Quick Answer: Which Doctor At Hope Orthopedics Prefers To Fix Meniscus Tears?

What does an orthopedic surgeon do for a torn meniscus?

Treatment Overview This includes resting, using ice, wrapping the knee in an elastic bandage, propping it up on pillows, and doing physical therapy. This treatment choice may include wearing a temporary knee brace. Surgery to sew the tear together. Surgery to remove the torn section of the meniscus.

What should I ask my doctor about a torn meniscus?

Torn Meniscus Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the menisci?
• What does the meniscus do?
• What is an meniscus injury?
• What are the signs and symptoms of a meniscus injury?
• How is a meniscus injury diagnosed?
• How is a meniscus injury treated?
• What is the recovery process like for non-operative treatment of a Torn meniscus?

How do I know if I need surgery for a meniscus tear?

But most horizontal, long-standing, and degenerative tears —those caused by years of wear and tear —can’t be fixed. For these kinds of tears, you may need to have part or all of the meniscus removed. You may want to have surgery if your knee pain is too great or if you are unable to do daily activities.

Do you need surgery if you have a meniscus tear?

A tear on the inner two-thirds of the meniscus that won’t heal on its own because the area lacks blood flow to stimulate the immune system response. A tear that gives you a lot of pain or impairs use of your knee may require surgery to remove or repair the torn part of the meniscus.

What is the fastest way to recover from meniscus surgery?

Instead, doctors often prescribe “R.I.C.E.” That stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.

1. Rest the knee often.
2. Put ice or a cold pack on your knee several times a day for 20 minutes at a time.
3. Apply compression by wearing a bandage or brace.
4. Elevate the knee while you’re resting or when you’re icing it.

Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?

People usually feel pain, but can still walk. Sometimes swelling also occurs and it may get worse over time. You also might feel your knee getting stiffer.

Can a radial meniscus tear heal on its own?

A radial medial meniscus tear in an adult does not usually heal or repair itself, though the tear may thin and stop catching or irritating the cartilage on the ends of the femur and tibia. Once the pain and discomfort associated with spin class and other activities disappears, it should be safe to try running again.

What is the best treatment for meniscus tear?

To speed the recovery, you can:

• Rest the knee.
• Ice your knee to reduce pain and swelling.
• Compress your knee.
• Elevate your knee with a pillow under your heel when you’re sitting or lying down.
• Take anti-inflammatory medications.
• Use stretching and strengthening exercises to help reduce stress to your knee.

What are the symptoms of medial meniscus tear?

If you’ve torn your meniscus, you might have the following signs and symptoms in your knee:

• A popping sensation.
• 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.

What happens if a meniscus tear is left untreated?

An untreated meniscus tear can result in the frayed edge getting caught in the joint, causing pain and swelling. It can also result in long term knee problems such as arthritis and other soft tissue damage.

Is it OK to 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.

What 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.

How bad is my meniscus tear?

Left untreated, a meniscus tear can limit your daily life and ability to participate in exercise and sports. In serious cases, it can develop into long-term knee problems, like arthritis.

Is a torn meniscus a permanent injury?

If you start using your knee before it is healed, you could cause permanent damage. Meniscal tears are common knee injuries. With correct diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, patients often return to their pre- injury abilities.

How long are you off work for a meniscus surgery?

If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 4 to 6 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.