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A damaged meniscus may not require surgery for a full recovery. There are some cases where patients with tears that do not cause locking of the knee, can improve over time. Differences in the severity and type of injury will affect the treatment, as well as the degree of activity that the patient wishes to pursue after treatment.
Meniscus injuries range from minor tears to complete tears of the structure. Some patients, even those with quite severe injuries, may choose to not undergo surgery. A partially torn meniscus can rebuild itself. However, a more severe tear will require surgery to repair and prevent further damage to the joint.
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Initial care will focus on rest and the avoidance of activities that aggravate the condition. Actions that involve any pounding force against the knee, such as running or jumping should be avoided. Physical therapy will focus on increasing the strength and stamina of the quadriceps and hamstrings. Strengthening these muscles will help support the knee.
Click on the Non-Surgical Details button to review additional information. |
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Knee: Support
A knee support is a sleeve-like support that fits firmly around the knee. The support is used to reinforce the joint during motion
and provide compression to aid healing and reduce pain and swelling.
Patients suffering from knee strains or inflammation will usually be
directed to use a support during daily activities.
The thin and flexible construction of the support allows for normal
movement of the knee and also allows the support to be worn under
loose fitting clothing. To prevent harmful pressure to certain
structures, the support applies differing compression around the
knee. The sides of the joint receive intermittent pressure to help
stimulate blood flow while the rear of the support fits relatively
loose to prevent constriction of circulation. The kneecap is aided
in positioning, but remains free of compression to allow its natural
movement.
Knee supports can be used to treat:
Strains
Sprains
Inflammation
Chondromalacia patella
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NSAIDs
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a group of drugs used to control pain. This category of medications includes both prescription and common over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs are effective for many types of pain that can occur because of inflammation of muscles, joints and bones. The drugs work quickly and people often notice some benefit within a few hours of taking the tablet. However, the complete effectiveness of the drug may not be realized for up to four weeks. For each individual, some varieties of NSAIDs are more effective than others. Often, patients will find that one or two varieties are helpful whereas others may not be as effective in controlling symptoms. It is usually necessary to try several brands and continue with the one that is most suitable. NSAIDs can be used to treat:
Pain resulting from inflammation or swelling.
Pain after injury.
Joint pain and arthritis.
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| In order to preserve the entire meniscal cartilage, the torn meniscus is surgically repaired. This repair allows the meniscus to continue functioning as a natural shock absorber and offers a stabilizing receptacle for the end of the femur. |
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| The torn piece of the medial meniscus is removed, and the remaining surface is smoothed. The residual meniscal cartilage continues to serve as a natural shock absorber for the knee. |
NSAIDs
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a group of drugs used to control pain. This category of medications includes both prescription and common over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs are effective for many types of pain that can occur because of inflammation of muscles, joints and bones. The drugs work quickly and people often notice some benefit within a few hours of taking the tablet. However, the complete effectiveness of the drug may not be realized for up to four weeks. For each individual, some varieties of NSAIDs are more effective than others. Often, patients will find that one or two varieties are helpful whereas others may not be as effective in controlling symptoms. It is usually necessary to try several brands and continue with the one that is most suitable. NSAIDs can be used to treat:
Pain resulting from inflammation or swelling.
Pain after injury.
Joint pain and arthritis.
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Knee: Cold Therapy
Cold therapy is used to reduce pain and swelling and is a convenient method to apply cold to an injured or rehabilitating extremity, such as a knee or shoulder. A cuff fits like a sleeve around the extremity and utilizes cold water supplied by a connected thermos or canister to chill the extremity. Water flow into the cuff can be controlled by different mechanisms. The simplest way is gravity; elevating the canister fills the cuff and controls the amount of pressure against the extremity. Water flow may also be controlled by a pump which will automatically circulate the cold water to and from the cuff. After surgery or immediately following an injury, the canister should be refilled with cold water every one to two hours to maintain a proper temperature. The cold therapy may also be used during rehabilitation, especially after physical activity, reducing the inflammatory heat from exercise.
Cold therapy can be used to treat:
Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand, Back, Hip, and Foot & Ankle Injuries. Knee Examples include:
Pre-operative ACL/PCL injuries.
Non-surgical ACL/PCL injuries.
General knee pain or swelling.
Soft tissue injuries.
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Although some meniscal tears require surgery, the procedure does not require implanting surgical hardware.
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| The meniscal surgical procedures discussed here do not require the transplanting of any tissue. |
About the Review Team
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