The only way to prevent and avoid a torn meniscus is to avoid
activities that cause the knees to twist, bend, or rotate in an extreme fashion
. If a person cannot avoid these activities, they should take as much care as possible while participating in them.
What aggravates a meniscus tear?
You’re most likely to injure your meniscus when
suddenly twisting or turning while your foot is stationary and planted
. You could injure your meniscus while playing sports, such as football, soccer, or baseball. You could also injure your meniscus off the field by lifting heavy boxes or slipping on a wet floor.
Is it OK to exercise with a torn meniscus?
Doctors will usually advise against performing certain exercises when you have a meniscus tear
. These exercises can put too much pressure on an already unstable knee. Avoid exercises that involve: pivoting.
Should I wear a knee brace with 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.
Can you live with a torn meniscus?
“
You can live with a meniscus tear
,” Dr. Parker says. “And it may heal on its own, or just not cause you problems.” However, you’ll know pretty quickly when it is a problem.
Can a meniscus tear lead to knee replacement?
Conclusions: In patients with knee osteoarthritis
arthroscopic knee surgery with meniscectomy is associated with a three fold increase in the risk for future knee replacement surgery
.
How long does meniscus tear 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.
How do I strengthen my knee after meniscus tear?
- Quad sets.
- Straight-leg raise to the front.
- Straight-leg raise to the back.
- Hamstring curls.
- Heel raises.
- Heel dig bridging.
- Shallow standing knee bends.
Should you stay off a torn meniscus?
Rest.
You should stay off your feet until your meniscus tear is healed
. Don’t walk, run, or play sports because this can make your injury worse.
Can you put weight on a torn meniscus?
Many individuals are still capable of putting weight on the affected knee
and even walking normally after a meniscus injury. In fact, many athletes can even continue playing after a meniscus injury.
Can you make a meniscus tear worse?
If you have a mild ache during the run, or a mildly sore knee after a run then you can often continue running. There is very little risk that running will worsen the tear.
Meniscus tears can always worsen
… remember, this is a process of degeneration.
Why does meniscus tear hurt at night?
There are a couple of reasons why your knee pain is worse at night:
Pain is perceived to be worse at nighttime
. As you climb into bed and start to quiet your mind pain becomes more pronounced than when you were active during the day distracted by your activities. An active day may cause your knee joint to swell.
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.
How do you sleep with a torn meniscus?
Roll over to the “good leg” side
. Sleeping on your back can be an adjustment in and of itself. If you do choose to sleep on your side, roll to the non-surgery side and put a pillow between your knees. Use this position only if you’re having no luck getting to sleep on your back, and remember not to bend the knee.
What foods help heal a torn meniscus?
- Legumes. For optimal joint function, it is important to beat inflammation wherever possible—inflammation is the primary source of collagen and, by extension, cartilage breakdown. …
- Oranges. …
- Pomegranates. …
- Green Tea. …
- Brown Rice. …
- Nuts. …
- Brussel Sprouts.
Will my knee ever be the same after meniscus surgery?
Knee Swelling after Meniscus Surgery
Swelling is an indicator of inflammation, which is part of the normal healing process after surgeries such as a meniscus repair.
It can sometimes persist for a few weeks following meniscal surgery
.
Can a meniscus tear twice?
A re-torn meniscus can occur from a fall, traumatic event or degeneration
. Revision meniscus repair surgeon, Dr. Matthew Provencher provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Vail who have re-torn their meniscus. Contact Dr.
Can I climb stairs after meniscus surgery?
Avoid activities that cause pain or swelling to the knee
. Examples include climbing stairs or standing or sitting for long periods. Begin other activities as advised by your doctor.
Can a torn meniscus heal itself without surgery?
Many people have meniscus tears that will improve without surgery
. A degenerative meniscus tear will often have symptoms that subside over time and never require surgery.
