Treatment Options for a Torn Meniscus

A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries. It can be very painful, resulting in significant swelling and a feeling that the knee is locked. There are many factors to consider when determining the right treatment option for your torn meniscus, including your age, lifestyle, location and severity of the tear, and the amount of pain you’re experiencing. Our orthopedic knee surgeons will discuss these factors with you in detail and recommend the ideal treatment plan based on your unique situation.

What Is a Torn Meniscus?

Your meniscus is a c-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that stabilizes the joint and provides cushioning to protect the adjoining bones from excessive wear and tear. There are two menisci in each knee.

This cartilage can tear easily when the knee becomes twisted. This injury commonly occurs in contact sports, as well as non-contact sports which involve a significant amount of cutting or jumping. In some instances, a portion of the torn meniscus may become lodged in the knee joint, causing it to become locked.

Common symptoms of a torn meniscus include:

• Knee pain
• Swelling
• A tendency for your knee to become locked up
• Problems bending and straightening your leg
• A popping sensation at the time of injury

Conservative Treatment Options

In most instances, conservative treatments will be explored before knee surgery is recommended. In fact, many people find that they are able to heal without surgery. If your knee is stable, not locking up, and symptoms begin to improve, it’s likely that nonsurgical treatments will be optimal.

The location and severity of the tear will often impact the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments. The outer part of the meniscus has better blood supply and small tears to this region may heal on their own. However, more severe tears to the inner portion of the meniscus (where blood supply is poor) may not heal as well without surgery.

At-Home Remedies

In most instances, at-home remedies won’t be sufficient to facilitate complete healing after a torn meniscus. However, the following actions can improve the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments and speed up your recovery:

• Rest – Limit your activity level if you’re experiencing significant knee pain. Crutches may be helpful when walking to reduce pain.
• Ice – Icing your knee for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours will help reduce pain and swelling. You should ice your knee for the first few days after the injury, or until pain and swelling begin to subside.
• Compression – Wearing a compression bandage or neoprene sleeve on your knee can help manage the swelling.
• Elevation – Elevate your knee using a pillow under your heel when sitting or lying down.
• Anti-inflammatory medication – NSAID medications such as Advil can help reduce pain and swelling.

Nonsurgical Treatments

In addition to these at-home remedies, our orthopedic surgeons may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Physical therapy – Physical therapy is often an integral part of your treatment plan. It can be done as a nonsurgical treatment, and it is also used after knee surgery to restore full strength and range of motion. Physical therapy will include exercises that focus on range of motion, stretches that keep your leg muscles loose, basic exercises to begin restoring strength, and advanced exercises involving weights (once you are pain free).
• Injections – Cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections can be used to reduce inflammation in the knee joint. This can temporarily reduce pain, but won’t heal the tear. Hyaluronic injections are for arthritis; however, a torn meniscus often accompanies the arthritis when the injection is given.

Surgical Treatment Options

If you experience a severe tear of your meniscus or if symptoms don’t resolve after conservative treatments are exhausted, you may need to undergo knee surgery to repair the torn meniscus. Depending on the specific nature of your injury, one of the following surgical procedures may be required:

• Arthroscopic repair – Small incisions are made in the knee. A narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted in the incision to allow our surgeons to get a better view of the torn meniscus. Small devices resembling darts will be placed along the tear to repair it.
• Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy – Part of your meniscus is surgically removed to restore proper function.
• Arthroscopic total meniscectomy – The entire meniscus is surgically removed to restore proper function.

Helping You Restore a Pain Free Life

At Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, we’re committed to delivering the high quality medical treatment you deserve. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are fellowship trained and have specialized in knee surgery procedures. You’ll benefit from working with some of the most highly skilled and experienced surgeons along the Western Slope, ensuring the most advanced techniques are used during your procedure.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Colorado Advanced Orthopedics serves patients in Meeker and throughout the White River Valley.