Can A Meniscus Tear Heal?

July 23, 2015
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G2 Admin
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The menisci are two discs of cartilage in the knee, each shaped like a “C”. The meniscus plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee, and allowing shock absorption for the knees and legs. If you experience a meniscus tear, it can lead to pain and unsteadiness in the joint and can even lead to eventual osteoarthritis.

You may be asking yourself, “will a torn meniscus heal on its own?” In this article, we will address factors that contribute to the likelihood of your meniscus tear healing on its own, as well as options for meniscus repair intervention.

Identifying a Meniscus Tear

Usually your meniscus will tear when you experience a forceful twisting or rotating of the knee, or sustain an acute injury. If you’ve felt a popping sensation in your knee, followed by swelling, pain (especially when twisting) and difficulty extending your leg, you likely have a torn meniscus. However, not all tears are due to injury – in fact, most meniscus tears are due to time, wear and tear, and general degeneration.

To help your knee recover after a meniscus tear, you should:

  • Ice
  • Elevate
  • Rest
  • Medicate as needed for pain and swelling (ibuprofen is a good option)

If these remedies help the knee, and the symptoms disappear and do not persist, you may be able to heal your meniscus tear naturally. Research has shown that the healing potential of certain tears of the meniscus have enough blood supply to bring healing nutrients to the tear, subsequently healing the tissue surrounding it. Further, gentle exercise may help the blood flow and the flexibility of the knee area, increasing the chance to heal. However, this happens most often in patients under 10 years old.

Surrounding support is necessary

If a nonsurgical approach is taken, your recovery plan should be committed to for the long-term. You need to ensure that the muscles surrounding the knee are stable and strong, as well as aim to maintain a healthy body weight so that there isn’t too much strain on the knees. Also try to avoid activities that will be hard on the knees. It can take up to 8 weeks before your knee will be fully healed.

The likelihood it will not heal

If the area remains stiff and your knee area feels “locked” for a long period of time, it is unlikely that your meniscus will heal itself naturally. If this happens, surgical options should be explored, and you should book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. At your first visit with Dr. Goradia of G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, he will review your injury, symptoms, and lifestyle to develop the best treatment plan suited for your recovery goals.

Previously, research showed that tears to the outer 1/3 of the meniscus were the only meniscus injuries that were repairable. However, thanks to new research and developments in orthopedics, those horizontal and radial tears of the meniscus are all capable of healing through surgery. Dr. Goradia uses arthroscopic surgery to heal meniscus tears that occur in the inner 2/3 of the meniscus and patients generally experience a full recovery, like those who receive treatment for outer 1/3 meniscus tears.

Arthroscopy procedure

For a torn meniscus, a surgical meniscectomy may be performed, which is when the orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged cartilage, usually through arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is when a small tube is inserted into the knee. This small tube contains a camera and a light that can assist the surgeon with evaluating and repairing the knee with little invasion.

Keep in mind, however, that cartilage cannot be repaired properly once it is damaged, and removal of the cartilage may be the only feasible option.

A knee specialist can help

If your tear is moderate and contained to the outer edge of the meniscus, surgery may be necessary and useful, as these kinds of tears respond well to surgery. Unfortunately, there are types of tears that don’t respond well to surgery or home healing and require an expert surgeon, like Dr. Goradia at G2 Orthopedics. The tears of the inner meniscus and radial tears are challenging and usually due to degeneration and more acute injury. Dr. Goradia may first remove a few pieces of the damaged cartilage to reduce pain and swelling.

Heal Your Meniscus with Help from Dr. Goradia

If you are asking whether a torn meniscus will heal on its own but continuing to experience pain from a meniscus tear, or if previous treatment from another doctor has not worked, contact G2 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or call (804) 678 9000 to schedule an appointment. Our advanced treatment methods can help you recover from even the most severe meniscus tears. We look forward to getting you back in motion!