Meniscus Tear

Home Treatment

If you have recently injured your knee, follow these first-aid steps to reduce pain and swelling:

• Rest and reduce activity. Avoid motions or positions that cause discomfort. Depending on your injury and pain, your doctor may recommend crutches and a brace.
• Try applying ice to your knee during the first 48 hours after discomfort begins. To avoid harming your skin, place a thin towel between the ice pack and your body, or put a pillowcase over the ice pack. Apply ice 2 to 3 times a day, up to 20 minutes at a time.
• Elevate your knee higher than your heart.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen to relieve pain and reduce swelling. (Anyone younger than age 20 should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a central nervous system complication in children and teenagers.)
• Follow your doctor's instructions for rest and rehabilitation of your knee.

If the tear is minor and your symptoms go away, your doctor may recommend a set of exercises to build up your quadriceps and hamstring muscles and increase flexibility and strength. It's important to follow your doctor's guidance to avoid a new or repeat injury.

Every recovery is different and depends on many factors, including your doctor's particular preferences. But here are some general times for returning to activities after surgery.

Getting back to into action after surgery

Activity	Uncomplicated meniscectomy	Meniscus repair surgery
Bear weight (put weight on your knee while standing or walking)	As tolerated	With a brace only
Walk without crutches	2 to 7 days	4 to 6 weeks
Drive, if the affected leg is to be used for gas and brake or clutch	1 to 2 weeks, if: You have regained motion with minimal pain. You are not taking narcotics.	4 to 6 weeks
Regain full range of motion	1 to 2 weeks	Bending is generally restricted to not more than 90 degrees for first 4 to 6 weeks to allow meniscus to heal.
Return to heavy work or sports	4 to 6 weeks, if You have regained motion and strength. Knee is not swollen or painful.	3 to 6 months

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: September 22, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma
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