear exercise focuses on regaining the stability of your knee. Due to the torn meniscus, your knee lacks stability. That makes walking more difficult and also increases the risk of re-injuring your knee.
How soon can I return to work after meniscus surgery?
The most common procedure for a torn meniscus is knee arthroscopy. It usually takes less than an hour. First, you receive anesthesia. The surgical team cleans the skin on your knee and covers the rest of your leg with a surgical drape. The team might place a clamp on your upper thigh to help with positioning during surgery.
Can a medial meniscus tear heal on its own?
In the case of meniscus tears, some people think the injury will heal over time on its own. But the truth is that there are different types of meniscus tears — and some tears won't heal without treatment. If your tear is on the outer one-third of the meniscus, it may heal on its own or be repaired surgically.
How long does it take for a torn meniscus to heal without surgery?
Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery. If your symptoms persist after 3 months or your symptoms become significant, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tear.
How do you treat a medial meniscus tear?
What's the Treatment for a Meniscus Tear?Rest the knee. ... Ice your knee to reduce pain and swelling. ... Compress your knee. ... Elevate your knee with a pillow under your heel when you're sitting or lying down.Take anti-inflammatory medications. ... Use stretching and strengthening exercises to help reduce stress to your knee.More items...•
What happens if you leave a torn meniscus untreated?
An untreated meniscus tear can result in the frayed edge getting caught in the joint, causing pain and swelling. It can also result in long term knee problems such as arthritis and other soft tissue damage.
Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus?
Yes. Although knee braces do not heal or treat your meniscus tear directly, they can provide extra support and stability for your knee while your meniscus injury heals. A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest.
What aggravates a torn meniscus?
You're most likely to injure your meniscus when suddenly twisting or turning while your foot is stationary and planted. You could injure your meniscus while playing sports, such as football, soccer, or baseball. You could also injure your meniscus off the field by lifting heavy boxes or slipping on a wet floor.
Will a cortisone shot help a torn meniscus?
A cortisone injection can effectively reduce pain and inflammation in your knee, as in the case of a torn meniscus. It's only a temporary solution to your pain, though. It can't heal your meniscus and may even delay your healing. It also can't prevent you from injuring it again in the future.
What percentage of meniscus tears require surgery?
Differing treatment It's important to know the differences between the tears because usually only acute traumatic tears are surgically repairable. Less than 10 percent of meniscal tears occurring in patients age 40 or older can be repaired.
What are 3 signs of a meniscus tear in the knee?
What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?Pain in the knee joint: usually on the inside (medial), outside (lateral) or back of the knee.Swelling.Catching or locking of the knee joint.Inability to fully extend or bend the knee joint.Limping.
Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?
If your doctor has told you that you don't need surgery to repair your torn meniscus, you may be given the green light to walk. However, you'll want to be very careful about movements that might worsen the tear or cause you pain. Avoid squatting and pivoting, which are likely to place too much pressure on the knee.
Is it worth having meniscus surgery?
What are the benefits? Surgery to repair tears in the meniscus relieves symptoms 85% of the time. That means that of 100 people who have this surgery, 85 have relief from pain and can use their knee normally, while 15 do not. Surgery to repair tears may reduce the risk of long-term joint problems.
Can you make a meniscus tear worse?
If you have a mild ache during the run, or a mildly sore knee after a run then you can often continue running. There is very little risk that running will worsen the tear. Meniscus tears can always worsen… remember, this is a process of degeneration.
What is the most common surgery for a meniscus tear?
Partial Meniscectomy. The most common type of surgery for a meniscus tear is a partial meniscectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon will trim off the torn part of the meniscus, leaving behind as much of the intact meniscus tissue as possible.
What are the symptoms of a torn meniscus?
Depending on the severity of the tear, symptoms of a torn meniscus may include pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or locking of the knee.
What is a meniscus tear?
Meniscus Tear Treatment. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped disc of cartilage found between the bones of the knee ( the femur and tibia). Each knee has two menisci that cushion the joint. Depending on the severity of the tear, symptoms of a torn meniscus may include pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or locking of the knee.
Where is the meniscus located?
Meniscus Tear Treatment. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped disc of cartilage found between the bones of the knee (the femur and tibia). Each knee has two menisci that cushion the joint.
What is the shape of the meniscus?
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped disc of cartilage found between the bones of the knee (the femur and tibia). Each knee has two menisci that cushion the joint. Depending on the severity of the tear, symptoms of a torn meniscus may include pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or locking of the knee.
How long does it take for a meniscus tear to heal?
Because the meniscus tissue needs to heal back together, recovery time is longer for this procedure than a partial meniscectomy. It is common for patients to be on crutches for about two weeks and in a brace for up to six weeks after surgery. It may be six months or more before it is safe to return to sports activities.
Is running good for your health?
Running is a great activity for your heart, weight and mental health, but it comes with a risk of injuries, no matter how experienced you are. Orthopaedic surgeon James Ficke, M.D., and physical therapist Ken Johnson discuss measures you can take to avoid common running injuries.
