Meniscus Tear
POST SURGERY - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have recently undergone knee surgery please review the below information to help you navigate through your post operative care.
1.) How long will I need to be on crutches after surgery?
Answer: Depending on the surgery performed you may not need crutches at all. If you do need crutches, they will be required for a period of time up to the point that you are walking with a reasonably normal gait without a significant limp or swelling to the knee. This is usually approximately 2-4 weeks.
2.) How soon can I try and walk after surgery?
Answer: You are encouraged to walk immediately with the use of crutches but only for very short distances, for example, around your home.
3.) When do I start bending my knee after surgery?
Answer: You are encouraged to bend you knee as soon as possible. Move the knee through any pain free range of motion.
4.) How much should I be able to bend it after surgery?
Answer: There is no limit to movement other than pain. You should only move it to a pain free position.
5.) Why do I have calf pain?
Answer: This is very common but if it is very painful and swollen it could be something more significant and you may be required to seek medical attention.
6.) If I have blisters on the wound, what should I do?
Answer: Blisters can occur due to the steri strips. They will resolve on their own but if they burst just keep the wound dry and it will resolve.
7.) When can I start to workout again?
Answer: You can start to workout once all the wounds have healed. This usually occurs after about 1 week.
General INformation:
A meniscus tear is a tear in the fiber cartilage of the knee joint. Between the two long bones of the leg lie two C-shaped discs of fiber cartilage, which serve as primary shock absorbers for the knee joint. They protect the articulate cartilage surfaces of the femur and the tibia from grinding against one another.
Meniscus Tear Types & Symptoms
The meniscus is often injured as athletes attempt a twisting or weight-bearing motion (other common knee injuries from sports include ACL and MCL injury). Meniscus injuries are more common for people over the age of 30, as the meniscus weakens as we age. They can also occur as a result of diseases such as osteoarthritis. Symptoms of a meniscus tear include pain on one side of the knee, localized swelling, loss of range of motion and a sensation of the knee locking or not being able to straighten it completely.
You may experience a tear of the:
• Posterior horn of the meniscus
• Medial meniscus
• Lateral meniscus
• Bucket handle
Treatment of Meniscus Tears
The treatment for your meniscus tear depends on what type it is and how big it is. In most cases a meniscal tear can be treated with the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation), anti-inflammatories, bracing and physiotherapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the knee. If surgery is required, an orthopedic surgeon will perform arthroscopic surgery to prevent further damage to the knee. You may undergo:
• Arthroscopic repair. The orthopedic surgeon will use an arthroscope to examine and fix the tear.
• Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. The surgeon will remove a piece of the torn meniscus.
• Arthroscopic total meniscectomy. This procedure involves removing the whole meniscus.
Surgical treatment of meniscal tears may not be possible if the cartilage has worn away too much over time. Meniscus surgery is most effective for people under 30 who undergo procedure done within the first two months after the injury. Meniscus surgery is generally a day procedure, with patients going home on crutches. The recovery time is usually around two weeks, and patients should participate in physical therapy to improve range of motion and return to work/sport.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you'd like more information on meniscus tears.
Visit HealthChoicesFirst.com for more videos and resources on sports health.
Print this Action Plan and check off items that you want to discuss with your healthcare provider
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The meniscus is often injured as athletes attempt a twisting or weight-bearing motion. Meniscus injuries are more common for people over the age of 30, as the meniscus weakens as we age. They can also occur as a result of diseases such as osteoarthritis.
-
Symptoms of a meniscus tear include pain on one side of the knee, localized swelling, loss of range of motion and a sensation of the knee locking or not being able to straighten it completely.
-
You may experience a tear of the posterior horn of the meniscus, medial meniscus, lateral meniscus or bucket handle.
-
In most cases a meniscal tear can be treated with the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation), anti-inflammatories, bracing and physiotherapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the knee.
-
If surgery is required, an orthopedic surgeon will perform arthroscopic surgery to prevent further damage to the knee. Meniscus surgery is generally a day procedure, with patients going home on crutches. The recovery time is usually around two weeks.
Upper Body
Lower Body
General
Sports Related
Meniscus Tear
Knowledge is Power.
