Non-Surgical Treatments for Meniscus Tear

Meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries and can leave you in excruciating pain and limit your ability to move freely. While surgery can treat your meniscus tear West Chester, there are several non-surgical treatments you can try to alleviate your symptoms and promote healing. Here are non-surgical therapies you may consider for your meniscus tear.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can be an effective way to treat a meniscus tear. A physical therapist will work with you to develop a customized exercise plan to help improve the strength and flexibility of your knee. This can include exercises such as leg lifts, squats, lunges, and stretches to improve your range of motion. Your physical therapist may also use ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Knee braces

A knee brace can help support and stabilize your knee while it heals. There are several different types of knee braces, including sleeves, straps, and hinged braces. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend the best kind of brace for your specific injury. While a knee brace won’t necessarily heal your meniscus tear, it can help prevent further damage and allow you to stay active while you recover.

Rest and ice

While it may seem simple, rest and ice are two of the most effective ways to treat a meniscus tear. Resting your knee allows your body to focus on healing the injury, while ice can help reduce pain and swelling. Aim to ice your knee for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. It’s also important to avoid activities that may aggravate your injury, such as running or jumping.

It’s necessary to note that rest and ice should be used in conjunction with other treatment options, as they are not typically sufficient as standalone treatments.

Heat therapy

While ice can help reduce swelling and pain in the early stages of a meniscus tear, heat therapy can be beneficial later on. Heat can aid in boosting blood flow to the affected region, which promotes healing. Apply a heating pad or warm compress to your knee for 15-20 minutes. Wrap the heating pad or compress it in a towel to avoid burning your skin.

Massage therapy

Massaging the muscles around your knee can help reduce tension and improve circulation, promoting healing. Use gentle, circular motions to massage the muscles above and below your knee and the surrounding muscles in your thigh and calf. You can use your hands or a foam roller to perform self-massage or seek a professional massage therapist for more targeted treatment.

Injections

Injections can be another option for treating meniscus tears. Steroid injections, which contain cortisone, can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. However, it’s important to note that the effects of steroid injections are typically temporary and should not be relied upon as a long-term treatment option. Hyaluronic acid injections, which are made from a substance found naturally in the body’s joints, can also help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Call Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to book your appointment for treatment of a meniscus tear.