Your Complete Plan For Meniscus Tear Recovery

Meniscal tears are a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. While they can occur in people of all ages, they are especially prevalent among athletes and older adults. One common question that arises when dealing with meniscal tears is whether surgery is necessary. In this blog post, we will explore the different factors that determine the need for surgery and discuss non-surgical treatment options for meniscal tears.

Understanding Meniscal Tears

The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage in the knee joint that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). Its role is to provide stability and reduce friction during knee movements. A meniscal tear can happen suddenly during a traumatic event, such as a sudden twist or turn of the knee, or it may develop gradually over time due to wear and tear.

Common Symptoms of Meniscal Tears

There are a few common characteristic symptoms of meniscal tears (note not everyone will present with these):

·      Loss of range of motion to either completely straighten or bend

·      Pain with twisting or pivoting on the affected leg

·      Pain on the inside or outside aspect of the knee just below the knee cap (damaging the inside of the knee is most common)

·      Pain with repeated impact such as with running, hiking, or walking

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Meniscal Tears

For the majority of meniscal tears, non-surgical treatment will be effective. These options include:

Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the symptoms can give the tear time to heal on its own.

Physical Therapy: Targeted movement and strengthening of the muscles around the knee can help stabilize the joint and improve function.

Pain Management: Icing, over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications can help manage pain

Peace and Love Protocol [1]: Optimal recovery looks different in the first few days (PEACE: protection, elevation, avoid anti-inflammatories, compression, elevation) vs after the first few days (LOVE: load, optimism, vascularization, exercise). Read more on Peace and Love here.

Injections: In chronic pain incidences corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections may provide temporary relief[2].

Surgery for Meniscal Tears

In the past, surgery was often the default treatment for meniscal tears, especially if they caused persistent pain or impaired function. However, medical knowledge and treatment approaches have evolved, leading to a more nuanced understanding of when surgery is necessary.

Severity of the Tear: Not all meniscal tears are the same. The size, location, and pattern of the tear play a significant role in determining the need for surgery[3]. Complex tears that do not respond well to physiotherapy may require surgical intervention.

Symptoms and Impact on Daily Life: The symptoms experienced by the individual and the impact on their daily life are essential factors to consider. If a person experiences persistent pain, significant swelling, mechanical symptoms like locking or catching, or if the tear is affecting their ability to perform normal activities, surgery may be considered.

Age and Activity Level: Age and activity level also influence the decision-making process. Younger individuals and athletes may be more likely to undergo surgery to ensure a quick return to their sports or physical activities. In contrast, older adults with degenerative tears may respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.

The good news is that most meniscal tears will rehab successfully through the help of a Victoria physiotherapist or chiropractor. Conservative treatments can often provide significant relief and allow the meniscus to heal on its own without the risks associated with surgery. The decision to opt for surgery should be based on the individual's symptoms, tear characteristics, age, and activity level. Consulting with an orthopaedic specialist is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Remember, each case is unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another. Always seek professional medical advice before making any treatment decisions.

Do you have any questions about meniscus rehab? Our Victoria physiotherapist and chiropractor can help.

References:

[1] . Dubois B, Esculier J-F. Soft tissue injuries simply need peace & love. BJSM blog - social media’s leading SEM voice. February 12, 2021. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2019/04/26/soft-tissue-injuries-simply-need-peace-love/.

[2] Beaufils P, Pujol N. Management of traumatic meniscal tear and degenerative meniscal lesions. Save the meniscus. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2017;103(8S):S237-S244. doi:10.1016/j.otsr.2017.08.003

 [3] Spalding T, Damasena I, Lawton R. Meniscal Repair Techniques. Clin Sports Med. 2020;39(1):37-56. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2019.08.012