True/False - Quiz: What is a Meniscus Tear?
Action Plan - Meniscus Tear
POST SURGERY - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have recently undergone knee surgery please review the below information to help you navigate through your post operative care.
1.) How long will I need to be on crutches after surgery?
Answer: Depending on the surgery performed you may not need crutches at all. If you do need crutches, they will be required for a period of time up to the point that you are walking with a reasonably normal gait without a significant limp or swelling to the knee. This is usually approximately 2-4 weeks.
2.) How soon can I try and walk after surgery?
Answer: You are encouraged to walk immediately with the use of crutches but only for very short distances, for example, around your home.
3.) When do I start bending my knee after surgery?
Answer: You are encouraged to bend you knee as soon as possible. Move the knee through any pain free range of motion.
4.) How much should I be able to bend it after surgery?
Answer: There is no limit to movement other than pain. You should only move it to a pain free position.
5.) Why do I have calf pain?
Answer: This is very common but if it is very painful and swollen it could be something more significant and you may be required to seek medical attention.
6.) If I have blisters on the wound, what should I do?
Answer: Blisters can occur due to the steri strips. They will resolve on their own but if they burst just keep the wound dry and it will resolve.
7.) When can I start to workout again?
Answer: You can start to workout once all the wounds have healed. This usually occurs after about 1 week.
General INformation:
A meniscus tear is a tear in the fiber cartilage of the knee joint. Between the two long bones of the leg lie two C-shaped discs of fiber cartilage, which serve as primary shock absorbers for the knee joint. They protect the articulate cartilage surfaces of the femur and the tibia from grinding against one another.
Meniscus Tear Types & Symptoms
The meniscus is often injured as athletes attempt a twisting or weight-bearing motion (other common knee injuries from sports include ACL and MCL injury). Meniscus injuries are more common for people over the age of 30, as the meniscus weakens as we age. They can also occur as a result of diseases such as osteoarthritis. Symptoms of a meniscus tear include pain on one side of the knee, localized swelling, loss of range of motion and a sensation of the knee locking or not being able to straighten it completely.
You may experience a tear of the:
• Posterior horn of the meniscus
• Medial meniscus
• Lateral meniscus
• Bucket handle
Treatment of Meniscus Tears
The treatment for your meniscus tear depends on what type it is and how big it is. In most cases a meniscal tear can be treated with the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation), anti-inflammatories, bracing and physiotherapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the knee. If surgery is required, an orthopedic surgeon will perform arthroscopic surgery to prevent further damage to the knee. You may undergo:
• Arthroscopic repair. The orthopedic surgeon will use an arthroscope to examine and fix the tear.
• Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. The surgeon will remove a piece of the torn meniscus.
• Arthroscopic total meniscectomy. This procedure involves removing the whole meniscus.
Surgical treatment of meniscal tears may not be possible if the cartilage has worn away too much over time. Meniscus surgery is most effective for people under 30 who undergo procedure done within the first two months after the injury. Meniscus surgery is generally a day procedure, with patients going home on crutches. The recovery time is usually around two weeks, and patients should participate in physical therapy to improve range of motion and return to work/sport.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you'd like more information on meniscus tears.
Visit HealthChoicesFirst.com for more videos and resources on sports health.
Print this Action Plan and check off items that you want to discuss with your healthcare provider
-
The meniscus is often injured as athletes attempt a twisting or weight-bearing motion. Meniscus injuries are more common for people over the age of 30, as the meniscus weakens as we age. They can also occur as a result of diseases such as osteoarthritis.
-
Symptoms of a meniscus tear include pain on one side of the knee, localized swelling, loss of range of motion and a sensation of the knee locking or not being able to straighten it completely.
-
You may experience a tear of the posterior horn of the meniscus, medial meniscus, lateral meniscus or bucket handle.
-
In most cases a meniscal tear can be treated with the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation), anti-inflammatories, bracing and physiotherapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the knee.
-
If surgery is required, an orthopedic surgeon will perform arthroscopic surgery to prevent further damage to the knee. Meniscus surgery is generally a day procedure, with patients going home on crutches. The recovery time is usually around two weeks.