A torn meniscus is one of the common knee injuries. Any activity that makes you forcefully rotate or twist your knee, particularly when placing your full weight on it, can cause a meniscus tear. A knee consists of two c-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion your thigh bone and your shinbone. A torn meniscus causes swelling, pain, and stiffness. You might also experience a block-to-knee motion and have a challenge extending your knee fully. Fortunately, if you have a meniscus tear West Chester, there are conservative measures that can help heal and relieve the symptoms. Here is a look at the nonsurgical and conservative treatments for meniscus tears.
Pain Relief Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen can help to decrease inflammation and pain caused by a meniscus tear. Acetaminophen is also an effective pain reliever but doesn’t decrease inflammation. Your doctor will discuss the best prescription and over-the-counter options with you.
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (Rice)
Your doctor might recommend a rice regimen to treat your meniscus tear. Resting your knee by avoiding physical activity and using a cane for some weeks to keep the weight off your knee will help relieve most of the symptoms. Applying ice to your injury and elevating the knee during the first few days after tearing your meniscus will help to decrease swelling. You can also wear a compression bandage to reduce pain and swelling.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can relieve knee pain. The corticosteroids are injected into the knee to decrease discomfort and swelling for long-lasting relief. Your doctor might inject a small amount of anesthetic coupled with corticosteroids. The anesthetic offers immediate pain relief that wears off after a few hours, at which the knee pain might return. The corticosteroid starts working two to three days after the injection.
However, it is not recommendable to get multiple corticosteroid injections within a short time. If used too frequently, corticosteroids might cause side effects such as cartilage deterioration and soft tissue weakening. They might also increase your blood sugar levels and hence not a good option for people with metabolic conditions such as diabetes.
Biologic Injections
Biologics are innovative medications derived from biological sources such as bone marrow, blood, and fat cells. The medications have been proven to help heal the tone tissues and reduce inflammation in your knee. Your doctor might discuss this emerging technology as a complement to other nonsurgical treatments.
Physical Therapy
After joint inflammation subsides and you can walk and stand with too much pain, your doctor might recommend physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength in your injured knee. Physical therapy aims to create a personalized treatment plan that allows you to return to your daily activities. The duration of your physical therapy will depend on the extent of your meniscus ear. You might need around one or two months of physical therapy for a little tear. Severe meniscus tears might need prolonged physical therapy. Your doctor will examine your progress regularly to determine if further rehabilitation is required.
Ultimately, these effective conservative treatments help relieve pain and heal your meniscus tear. How well your meniscus tear heals and whether you will need to undertake surgery significantly depends on the type and severity of your tear. Work with your doctor to create a customized treatment program that helps regain your knee flexibility and strength.