What to do for a torn meniscus without surgery

Can you walk around with a torn meniscus?

A torn meniscus usually produces well-localized pain in the knee. The pain often is worse during twisting or squatting motions. Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain.

How do you treat a torn meniscus at home?

Treating a meniscus tear

1. Rest your knee. Use crutches to avoid any weight bearing on the joint. Avoid any activities that worsen your knee pain.
2. Ice your knee every three to four hours for 30 minutes.
3. Compress or wrap the knee in an elastic bandage to reduce inflammation.
4. Elevate your knee to reduce swelling.

What is the best exercise for a torn meniscus?

How do I do exercise to heal my meniscus?

• 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.

What is the best treatment for a torn meniscus?

Treatment of a torn meniscus may include observation and physical therapy with muscle strengthening to stabilize the knee joint. When conservative measures are ineffective treatment may include surgery to repair or remove the damaged cartilage.

Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?

You’ll most likely know if you have a torn meniscus. People usually feel pain, but can still walk. Sometimes swelling also occurs and it may get worse over time. You also might feel your knee getting stiffer.

Will a knee brace help with a meniscus tear?

The best treatment for a meniscus tear is to understand the injury, rest, and wear a knee brace specifically designed to support a meniscus injury. A knee brace ideal for meniscus tears will support the knee in a position to help prevent it from rotating too far in an unnatural direction.

Is heat good for meniscus tear?

TENS may be used to help decrease pain, and NMES can be used to improve the way your muscles around your knee contract. Heat or ice: Your PT may apply heat to your knee to improve local blood flow, and ice may be used to decrease swelling and pain.

How can I speed up my meniscus recovery?

To speed the recovery, you can:

1. Rest the knee. …
2. Ice your knee to reduce pain and swelling. …
3. Compress your knee. …
4. Elevate your knee with a pillow under your heel when you’re sitting or lying down.
5. Take anti-inflammatory medications. …
6. Use stretching and strengthening exercises to help reduce stress to your knee.

Where do you feel the pain from a torn meniscus?

In a typical moderate tear, you feel pain at the side or in the center of the knee, depending on where the tear is. Often, you are still able to walk. Swelling usually increases gradually over 2 to 3 days and may make the knee feel stiff and limit bending. There is often sharp pain when twisting or squatting.

How long does it take for a torn meniscus to heal without surgery?

What Is the Meniscus Tear Recovery Time Without Surgery? Ordinarily, you’ll be asked to reduce your sports activities while your meniscus tear heals. This could take about 4 – 8 weeks. However, the time depends on the severity and position of the tear.

What happens if you leave a torn meniscus untreated?

Left untreated, a meniscus tear can limit your daily life and ability to participate in exercise and sports. In serious cases, it can develop into long-term knee problems, like arthritis.