Treatment FAQ

what type of conservative treatment or procedure may be tried before meniscus tear

by Mr. Santos Langosh Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How to heal your torn meniscus naturally without surgery?

Conservative treatment for a torn meniscus includes rest, ice, compression, elevation, NSAID’s, physical therapy, and the patient may be given a knee brace to wear. Meniscus tears can be recurrent, however a surgical treatment may help prevent the recurrence of the tears. Purpose

What happens if you leave a torn meniscus untreated?

May 22, 2019 · Acupuncture/Needling. A number of articles support the use of needling techniques with respect to deterioration in the knee as well as meniscal injury. Dry needling and acupuncture may be advantageous in the healing of meniscal injury and promote an increase in blood flow as well as improve inflammation and pain.

Can a torn Mensicus heal without surgery?

Jun 06, 2013 · • Radial tears are those in the central aspect of the meniscus. These tears may migrate towards the periphery and turn into a “parrot beak” tear. Signs may include: swelling, giving way or catching.3,17 Another classification for the type of tear is based on location of the tear in three different zones: red/red, red/white and white/white.

What is conservative treatment for meniscus tear?

Conservative treatment for a torn meniscus includes rest, ice, compression, elevation, NSAID's, physical therapy, and the patient may be given a knee brace to wear. Meniscus tears can be recurrent, however a surgical treatment may help prevent the recurrence of the tears.

What is the best treatment for meniscus tear?

Treatment
  • Rest. Avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain, especially any activity that causes you to twist, rotate or pivot your knee. ...
  • Ice. Ice can reduce knee pain and swelling. ...
  • Medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers also can help ease knee pain.
Jan 6, 2022

What are two treatments for a meniscus tear?

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.Jan 6, 2022

How do you treat a torn meniscus before surgery?

Most likely, your doctor will recommend that you rest, use pain relievers, and apply ice to you knee to keep the swelling down. They may also suggest physical therapy. This will help to strengthen the muscles around your knee and keep it stable.May 12, 2021

What type of meniscus tear requires surgery?

Grade 3 meniscus tears usually require surgery, which may include: Arthroscopic repair — An arthroscope is inserted into the knee to see the tear. One or two other small incisions are made for inserting instruments.

Is it worth having meniscus surgery?

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.

Will cortisone injection help meniscus tear?

A cortisone injection cannot heal your meniscus tear. In most cases, your body will heal over time. Cortisone only helps with reducing the pain and inflammation from meniscal injuries.Oct 19, 2021

Does cortisone work for meniscus tear?

A cortisone shot can help decrease the inflammation and pain caused by a torn meniscus. A cortisone shot usually does not help in healing of the meniscus and, hence, does not improve any mechanical symptoms. If a meniscus is repairable, then a cortisone shot is not preferred as it may impair healing of the meniscus.

Does cortisone help torn meniscus?

We inject cortisone into a joint to help a meniscus tear in most cases. However, an injection into the joint will dilute the cortisone, meaning it will have less of an effect on the tear. Therefore, some doctors are now injecting cortisone very close to the meniscal tear and getting better results.

What percent 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.
Dec 21, 2020

How long does it take to recover from a torn meniscus surgery?

Though the surgery to repair a meniscus tear alone is not terribly long, the recovery time can last anywhere from three weeks to six months for a full return to activity.Jun 5, 2019

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.Jan 25, 2021

How to tell if a meniscus is torn?

are very common in athletics. The most common . mechanism of injury for a torn meniscus is the . twisting of a bent knee. Common signs and . symptoms include: pain, swelling, tenderness, . popping/clicking sensation, and limited range of . motion. 1-6.

What are the symptoms of a torn meniscus?

The most common . mechanism of injury for a torn meniscus is the . twisting of a bent knee. Common signs and . symptoms include: pain, swelling, tenderness, . popping/clicking sensation, and limited range of . motion.

What is the best treatment for meniscal injury?

Acupuncture/Needling. A number of articles support the use of needling techniques with respect to deterioration in the knee as well as meniscal injury. Dry needling and acupuncture may be advantageous in the healing of meniscal injury and promote an increase in blood flow as well as improve inflammation and pain.

