How to Treat Meniscus Injuries

Anyone can injure a meniscus, the cartilage area under the kneecap, but athletes are more likely to do so than the general population. Putting weight on a leg while twisting stresses the knee cartilage. A tear can occur while performing an arabesque, pivoting to return a serve in tennis or swerving in basketball. If you want to return to your sport or activity safely, learn to treat your meniscus injuries.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pain relief medicine
• Reusable ice packs
• Physical therapy or knee exercise video
• Hydrotherapy sessions

Calm Your Immediate Symptoms

1. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, immediately after an injury to treat initial or recurrent pain.

2. Elevate or prop your knee in a comfortable resting position. A slight bend will relieve the pain that is exacerbated when the leg is straightened.

3. Use a flexible gel ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, followed by 40 minutes of rest. Place it on top of the painful spot, with a towel in between if it is too cold.

4. Continue this regimen for 2 to 3 weeks. After the symptoms decline or disappear, you will be ready to rehabilitate the injured knee area.

Address and Treat Ongoing Meniscus Injuries

5. Attend physical therapy or view a video of knee exercises from your doctor to strengthen the tendons and muscles surrounding the meniscus. Begin this after your initial acute symptoms have faded.

6. Attend hydrotherapy sessions or exercise in a pool for no-impact resistance training. Try simple walking through chest-high water or flutter kicks while holding onto the side of the pool.

7. Opt for arthroscopic surgery to explore possible complications or to mend severe meniscus tears.

8. Perform home exercises regularly. Stretch out on your stomach and raise and lower your legs several times in a row. Alternatively, extend and lower the leg while sitting, adding an ankle weight when you can.

Tips & Warnings

• Continue to take pain relievers as directed, or every 4 to 6 hours, for a full 3 days following your injury. This will allow any inflammation to recede fully.
• As you age, your meniscus weakens. Making a practice of knee exercise and leg stretches can prevent re-injury or chronic knee pain.
• If severe meniscus injuries are left untreated, pieces of loose cartilage may migrate and cause damage. See a doctor if pain persists or increases, or if you continue to hear a popping sound in your knee.
• Always follow your doctor's recommended dosages for pain relief medication.

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