Meniscus injuries are common as the meniscus is one of the vulnerable parts of your knee. The shock absorbers may be torn due to several factors like sudden movements or wear off gradually due to aging. The immeasurable news is that help is available through medical experts like Dr. Ronald Hess in West Chester, an orthopedic surgeon, and a sports medicine specialist. Since meniscus tears are common, many people might try different ways to manage the condition, but it is suitable to attempt an expert diagnosis before taking any action. Here are some facts you need to know about managing a meniscus tear.
Small Tears Can Heal Independently
Some people may wait for a meniscus tear to heal on its own. Although the tear can heal, it is a bad idea not to seek a medical diagnosis first. The meniscus tear will heal depending on how bad it is, and small tears might not need surgery. These are tears along with the external third of your meniscus. However, note that you might need surgery for tears along the inner two-thirds of your meniscus. Understand that although most of the meniscus tears can heal by themselves, contact your doctor first to understand the cause of your condition so that you can walk in the right treatment direction.
Home Remedies for Meniscus Tear
You can self-treat acute meniscus tears at home with some remedies. This includes the RICE method, which is resting, using ice, compressing, and elevating your leg. But remember to consult your doctor first. You can also take painkillers to relieve your pain and discomfort if your injury is not severe. Such treatments will encourage flexibility and improve your recovery process. But cautiously take painkillers, ensuring you take the right drugs and dose.
Nonsurgical Treatments
If your condition does not improve with conventional treatments, you can consult your doctor about other nonsurgical and less invasive treatments. Consult your doctor about steroid injections that can help you with the pain and reduce swelling. You can also consider physical therapy to help you recover from your injury. Your provider may suggest different exercises to help you heal, use neuromuscular electrical stimulation, suggest icing and compression to help you manage your symptoms.
Getting Surgery
You might need surgery for your meniscus tear when the tear is severe. Your provider will ensure by inserting a tiny camera into your knee to see the injury and tell if surgery is your best option. Your doctor might fix or remove the meniscus tear depending on the nature of your tear. The meniscus can be sewed together through small surgical tools, or your provider can perform a partial meniscectomy to remove the damaged meniscus where it cannot be repaired. Unfortunately, most meniscus tears are unrepairable.
Prognosis
Whether the treatment option is most suitable for your meniscus tear, your provider will help you learn how to get back to your activities. Physical therapy is mainly recommended to help you be back on your feet walking with ease. After surgery, your doctor might recommend rehabilitation to help you go back to your routine as soon as possible. Although every case is different, most patients are usually back to their routines within four months after treatment. At that time, you can do everything you used to do before your injury.
Explore your meniscus tear treatment options at Ronald Hess, MS, DO today to learn how to get back to your quality life soon. Dr. Hess will evaluate your condition to understand its severity and recommend the most suitable treatment option for you. Remember, it would be good to consult your doctor before you try anything.
