Additional Information
Home Treatments:
If the meniscus damage is minor, it can usually be treated at home. The affected knee should be rested in an elevated position higher than chest level. The area should also be compressed with an elastic bandage and ice should be administered 20 minutes a time, 2-3 times per day for the first couple of days. This will help reduce the inflammation and promote recovery. A non steroidal anti inflammatory drug may also prove beneficial.
Professional Medical Treatments:
Moderate or severe meniscus tears will require surgical intervention. This may start with an exploratory surgery to identify the extent of the injury. From there, if the damage is moderate a partial meniscectomy may be required to remove the torn pieces of cartilage. Severe cases will require a total meniscectomy to remove the entire cartilage. This will be followed up by the use of a brace and physical therapy
Physical Therapy and Exercises:
Most meniscus injuries will require exercises to rehabilitate strength and range of motion. This will begin with stretches such as heel raises, shallow knee bends, quad stretches and leg raises that extend throughout all of the knee's range of motion. Step ups, and activity specific motions like walking and jogging will advance the recovery.
Exercise Techniques to Prevent Injury:
In order to prevent damage to the meniscus, forceful twisting motions should be prevented. Additionally, general knee, leg and thigh flexibility should be maintained. This can be done by performing regular stretches a couple of times a day. These stretches may include the standing quad stretch, the butterfly, the hamstring hold, the wall slide, hip bridges and standing leg raises. ?????? ??????????? ? ??????? ?????? ??????????? ? ??????? ?????? ? ????????? 1 ???