Doctors don’t usually recommend starting a physical therapy routine immediately after a meniscal tear. There’s a lot of swelling and inflammation that needs to go down before exercises can be effective. Doctors usually recommend following the RICE protocol: R is for rest.
Is walking good for a torn meniscus?
It is generally OK to walk on a torn meniscus, though you may benefit from using crutches to help alleviate some of the pressure. However, if pain increases, try to rest your knee as much as possible and avoid bearing too much weight on it.
Rest. Avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain, especially any activity that causes you to twist, rotate or pivot your knee.
Ice. Ice can reduce knee pain and swelling.
Medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers also can help ease knee pain.
What is the best exercise for a meniscus tear? – Related Questions
What worsens a meniscus tear?
Continuing to walk on the affected leg can aggravate your symptoms, making pain and stiffness worse in as little as a few days. Plus, suffering a torn meniscus may also increase your risk of complications, like developing osteoarthritis in that knee.
What are 3 signs of a meniscus tear in the knee?
Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.
How long should a torn meniscus take to heal?
Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery. If your symptoms persist after 3 months or your symptoms become significant, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tear.
Can a torn meniscus heal in 2 weeks?
Typically, mild meniscus tears heal within two to three weeks. Symptoms of moderate meniscus tears or strains: Pain at the side or center of the knee. Stiffness.
What is the average healing time for a torn meniscus?
Recovery and Outlook
Full recovery from meniscus surgery can take anywhere from six weeks to three months. Your care after surgery may involve: Crutches to take stress off the knee as it heals.
A meniscus tear can get worse when left untreated. For example, you might have trouble managing the pain and swelling in your knee, or your knee may continue feeling like it’s catching or locking.
What exercises should I avoid with a torn meniscus?
The patient should avoid pivoting and squatting and should work on keeping the quadriceps muscles strong. If the swelling and pain have not resolved in 6 weeks, they usually won’t without surgical intervention.
Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus?
Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus? Yes.Although knee braces do not heal or treat your meniscus tear directly, they can provide extra support and stability for your knee while your meniscus injury heals. A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest.
Is heat or cold better for torn meniscus?
Ice Treatment: Ice is used in treating acute (new) injuries such as ankle sprains, fractures, and meniscus tears (torn cartilage in the knee). These types of injuries produce sudden, and often severe, pain and bring swelling (inflammation), tenderness, and the inability to put weight on the area.
Is stretching good for meniscus tear?
Should I massage a torn meniscus?
What will treatment consist of for a Meniscal Tear? Massage – Encompassing a variety of techniques with sufficient pressure through the superficial tissue to reach the deep lying structures. It is used to increase blood flow, decrease swelling, reduce muscle spasm and promote normal tissue repair.
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Rest: Keep your weight off the injured knee as much as possible. Ice: Place an ice pack on your knee for about 20 minutes, several times a day. Compression: Wrap your knee with a compression bandage to help reduce swelling.
Can you rehab a torn meniscus without surgery?
Nonsurgical Treatment for a Meniscus Tear
Walking aids such as crutches may be recommended to take pressure off of the knee and to promote healing. Using a cold compress or ice pack can help to reduce swelling and pain in the knee.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
