From the Doctor’s Desk: Understanding Meniscus Tears

Dr. Natalya Urovish, our resident non-operative orthopedic specialist at New York Bone and Joint Specialists, talks about diagnosing, treating, and recovering from meniscus tears.

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). When it tears, it can lead to discomfort, limited mobility, and at times, joint instability. It is often injured in twisting motions or falls. 

Diagnosis of a meniscus tear

Diagnosing a meniscus tear typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging tests, usually ultrasound or MRI.

Treatment options

Rest and activity modification

Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain or swelling.

Activity modification. Switch to low-impact activities like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness without stressing the knee.

Ice and compression

Ice. Apply ice packs through a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce swelling and pain.

Gentle compression. Use an elastic bandage or knee sleeve to provide support and reduce swelling.

Physical therapy

Strengthening exercises. Focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings.

Flexibility exercises. Perform gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion.

Manual therapy. Incorporate techniques such as massage and mobilization to reduce pain and improve function.

Medications

Pain relievers. Over-the-counter or prescription medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, or meloxicam can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Orthotics and supportive devices

Knee braces. Wearing a knee brace can provide additional support and stability.

Footwear. Using proper footwear with good arch support can help reduce strain on the knee.

Injections

Corticosteroid injections. These can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. PRP injections are a 100% organic treatment that uses the body’s natural healing factors to promote healing and control pain. 

Surgical treatments

While we do everything in our power to treat meniscus tears using conservative measures and avoid surgery, if it is necessary, there are multiple surgical options available.

Come see me, Dr. Natalya Urovish, at New York Bone and Joint Specialists for an evaluation if you have a knee injury or known meniscus tear.