How to treat a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear is a fairly common injury, but that doesn’t mean it’s less painful. “Meniscus” is the medical term for the cartilage pad in the knee. During sports or vigorous activity, this cartilage can tear, leading to symptoms such as stiffness, pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. ^{[1] X Research Source} Don’t try to endure the pain silently. We’ll help you consider treatment options so you can get better soon.

Table of Contents

How do I know if I have a meniscus tear?

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You cannot move your knee freely. After a meniscus tear, you may not be able to straighten or rotate your knee as usual. You may feel like your knees are locked or unable to support your body weight. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Knees are very painful. Pay attention to everyday movements like climbing into bed or walking on the street. When the meniscus is torn, the knee can become painful, swollen, and/or stiff. You may also feel like your knees creak. ^{[3] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

The pain is especially pronounced when you rotate the knee.

Do I need to see a doctor?

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Yes, you should see an orthopedic surgeon. Your doctor can examine your knee and tell you the extent of your meniscus tear. Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor may recommend home treatment or surgical repair of the tear. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

During the exam, your doctor may check your knee range of motion and see if the knee is painful or aching. You may also have an MRI or X-ray to show your doctor the location of the tear.

Can I walk with a meniscus tear?

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Yes, but you should still see your doctor. A meniscus tear can be easy to overlook at first, but it causes bigger problems later on. An untreated injury can lead to arthritis and other serious problems in the knee. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?

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Yes, but it depends on the extent of the tear. Small tears along the 1/3 of the lateral meniscus may heal on their own and do not require surgery. However, tears along two-thirds of the medial meniscus will probably require surgery. Do not worry; When you visit the doctor, the doctor can determine the condition of the wound and help you choose the right treatment. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Many meniscal tears heal without surgery.

What home remedies can I try?

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Apply the RICE method. “RICE” is the English initials of Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), the 4 main steps you need to take for a safe and comfortable treatment. at home. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Rest: Avoid sports or activities that have caused the meniscus tear, and use crutches to get around if necessary.
Apply ice: Wrap a cold pack in a towel or rag and apply it to the injured knee for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. To be on the safe side, never apply ice directly to your knee.
Compression: Wrap an elastic bandage around the injured knee. Wrap snugly, but don’t be too tight – if your knee feels numb or crawling, re-wrap it a little looser. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
Elevation: Whenever possible, elevate the injured leg above heart level. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Take pain relievers if needed. Aspirin and ibuprofen won’t heal the knee, but it will make it much more comfortable. ^{[10] X Research Source} Always use the instructions on the bottle and do not exceed the recommended dose.

Are there other non-surgical treatments available?

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Talk to your doctor about steroid injections. Corticosteroids can relieve pain and reduce swelling. Your doctor will inject steroids directly into the joint to help relieve pain and swelling. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Researchers are also developing plasma injections, which may help heal meniscal tears.

How long does it take for a meniscus to heal without surgery?

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It will take about 6 weeks. If your knee is still sore by this point, you may need surgery. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Do I need surgery?

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Possibly, if the tear is really serious. During surgery, your doctor can repair or completely remove the tear. You may be advised to do physical therapy to help support your knee and recover so you can return to sports and daily activities. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Steps