Meniscus Injuries Non-Surgical Treatment

Initially following the injury, it’s essential to rest the knee and avoid activities that worsen the pain.

Oral anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, such as Meloxicam, Naproxen, Advil, or Ibuprofen, may help to manage the pain and reduce inflammation of the knee following a meniscus injury. Applying ice packs and compression to the knee can also help reduce swelling and inflammation. Remember to use a cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin to avoid frostbite.

A structured physical therapy program can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving overall joint function. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that focus on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles to provide this additional support to the knee. It is important to complete any home exercises that your physical therapist provides to you in order to optimize your recovery.

The goal of an intra-articular injection is to manage pain and inflammation of the knee. Therefore, injections may be used as a short-term measure to manage these symptoms following an injury. However, it’s crucial to understand that an intra-articular injection will not heal the torn meniscus. Examples of intra-articular knee injection options: cortisone, hyaluronic acid (gel), and platelet rich plasma (PRP).

An unloader brace is a specific type of knee brace designed to offload an overloaded compartment of the knee. In cases of a medial meniscus tear, a medial unloader brace is ordered to alleviate some of the stress on the medial (inside) compartment of the knee. In cases of a lateral meniscus tear, a lateral unloader brace is ordered to decrease the load of the lateral compartment. The unloader brace offers mechanical support, stabilization, and symptomatic relief while also protecting the knee compartment and promoting overall joint health and preservation.