15 Brilliant Hacks to Nurse Your Meniscus Tear Back to Health

5. Surgical Repair

Doctors may recommend surgical repair if the patient's knee doesn’t respond to more conservative treatments or if the meniscus tear causes their knee to lock up. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the kind of tear and its size and location within the cartilage. The meniscus can be repaired by stitching the pieces back together, or the damaged meniscus can be trimmed away if the tear can’t be repaired. The surgical procedure most commonly used to repair a torn meniscus is performed with arthroscopy. This technique uses a flexible fiber-optic device called an arthroscope to view the damage and make necessary repairs. The device has a camera and small light attached to it, and it’s inserted into the knee through a tiny incision made near the knee. Surgical instruments for the operation can be maneuvered through the arthroscope or additional incisions. The entire procedure takes about an hour. Patients may be fitted for crutches well in advance of the surgery to learn how to use them. Full recovery can take up to six weeks, but patients can start physical therapy within days.

6. Pain Relief Medication

Pain relief medication is one of the ways to treat pain and discomfort caused by a torn meniscus. Patients shouldn't need medication stronger than over-the-counter options at the pharmacy. The first line of treatment is with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which block the inflammatory process in the body, reducing inflammation and swelling and pain due to the meniscus tear. Ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid are two of the most commonly-used NSAIDs to treat torn meniscus pain. While side effects tend to be mild, this kind of medication can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, appetite reduction, dizziness, headaches, rashes, and general drowsiness. Because of the effects of NSAIDs on the kidneys, there may be increased fluid retention, which can cause general swelling in the legs and arms. Some may increase blood pressure. In addition, individuals should make sure these medications don't interact with any others they're taking.