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Meniscus Tear Recovery Guide

Meniscus TearsComplete Treatment Guide

Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries, affecting the cartilage that cushions your knee joint. This comprehensive guide covers diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery protocols.

500,000
Meniscus surgeries annually in the US
85%
Success rate with proper treatment
6-12
Weeks typical recovery time
40+
Peak age for degenerative tears
Understanding Meniscus Tears

What is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your thighbone and shinbone. Each knee has two menisci - the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) meniscus.

Types of Tears:

  • Traumatic tears (sports injuries)
  • Degenerative tears (age-related)
  • Complex tears (combination)

Common Symptoms

  • Pain along the joint line
  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Catching or locking sensation
  • Difficulty straightening the knee
  • Feeling of knee giving way

Treatment Options

Conservative Treatment
  • Rest and activity modification
  • Ice therapy for acute symptoms
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Knee bracing or support
  • Corticosteroid injections
Surgical Options
  • Arthroscopic meniscectomy (removal)
  • Meniscal repair (when possible)
  • Meniscal transplant (rare cases)
  • Partial meniscectomy
  • All-inside repair techniques

Recovery Exercise Program

Acute Phase (0-2 weeks)

Focus on reducing pain and swelling while protecting the healing tissue

Goals:

Reduce pain and swellingProtect healing tissueMaintain basic mobility
Ankle Pumps

Flex and point your ankle to improve circulation

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 20 reps
Frequency: Every 2 hours
Quad Sets

Tighten thigh muscle while leg is straight

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 10 reps
Frequency: 3 times daily
Heel Slides

Gently bend knee by sliding heel toward buttocks

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 10 reps
Frequency: 3 times daily
Early Mobilization (2-6 weeks)

Begin gentle movement and basic strengthening

Goals:

Improve range of motionBegin strengtheningReduce stiffness
Wall Slides

Slide back against wall while bending knees

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 10 reps
Frequency: Daily
Straight Leg Raises

Lift straight leg while lying down

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 10 reps
Frequency: Daily
Hamstring Curls

Bend knee while lying on stomach

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 10 reps
Frequency: Daily
Strengthening Phase (6-12 weeks)

Progressive strengthening and functional training

Goals:

Build strengthImprove stabilityPrepare for activity
Mini Squats

Partial squats with proper form

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 15 reps
Frequency: Daily
Step-ups

Step up and down on stable platform

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 10 each leg
Frequency: Daily
Balance Training

Single leg standing with eyes closed

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 30 seconds
Frequency: Daily
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Knee gives way or feels unstable
Severe, persistent pain
Inability to bear weight
Knee locks and cannot be straightened
Significant swelling that doesn't improve
Signs of infection (fever, warmth, redness)
Recommended Products for Recovery

Knee Braces

Support and protection during recovery

View Products

Ice Therapy

Reduce swelling and manage pain

View Products

Exercise Equipment

Tools for rehabilitation exercises

View Products

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Welcome to OrthoGeeks! I'm your orthopedic assistant specializing in braces, supports, and mobility aids. I can help you find the right product for your specific condition, explain treatment options, or provide recovery guidance for injuries. All recommendations are based on current medical research and orthopedic best practices. Feel free to ask about any joint, muscle, or bone-related concerns you may have.

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