A lot of meniscus tears can heal without surgery.
Rest: Avoid the sport or activity that caused your tear in the first place, and use crutches as needed to get around. Ice: Wrap a cold pack in a towel or rag and ice your injured knee for 20 minutes at a time, multiple times throughout the day. For your own safety, never ice your knee directly. Compression: Wrap an elastic compression bandage around your injured knee. Keep the bandage snug, but not too tight—if your knee feels tingly or numb, rewrap the bandage a bit looser. [5] X Research source Elevation: When you can, prop your injured leg up so it’s above your heart. [6] X Expert Source Meera Subash, MDBoard Certified Rheumatologist Expert Interview. 5 February 2021.
Acetaminophen: Adults can take 1 regular-strength acetaminophen pill every 4-6 hours. If 1 pill doesn’t help, try 2 pills next. For your own safety, limit yourself to 12 pills or less each day. [9] X Research source Ibuprofen: For MOTRIN, take 1-2 pills once every 4-6 hours. With Advil, take 1 pill per every 4 hours or 2 pills per every 6-8 hours. For either medicine, limit yourself to 6 pills per day. Naproxen sodium: Take a single pill every 8-12 hours. As a safety precaution, limit yourself to 2 pills each day. Aspirin: Take 1-2 pills every 4-6 hours. Cap yourself off at 12 pills each day so you don’t overdose.
Researchers are also developing a plasma injection that may help heal meniscus tears.
Typically, your surgeon will either perform a meniscus repair, where the meniscus is sewn back together, or a partial meniscectomy, where damaged meniscus tissue is removed. Unfortunately, most meniscus tears can’t be repaired, so partial meniscectomies are more common. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Meniscus surgery is safe and doesn’t have many complications. In fact, over 98% of surgeries don’t end up having any kind of complications whatsoever. [15] X Research source
After a meniscectomy, you can apply weight to your knee right away; walk without the help of crutches within 2-7 days; drive a car within 1-2 weeks; get full range of motion between 1-2 weeks; and play sports after 4-6 weeks. After meniscus repair surgery, you can put weight on your knee while wearing a brace; move without crutches within 4-6 weeks; drive a car between 4-6 weeks; get full range of motion after at least 4-6 weeks; and play sports after 3-6 months.
Serious meniscus tears might not heal independently. Always visit a doctor first so you can understand the full scope of your injury. [19] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
With a few months of rehab, you can do everything that you used to do before the injury. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The pain may be especially obvious when you rotate or twist your knee.
During your appointment, your doctor might see how much you can move your knee, and see if your knee feels sore or tender. They might also do an MRI or X-ray to get a better idea of where the tear is.
