If you have instability, swelling, or pain in your knee, you can count on Injury Medicine to provide prompt diagnosis as well as treatment. We can confirm a torn meniscus and rule out other types of knee injuries. We are the leading center for meniscal tear injury treatment in Greenville, SC. Call us today at 864-866-PAIN to schedule an appointment.
What is a Meniscus Tear?
A meniscus tear occurs when the meniscus (two cartilage pieces that act as a cushion between the shin bone and thigh bone) suffers injury. Menisci help balance weight across the knee and keep it steady. So, if the meniscus is torn, this can prevent the knee from functioning properly. Meniscus tears are a common injury especially for those that engage in sports activities.
Treatment for Meniscus Tear
The treatment plan that our team at Injury Medicine will recommend for your meniscus tear will depend on several factors, which include its severity and what part of the meniscus was actually torn. Here are the most common treatment options for meniscus tears:
The RICE Method
Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (R.I.C.E.) are the first steps in treating a meniscus tear. You should rest the affected knee by avoiding activities likely to aggravate it such as running. Applying ice packs several times a day, using compression, and keeping the knee above heart level can help reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Working on exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles around the knee joint will improve the mobility of the leg and make it easier to perform daily tasks without experiencing too much discomfort. Physical therapy exercises typically prescribed for those with a torn meniscus include step-up exercises, quad sets, and straight leg raises.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
You can take over-the-counter medication such as naproxen or ibuprofen to help manage the pain and inflammation associated with meniscus tears because they are anti-inflammatory drugs that work by blocking enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections involve injecting a steroid hormone (cortisone) into the knee directly to alleviate swelling and pain. Keep in mind, however, that corticosteroid injections provide just temporary relief from the symptoms. Physical therapy may still be necessary to ensure the best results with this treatment.
Surgery
Surgery may sometimes be necessary, depending on the size of the meniscal tear. It typically involves trimming the damaged tissue and repairing the tear. The surgery can be done using arthroscopy, which involves making tiny incisions and inserting a camera into the knee to allow the surgeon to clearly see the knee’s inner structures while repairing the damage.
Meniscus Tear Treatment in Greenville, SC
The team at Injury Medicine is highly experienced and skilled in the treatment of meniscus tears. We can prescribe the best treatment option for your knee and ensure that you are guided throughout the treatment and rehabilitation process.
You don’t have to live with the pain associated with a meniscus tear. To get your meniscus tear treated, schedule with one of our doctors for meniscal tear injury treatment in Greenville, SC, call our office today at 864-866-PAIN.
