A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries that affects people of different ages. Whether you are an athlete who felt a tear in the cartilage in your knee while pivoting to catch the ball or suffering from arthritis, wondering if a torn meniscus can heal without surgery, the answer is yes! How? Let’s find out!
What is a Torn Meniscus?
A torn meniscus is a tear in the cartilage of the knee. It is present at two places inside a knee joint. These cartilages work as shock absorbers, providing a cushion for the bones. It usually tears when the joint undergoes a strong twist or a rotation, causing pain, swelling and limited mobility.
Types of Meniscus Tear
A single knee joint has two meniscius therefore, there are only two types of tears.
#1 Medial Meniscus: Tear that affects the cartilage on the inside of the knee joint.
#2 Lateral Meniscus: Tear that affects the cartilage outside the knee joint.
Symptoms and Causes of Meniscus Tear
A person who has torn their meniscus feels like a pop inside their joint. They also have a lot of pain, stiffness, and difficulty bending the knee. At first, you might feel completely normal and even bear weight on your knee; however, after some time, the knee will eventually swell and turn red. At last, the pain will be unbearable. This is when you need to visit Dr. Uday Meghnathi, the best meniscus injury treatment doctor in Vadodara. He is an expert in the field with 8+ years of experience. His outstanding staff and first-rate facility, which is equipped with all the latest conveniences, make it the ideal location for these kinds of injuries.
What Causes a Meniscus Tear?
Acute meniscus tears occur when you move your knee in rotational movement and your foot fixates in the position. In most cases, the tear occurs during sports. Cartilage that degenerates during old age or in those with arthritis can tear as a result of a slight movement, like when one steps on uneven ground. A tear may sometimes occur even without a knee injury due to the effects of arthritis, which causes damage over time.
Also Read: knee replacement hospital in Vadodara
Can a Torn Meniscus Heal Without Surgery?
There is are high chance that a torn meniscus can heal naturally on its own without injury. However, the injury’s healing depends on the severity and location of the meniscus tear. Some torn meniscus injuries can be healed without surgery, while others require medical attention.
Treatment of Torn Meniscus
Healing of your meniscus tear can be achieved through a non-surgical way, depending on where and the extent of the tear. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) can be recommended to relieve pain and lessen swelling by your healthcare provider. You also need to apply the RICE method in the days after you have sustained an injury. RICE is short for “pressure, rest, ice, compression, and elevation.”
#1 Rest: Do not put weight on the injured knee as much as you can.
#2 Ice: Put an ice pack on your knee a few times a day for approximately 20 minutes.
#3 Compression: Bandage your kneecap with a compression bandage to facilitate the decrease of the swelling.
#4 Elevation: When our leg is elevated above our heart, it reduces swelling.
Conclusion
A simple answer to our question is that yes, a torn meniscus can be treated without surgery. The size, type, and location of the tear, along with the patient’s age, activity level, and overall joint health, all influence whether a torn meniscus can heal without surgery. Larger or more complex tears often require surgery to restore knee stability and function. However, smaller tears, especially those in the outer vascular zone, may heal with rest, physical therapy, and changes in lifestyle.
For the best outcome and to prevent long-term joint damage, consult the best orthopedic surgeon in Vadodara, Dr. Uday Meghnathi. He has rich experience in treating critical conditions with bones and muscles. The treatment facility is well-equipped with modern, advanced machines and tools to provide appropriate treatment. Call us to book your appointment.
Also Check: What is Knee Replacement Surgery Success Rate in India?