What is the procedure to repair a meniscus tear?
Meniscus Surgery. During the meniscus surgery, a small instrument called an arthroscope, which has a camera at its tip, is inserted into your knee. Orthopaedic knee surgeons use arthroscopic knee surgery to pinpoint the location of the meniscus tear and repair or remove the damage, depending on the location and pattern of the tear and condition ...
Can cortisone help with meniscus tear?
Cortisone injections may temporarily decrease the pain associated with a tear but cannot heal a meniscus tear. These injections are used primarily when the knee is inflamed and swollen and there is arthritis associated with the meniscus tear.
Can meniscus tears occur?
Meniscus tears can occur suddenly during a sports game, or from simple daily activities such as turning to put dishes away or twisting when someone call s your name. Damage to the meniscus cartilage that cushions your knee joint can also result from years of wear and tear. Duke knee specialists evaluate the severity of your injury, ...
What is the purpose of MRI on knee?
An MRI helps knee specialists assess the specific part of the cartilage that is damaged. Older people, whose meniscus tears are the result of age and wear and tear, may benefit from physical therapy and guided exercise, non-steroidal pain medication, and other non-surgical treatment.
What is MRI for meniscus?
An MRI helps knee specialists assess the specific part of the cartilage that is damaged. Wear-and-Tear Injuries. Older people, whose meniscus tears are the result of age and wear and tear, may benefit from physical therapy and guided exercise, non-steroidal pain medication, and other non-surgical treatment.
What is MRI in knee?
An MRI evaluates the soft tissues -- muscles, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons -- of the knee. An MRI helps knee specialists assess the specific part of the cartilage that is damaged. Wear-and-Tear Injuries.
How to treat meniscus tear?
Specific treatment for a meniscus tear will be determined by your doctor based on: 1 Your age 2 Your overall health and medical history 3 How bad your injury is 4 How well you can tolerate specific medications, procedures, and therapies 5 The length of time it will take to heal 6 Your opinion or preference
What is the procedure to repair a meniscus tear?
Knee arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, is often used to treat meniscal tears. During an arthroscopy, a small, lighted, optic tube (arthroscope) is inserted through a small incision in the joint. Images of the inside of the knee are then projected on a screen allowing the provider to repair or trim out the torn portion of the meniscus. For young patients, preserving as much of the meniscus as possible is important to preserving knee health.
Where is the medial meniscus located?
The medial meniscus sits on the inside of the knee and the lateral meniscus sits on the outside of the knee. Meniscus tears usually take place when an athlete twists or turns their upper leg while their foot is planted and their knee is bent. Occasionally menisci can develop as a block or disk shape, which is called a discoid meniscus.
What is a discoid meniscus?
Occasionally menisci can develop as a block or disk shape, which is called a discoid meniscus. A discoid meniscus is more likely to tear and commonly presents in childhood. ViewMedica 8. Start Picture-in-Picture. Get Embed Code.
What is X-ray test?
X-ray. An X-ray is a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. When a standard X-ray is not accurate enough, a joint X-ray with contrast dye may also be used to examine joints such as the knee or hip.
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. When a standard X-ray is not accurate enough, a joint X-ray with contrast dye may also be used to examine joints such as the knee or hip.
What is MRI in medical terms?
An MRI is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body; can often determine damage or disease in a surrounding ligament or muscle.
What is the procedure to repair a torn meniscus?
Procedures include meniscal repair (sewing the torn edges together), partial meniscectomy (trimming away the torn area, and smoothing the injury site), or total meniscectomy, removing the whole meniscus if that is deemed appropriate. Microfracture surgery is another surgical option to stimulate new cartilage growth.
What causes a torn meniscus?
A torn meniscus occurs because of trauma caused by forceful twisting or hyper-flexing of the knee joint. Symptoms of a torn meniscus include knee pain, swelling, popping, and giving way. Treatment of a torn meniscus may include observation and physical therapy with muscle strengthening to stabilize the knee joint.
How does physical activity reduce the risk of disease?
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
Where is the medial meniscus located?
Torn meniscus facts. The medial and lateral menisci are two large C-shaped cartilages that are positioned on the top of the tibia bone at the knee. The knee is the largest joint in the body. Cartilage within the knee joint helps protect the joint from the stresses placed on it from walking, running, climbing, and bending.
Which muscle is responsible for bending the knee?
When the quadriceps muscles (located on the front the thigh) contract, the knee extends or straightens. The hamstring muscles, located on the back of the thigh, are responsible for flexing or bending the knee.
What is the lateral meniscus?
The medial and lateral meniscus are two thicker wedge-shaped pads of cartilage attached to top of the tibia (shin bone), called the tibial plateau. Each meniscus is curved in a C-shape, with the front part of the cartilage called the anterior horn and the back part called the posterior horn.
What is torn cartilage?
The terminology torn knee cartilage refers to damage to one of the C-shaped menisci of the knee between the femur and tibia.
What to do if you have a torn meniscus?