Can meniscal tears occur after weight bearing?

Meniscal tears often occur after weight-bearing or twisting activities; however, they can also be deteriorating in nature. Meniscal injury often occurs in the active population with sudden acceleration/deceleration.

How many people have meniscal tears?

More than 35 percent of the population over 50 years of age has a meniscal tear. Some do not have symptoms, but for those living with pain, there is new evidence to support conservative measures, including Physical Therapy, before considering surgery. The meniscus aides in the stability of the knee, which takes on excess force during exercise.

What is the function of meniscus?

The meniscus aides in the stability of the knee, which takes on excess force during exercise. Meniscal tears often occur after weight-bearing or twisting activities; however, they can also be deteriorating in nature. Meniscal injury often occurs in the active population with sudden acceleration/deceleration.

Is dry needling good for meniscal injury?

Dry needling and acupuncture may be advantageous in the healing of meniscal injury and promote an increase in blood flow as well as improve inflammation and pain. Acupuncture and needling appear to aid in pain relief and improved functional scores both pre and post-operatively.

What is meniscal injury?

Meniscal injury is a common condition encountered in outpatient orthopedic clinics. Surgical intervention was commonly thought of as the most successful course of treatment; however, it appears other conservative measures are emerging as a less invasive and clinically relevant course of treatment, especially when treating deteriorating tears.

Is dry needling good for knee pain?

A number of articles support the use of needling techniques with respect to deterioration in the knee as well as meniscal injury. Dry needling and acupuncture may be advantageous in the healing of meniscal injury and promote an increase in blood flow as well as improve inflammation and pain.

What is the importance of education for meniscal tears?

Education includes home program, footwear modification, use of assistive device, pain and edema management techniques, and activity modification and progression. Education should also include the importance of weight management and weight loss if appropriate for the patient. Research indicates that in addition to excess body-weight causing increased stress on all weight-bearing joints in the body, that patients with meniscal tears who gain weight experience increased cartilage loss and increased pain, whereas those who lose weight experience the reverse.19

What causes meniscal tears?

The most frequent mechanism of acute meniscal injury is non-contact stress from deceleration or acceleration coupled with a change in direction, commonly seen during a cutting maneuver. Contact stress may also cause a meniscal tear, from a varus, valgus or hyperextension force coupled with a rotational motion. This mechanism can also result in a concurrent collateral ligament sprain. 17 Playing sports such as soccer and rugby has been found to be a strong risk factor for acute meniscal tears. Risk factors for degenerative meniscal tears include age (older than 60 years), male gender, work-related kneeling, squatting and stair climbing.18

What is the cartilage on the medial side of the knee?

The menisci are semi lunar shaped cartilages on the medial and lateral sides of the knee joint. The medial meniscus is semicircular in shape and the lateral meniscus is almost a complete circle.3,10,14 The menisci are held in place firmly to the knee joint capsule by ligaments surrounding the meniscus complex. The medial meniscus is connected to the lateral meniscus anteriorly by the transverse ligament and connected to the patella by the patellomeniscal ligament (a thickening of the anterior capsule) and held in place posteriorly by the semimembranosus muscle, which can affect movement in the medial meniscus as it contracts. The anterior horn of the medial meniscus receives fibers from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior horn receives fibers from the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The lateral meniscus is connected to the medial meniscus by the transverse ligament anteriorly, and to the patella by the patellomeniscal ligament. The lateral meniscus is also anchored posteriorly to the popliteus muscle and the PCL and to the medial femoral condyle via the meniscofemoral ligament. Muscular contractions of the popliteus muscle affects the movement of the lateral mensicus.11 The medial meniscus is less mobile than the lateral meniscus secondary to its attachments to the MCL, allowing 2 to 5 mm of translation; this attachment to the MCL may be a contributor to the increased incidence of medial meniscal tearing. 14 In comparison, the lateral meniscus translates 9 to 11mm in the anterioposterior plane. 14

What to do if you have a meniscus tear?

If you or someone you know had a minor tear, the treatment may have been as simple as rest, elevation, ice, exercise and/or a brace. However, a severe meniscus tear may require different treatment options.

