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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?

diagram of a torn meniscusYour 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:

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:

Nonsurgical Treatments

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

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:

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.

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