Knee pain can complicate even the most simple tasks, such as walking and standing. In some cases, such discomfort stems from a tear in the C-shaped cartilage structures that separate the shin bone from the thigh bone. These pieces of cartilage, known as menisci (singular – meniscus) can become injured during sports or simply due to regenerative conditions. If you ever find yourself with a torn meniscus, what is the fastest way to heal the damage and get back to feeling like yourself? This blog post explains what you should know.
Not All Meniscus Tears Are the Same
Meniscus tears can vary greatly in their severity, and they can have different causes. The best way to heal your injury will depend greatly on the specifics of your unique situation. That is why you should always consult a doctor if you suspect you have a torn meniscus; they can provide guidance that is tailored specifically to you.
Non-Surgical Treatments for a Torn Meniscus
If your injury is minor, it may respond very well to non-surgical treatments, such as:
- RICE: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation may reduce swelling and allow your body to heal without additional intervention.
- Physical therapy. After the worst of the inflammation in your joint has subsided, physical therapy may be able to strengthen it and improve stability and flexibility.
- Biologic injections. Regenerative medicine injections can power up your body’s ability to heal itself. For example:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the part of your blood that contains a lot of platelets and growth factors. Injecting it at the site of an injury may speed up healing.
- Stem cells, harvested from your own body, can promote the generation of healthy tissues at the site of an injury.
With non-surgical treatment, recovering from a meniscus tear may take 4 – 6 weeks or longer.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
While surgery is not the fastest way to heal a torn meniscus, it can be the best option in some cases. For example, if you have an acute meniscus tear (as opposed to a tear that resulted from a degenerative condition) that is affecting the stability of your joint, your doctor might recommend surgical repair.
The initial recovery period after surgery can last for a month or two, followed by several months of physical therapy and gradual improvements. It can take 6 – 9 months before a return to sports is advisable.
Recovering from a torn meniscus can take some time, but if you take good care of your knee, you may be able to resume normal activities in a matter of weeks. Talk to a qualified doctor to learn what treatment regimen may be best for your case.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Paul Tortland is a board-certified specialist in Regenerative Medicine and Sports Medicine. He offers various types of biologic injections, including PRP and stems cells. He seeks to help patients avoid surgery whenever possible. If you would like to learn how he and our team may be able to help you recover from a torn meniscus, contact our Glastonbury office at 860-430-2821.