What is the procedure to repair a torn meniscus?

Typically, a minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is done remove the damaged portion of the meniscus and keep the healthy part, or sometimes to repair certain types of special tears.

How many people go to the doctor for meniscus tear?

Severe Meniscus Tear: Treatment Options. Over 1 million people go to the emergency room and almost 2 million people go to the doctor each year in the United States because of acute knee pain. Since the knee joint is one of the major weight-bearing joints in the body and can support 2 to 5 times a person’s body weight depending on the activity, ...

Can a meniscus tear be caused by a twist injury?

Athletes participating in sports such as football, soccer, basketball, pickle ball or tennis, who may change direction quickly may place enough stress on the knee to cause a tear. On the other hand, as we age, it is possible to tear a meniscus with minimal stress.

Can you tear a meniscus with stress?

On the other hand, as we age, it is possible to tear a meniscus with minimal stress. If you or someone you know had a minor tear, the treatment may have been as simple as rest, elevation, ice, exercise and/or a brace. However, a severe meniscus tear may require different treatment options.

Can a twisting motion cause a meniscus tear?

Often during a twisting or turning injury, stress placed on the joint will cause a meniscus tear. In younger people this often occurs during physical activity such as playing sports, however in older adults, a simple twisting motion or missed step can cause a tear.

What is the role of menisci in knee rotation?

These menisci are rubbery tissues that act like shock absorbers to help to absorb and spread out the force of impact activities on the knee joint, as well as supporting and stabilizing it during rotation. Often during a twisting or turning injury, stress placed on the joint will cause a meniscus tear.

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 be caused by sports?

Meniscus Tear Treatment Options. For More Information. 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 calls your name. Damage to the meniscus cartilage that cushions your knee joint can also result from years of wear and 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 a transplanted meniscus?

The transplanted meniscus, which is donated from a cadaver, uses plugs to secure it to the native bone, and stitches secure it to the joint capsule. RELATED BLOG ARTICLE. Knee Arthroscopic Surgery for Meniscus Tears.

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 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.

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 do you know if you have 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 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.

Can a meniscus tear cause another knee injury?

We will help you choose the best treatment plan to meet your needs. Having torn your meniscus once could make you more likely to experience another knee injury.

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.

About Meniscus Tears

Each knee has two menisci, horseshoe-shaped spongy disks that work like shock absorbers between the femur and tibia. The menisci can become ruptured, either from trauma or from wear and tear over time. Traumatic meniscus tears are common in high intensity sports, especially contact sports like rugby and football.

New Cutting Edge Technology for Meniscus Tears

For the first time ever, our new technology reduces pain and inflammation, and stimulates the healing of damaged meniscus tissue, thanks to the effects of intracellular neuromodulation.

About Knee Pain Specialist Dr. Lev Kalika

Dr. Kalika revolutionized knee pain treatment by introducing high resolution diagnostic ultrasonography for structural diagnosis, combined with gait and motion analysis technology to visualize and objectify the functional movement of the knees and lower extremities.

Why Meniscal Tear Physical Therapy at NYDNRehab is Better than Conventional Physical Therapy

At NYDNRehab, we use the most advanced technologies for torn meniscus rehab, including regenerative technologies to eliminate pain and accelerate healing.

We Pride Ourselves on Accurate Diagnosis

Knee pain can have many causes, and getting an accurate diagnosis is key to setting the healing process in motion. At NYDNRehab, we use high-resolution diagnostic ultrasonography to view the knee joint in motion, in real time.

We Embrace the Latest Technologies for Optimal Results

Meniscus tears can range from mild to severe, and many people turn to surgery as a first line of treatment. However, most meniscus tears can be treated and healed without surgery. We use the latest non-invasive technologies and innovative therapies to rehabilitate meniscus tears and restore functional pain-free movement.

Regenerative Therapies for Meniscus Tears

Regenerative therapies are used to stimulate cellular neogenesis in damaged tissues. At NYDNRehab, we use the most cutting-edge technologies available to promote new cell growth, to help the body heal itself. Our regenerative treatment options include:

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