One of the prevalent knee injuries is a torn meniscus. A meniscus tear can result from any action that forces you to twist or rotate your knee, particularly when you bear all of your weight on it. Your thigh bone and shinbone are cushioned by two c-shaped bits of cartilage that make up your knee. Swelling, discomfort, and stiffness are symptoms of a torn meniscus.
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A block-to-knee action and difficulty fully extending your knee may also be present. Fortunately, there are conservative techniques that can help heal and reduce the symptoms if you have a meniscus tear in West Chester. Here are several noninvasive and conservative approaches to treating meniscus injuries.
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Medication to relieve pain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including naproxen and ibuprofen, can aid in reducing swelling and pain brought on by a torn meniscus. Although acetaminophen is a powerful pain reliever, it does not reduce inflammation. The best prescription and over-the-counter solutions will be discussed with you by your doctor.
Ice, Compression, Elevation, and Rest (Rice)
For the treatment of your meniscus tear, your doctor might suggest a rice diet. Most of the symptoms can be alleviated by giving your knee some rest by refraining from physical activity and using a cane for a few weeks to keep weight off of it. During the first few days after ripping your meniscus, elevating the knee and applying ice to the injury will assist to reduce swelling. To lessen discomfort and swelling, you can also wear a compression bandage.
Injections of corticosteroids
Strong anti-inflammatory drugs called corticosteroids can ease knee discomfort. For long-lasting relief, corticosteroids are injected into the knee to reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor may administer a tiny dose of anaesthesia and corticosteroids by injection. When the anaesthesia wears off a few hours later, the knee discomfort may return. The anaesthetic provides instant pain relief. Two to three days following the injection, the corticosteroid begins to take effect.
However, receiving several corticosteroid injections quickly is not advised. Corticosteroids may have negative side effects such soft tissue degradation and cartilage degeneration if used excessively. They may also raise blood sugar levels, making them a poor choice for those with metabolic diseases like diabetes.
Injections with biologics
Innovative drugs known as biologics are created from biological materials like bone marrow, blood, and fat cells. It has been demonstrated that the drugs can assist your knee’s tone tissues recover and minimise inflammation. This cutting-edge technology can be mentioned by your doctor in addition to other nonsurgical procedures.
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Physical Exercise
Your doctor could suggest physical therapy to increase the flexibility and strength in your injured knee when the joint inflammation has subsided and you can walk and stand without excruciating pain. Your individualised treatment plan will be developed during physical therapy to help you resume your regular activities. The amount of your meniscus ear will determine how long you need physical treatment. Physical rehabilitation for a minor injury could take one to two months. Long-term physical therapy may be required for severe meniscus injuries. Your progress will be frequently monitored by your doctor to see if additional rehabilitation is necessary.
In the end, these efficient conservative treatments aid in pain relief and meniscus healing. The kind and severity of your meniscus tear have a substantial impact on how well it heals and whether you need surgery. Together with your doctor, develop a treatment plan that is specifically designed to help you regain the strength and flexibility of your knees.