If your injury doesn’t improve with RICE, NSAIDs and physical therapy, your healthcare provider may recommend arthroscopic surgery. Surgery is a very effective way to repair a torn meniscus. If the tear is too big to repair, your surgeon may remove all or part of the meniscus.
How to repair a torn meniscus?
Surgery is a very effective way to repair a torn meniscus. If the tear is too big to repair, your surgeon may remove all or part of the meniscus. After recovery, your knee will be more stable, and you’ll be less likely to develop additional knee problems.
What is the cartilage in the knee?
Two pieces of cartilage sit inside your knee, between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). This cartilage is the meniscus. The rubbery wedges of cartilage act like shock absorbers for your knee, providing cushioning for your bones and knee joint. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
What causes a meniscus tear?
This thinner cartilage can tear more easily. Arthritis (a breakdown of cartilage in the joints) can also lead to a meniscus tear.
Why do my knees tear?
As you get older, the cartilage in your knees wears down and gets weaker. This thinner cartilage can tear more easily. Arthritis (a breakdown of cartilage in the joints) can also lead to a meniscus tear.
Can you tear a meniscus?
People who play sports (like tennis, soccer, basketball or football) that involve sudden twisting movements are most likely to tear a meniscus. Playing contact sports also increases your risk of a meniscus tear. Getting hit or tackled can make you twist your knee, tearing the cartilage.
How to know if you have a meniscus tear?
People who tear a meniscus often feel like something has popped in their knee at the time of the injury. Other symptoms include: Feeling like your knee might give out beneath you. Having knee pain or stiffness or a swollen knee. Being unable to fully bend or straighten your leg.
How long does it take to repair a meniscus tear?
The body usually absorbs these over time. Arthroscopic meniscus repairs typically takes about 40 minutes. Usually you will be able to leave the hospital the same day.
What is a meniscus tear?
Key points. A meniscus tear is an injury to one of the bands of rubbery cartilage that act as shock absorbers for the knee . A meniscus tear can occur when the knee is suddenly twisted while the foot is planted on the ground. A tear can also develop slowly as the meniscus loses resiliency.
How to tell if you have a torn meniscus?
If you have a torn meniscus, you may: 1 Be unable to extend your leg comfortably and may feel better when your knee is bent (flexed). 2 Develop pain gradually along the meniscus and joint line when you put stress on your knees (usually during a repeated activity). This most often happens when the tear develops over a period of time. 3 Have swelling, stiffness or tightness in your knee.
Where is the medial meniscus?
The medial meniscus is on the inner side of the knee joint. The lateral meniscus is on the outside of the knee. Meniscus tears can vary widely in size and severity. A meniscus can be split in half, ripped around its circumference in the shape of a C or left hanging by a thread to the knee joint. A barely noticeable tear may resurface years later, ...
Can a meniscus tear be seen on an MRI?
The meniscus shows up as black on the MRI. Any tears appear as white lines. An MRI is 70 to 90 percent accurate in identifying whether the meniscus has been torn and how badly. However, meniscus tears do not always appear on MRIs. Meniscus tears, indicated by MRI, are classified in three grades.
What is the difference between medial and lateral meniscus?
They act as shock absorbers and stabilize the knee. The medial meniscus is on the inner side of the knee joint. The lateral meniscus is on the outside of the knee.
What is the best way to fix a torn meniscus?
Meniscus surgery can fix an injured or torn meniscus, a piece of cartilage in the knee joint. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have knee pain that interferes with your life, work or activities. An arthroscopic procedure can reduce pain, improve mobility and stability, and help you return to activities.
Do you need surgery for a torn meniscus?
Some people need surgery for a torn meniscus, but some don’t. The decision depends on: Type, size and location of the tear. Your age. Your activity level and lifestyle. Related injuries (e.g., ACL tear).
How many menisci are there in the knee?
Each knee has two menisci. They are rubbery, C-shaped cushions that serve as shock absorbers in the knee joint. If your meniscus is injured or torn (often called torn cartilage), your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to remove the damaged part or repair it.
Can a meniscus tear?
A sudden twist, turn or collision can tear a meniscus. Older people also injure their menisci frequently. The menisci get weak over time and are more likely to tear. In fact, meniscus tears can be a normal occurrence as a part of the aging process.
What is regional anesthesia?
Regional anesthesia is a shot that numbs your body from the waist down. General anesthesia is medication that puts you to sleep. If you receive local or regional anesthesia, you may also be sedated to help you relax. Most often you will have a general anesthetic for this type of procedure.
Can you be sedated after surgery?
If you receive local or regional anesthesia, you may also be sedated to help you relax. Most often you will have a general anesthetic for this type of procedure. A few days before surgery, your healthcare provider will: Give you a prescription for medications to manage pain after the surgery.
What to do before surgery?
A few days before surgery, your healthcare provider will: Give you a prescription for medications to manage pain after the surgery. Make appointments for physical therapy or a fitting for crutches. Tell you how to prepare for surgery.
