Meniscus Tears: Should You Let A Soft Tissue Injury Repair On Its Own?

Meaning Of A Torn Meniscus

A meniscus is a cartilage that is located between the lower leg bone and thigh bone. A meniscus serves as a cushion to protect surrounding bones and joints. Meniscus tears occur mostly in elderly people or athletes. In the elderly, the cartilage gets weaker and tears. In athletes, the tears are typically due to a knee injury.

What does a torn meniscus feel like?

The symptoms vary from person to person depending on the severity. The common symptoms include pain, swelling, and limping. Other possible symptoms include the inability to straighten or bend the leg and locking of the knee joint.

How to diagnose a meniscus injury

The healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history and perform the necessary physical examination of the affected area. During the physical examination, the doctor will check for the severity of pain, swelling, and range of motion. The doctor will order some radiological imaging tests such as X-rays. Sometimes an arthroscopy may be needed to get a better view and to check the level of the injury.

Does a tear repair on its own or is surgical intervention required?

The treatment depends on various factors such as the severity of the injury, age, and response to conservative treatment. Some meniscus tears heal with conservative treatment alone. If the injury does not heal with conservative treatments, then surgical options are advised by the doctor. The non-surgical options include rest, ice, elevation, compression, pain medications, and physical therapy.

Is there a way to prevent a torn meniscus?

There are various ways to prevent a meniscus injury. One way is to wear supportive knee braces or shoes to keep the knee stable. Doing strengthening exercises helps to increase knee strength and stability. Avoid excessive physical activity that will affect the knee and warm up before initiating any physical exercise. Any pain felt should not be ignored and taking some rest in between exercises is recommended.

After treating a meniscus injury, what is the prognosis like?

Usually, a person with a meniscus tear can resume activity fully even if the treatment included surgery. However, those who underwent surgery take a longer time to recover. Some may be at risk of developing arthritis later in life, although this is rare.

When is it necessary to call the healthcare provider?

Sometimes calling the doctor immediately is necessary. One reason to call a doctor includes the inability to straighten the leg. Other reasons include pain and swelling that do not heal and locking of the knee. The healthcare provider will provide the best advice once the severity of the tear is diagnosed.