Meniscus injuries are very common, but that doesn't make them any less painful. "Meniscus" is the scientific term that defines the cartilage pads that protect the knee; during intense physical or sporting activity, this cartilage can be damaged, leading to stiffness, pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Do not try to bear the pain and overcome the injury alone. We're here to help you consider all treatment options, so you get back to health as soon as possible.
Steps
Method 1 of 8: How do I recognize a meniscus tear?
Step 1. You won't be able to move your knee much
Following a meniscus tear, you may not be able to straighten or rotate your knee as you normally would. You may also feel the joint locked or unable to put weight on the leg.
Step 2. Your knee will hurt a lot
Pay attention to normal everyday movements, such as getting out of bed or walking down the street - with a meniscus tear, the knee can be sore, swollen, and particularly stiff. You may also feel a snap inside the joint as you move it.
The pain can be particularly severe when you rotate your knee or when you try to twist your leg
Method 2 of 8: Should I go to the doctor?
Step 1. Yes, you should see an orthopedist
The specialist can check your knee and tell you how severe the injury is. Depending on the extent of the injury, they can recommend treatments to follow at home or surgery to repair the injury.
During the visit, the orthopedist will check the mobility of the knee and notice if it hurts. In addition, it may require an MRI or X-ray to better assess the location of the lesion
Method 3 of 8: Can I walk with a meniscus tear?
Step 1. Yes, but you should still go to the orthopedist
At first, it may seem easy to ignore a meniscus tear, but more serious problems can arise over time. An untreated injury can lead to arthritis and other serious knee problems.
Method 4 of 8: Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?
Step 1. Yes, based on the severity of the injury
Small tears in the outer third of the meniscus can heal on their own and often don't require surgery. In contrast, injuries that affect two-thirds within the meniscus almost always need to be treated with an operation. Do not worry; During your visit, your doctor will diagnose your injury and recommend the best treatment.
Many meniscus injuries can heal without surgery
Method 5 of 8: What home remedies can I try?
Step 1. Follow the RICE method
This acronym stands for Rest (rest), Ice (ice), Compression (compression) and Elevation (elevation). By following these steps you will be able to recover safely at home, minimizing discomfort.
- Rest: Avoid sports and physical activity that caused the injury and use crutches to move around.
- Ice: Wrap a cold pack with a cloth or towel and apply it to the injured knee for 20 minutes in a row, several times a day. To be safe, never apply ice directly to the skin.
- Compression: Wrap an elastic compression bandage around the injured knee. Keep the bandage snug to the skin, but not too tight; if your knee falls asleep or tingles, loosen the bandages slightly.
- Elevation: When you can, keep the injured leg elevated so that it is above the height of the heart.
Step 2. Take pain relievers as directed
Aspirin and ibuprofen don't help your knee heal, but they will make your injury much easier to manage. Always follow the doses indicated on the package and do not exceed them.
Method 6 of 8: What other non-surgical treatments are there?
Step 1. Ask your doctor about steroid injections
Corticosteroids can relieve pain and reduce swelling. During the visit, the orthopedist will inject the steroids directly into the joint to calm the pain and deflate it.
Researchers are developing plasma injections that can help heal injuries to the meniscus
Method 7 of 8: How long does it take for a meniscus tear to heal without surgery?
Step 1. This usually takes about 6 weeks
If after a month and a half your knee still hurts, surgery may be the best option.
Method 8 of 8: Will I need to have surgery?
Step 1. Perhaps if the injury is very severe
During the operation, the surgeon will either repair the injury or remove the meniscus entirely. Afterwards, your doctor will suggest that you undergo physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles that support the knee and to get back in shape, so that you can resume normal physical and sporting activity.
