The most common knee surgery performed on people over 65 is repair of torn meniscus cartilage. The procedure is costly, at
up to $10,000 a patient
— and it’s also usually a waste, if not outright harmful.
Is meniscus surgery a big deal?
When performed by an experienced surgeon, meniscus repair is highly successful , with good results in approximately 90% of patients
. Any knee that is injured has a higher likelihood of developing arthritis. A successful repair slows the development of arthritic changes.
Why does my torn meniscus hurt so much?
So how does a meniscus tear cause knee pain? Meniscus tears hurt
because they upset the lining or the synovium of the knee
. The synovium has a lot of nerves in it and this synovium will cause significant pain, and swelling when it is irritated.
Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?
Can you walk on a torn meniscus?
Whether you can walk on a torn meniscus will depend on the injury’s location and severity
— and perhaps also your own personal tolerance for pain. A slight tear might not feel so bad to you. You may very well be able to stand and walk on a leg that has a torn meniscus in the knee.
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
.
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.
Is it better to repair or remove meniscus?
In most patients,
meniscus tear repair is preferred over meniscus removal
. That’s because studies have shown when the meniscus is repaired and preserved, patients tend to experience better overall healing and better long-term joint function.
What happens if you leave a torn meniscus 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.
What happens if you don’t repair a torn meniscus?
If not treated,
part of the meniscus may come loose and slip into the joint
. You may need surgery to restore full knee function. Untreated meniscus tears can increase in size and lead to complications, such as arthritis.
What is a Grade 3 meniscus tear?
Meniscus tears, indicated by MRI, are classified in three grades. Grades 1 and 2 are not considered serious. They may not even be apparent with an arthroscopic examination. Grade 3 is
a true meniscus tear
and an arthroscope is close to 100 percent accurate in diagnosing this tear.
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.
What should I avoid with a torn meniscus?
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.
Does a torn meniscus throb?
Symptoms of a Meniscus Injury
Depending on the extent of the meniscus injury, pain can range from mild to severe.
Most patients will experience swelling and a throbbing or sharp, knee pain
.
Do they put you to sleep for meniscus surgery?
Your healthcare provider may suggest full or partial meniscus removal if you tear your meniscus.
Meniscectomy can be done with local or general anesthesia (in which you are put to sleep)
and it can decrease pain and restore mobility.
Why do my knees hurt 6 weeks after meniscus?
knee to be swollen, and your foot and ankle may be swollen as well due to gravity.
The fluid in your knee often remains there for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery until your body can reabsorb it
. This fluid will make your knee feel tight or stiff, especially with deep knee bending or squatting.
Why do my knees hurt 3 months after meniscus?
Swelling, infection, inadequate rehabilitation, spontaneous osteonecrosis, and arthritis in the joint
are a few of the factors that cause continued knee pain after surgery.
Will a cortisone shot help a torn meniscus?
A cortisone shot can help decrease the inflammation and pain caused by a torn meniscus
. A cortisone shot usually does not help in healing of the meniscus and, hence, does not improve any mechanical symptoms. If a meniscus is repairable, then a cortisone shot is not preferred as it may impair healing of the meniscus.
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 is the best exercise for torn meniscus?
- Quadriceps setting. …
- Mini-squats. …
- Straight leg raise. …
- Hamstring heel digs. …
- Leg extensions. …
- Standing heel raises. …
- Clams. …
- Hamstring curls.
What are the cons of meniscus surgery?
The downsides to surgery
a risk of complications from anesthesia
. recovery periods typically lasting from two to six weeks. follow-up doctor visits. time off from work following surgery.
How painful is meniscus surgery recovery?
An uncomplicated meniscectomy will resolve most of the pain fairly quickly
, but swelling and stiffness take time to resolve. It may take 4-5 months for full healing. The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery.
What does a torn meniscus in the knee feel like?
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.
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.
