How long does a meniscus tear take to heal?
Extensive scientific research, with one study (from Professor Kavyansh Bhan from the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, GBR) suggests that the meniscus is one of the most crucial structures of the knee, where the meniscus is not only responsible for providing stability and appropriately limited flexion to the knee joint, but also plays a vital role in shock absorption while walking and exercising.
If there is pain when stretching or bending the knee, or if the joint is swollen and inflamed, it's likely there's a tear in this area. As such, preservation of the integrity of the cartilage is of the utmost importance to the structural cohesion of the knee and the physical health of the person who is affected.
Identifying Types of Meniscus Tears
If left untreated, a meniscus tear can limit your daily movement and ability to participate in exercise and sports. In serious cases, it can develop into long-term knee problems, like arthritis.
Any harsh cutting or twisting motion may tear the meniscus and as such, care must be taken to mitigate these circumstances. The rate at which a meniscus tear heals directly correlates to how damaged the area is and to other external factors attributed to the injured person (ie. age, weight etc).
Vascular Tear
The vascular (referring to tissue that contains blood vessels) portion of the meniscus is called the “red zone”. Red zone tears have the potential to heal more quickly. Depending on the severity of the tear and the size of the tear, non-surgical treatment is an option in this case. (See Conservative Treatment Below)
Avascular Tear
The avascular portion of the knee is called the “white zone”, due to its absence of blood supply. White zone tears are unlikely to heal often requiring surgical intervention. (See Surgical Treatment below)
Treatment Methods for Meniscus Tears
‘Conservative’ Treatment:
If treated conservatively (for more mild meniscus tears), rest is crucial and just as important as controlled and targeted strengthening. The use of stabilising supports, braces and anti-inflammatory creams can all be used to aid recovery.
By wearing products within the GenuTrain range, the targeted compression and gel support works effectively to relieve pain and speed up recovery of the knee. The medical grade flat knit compresses the surrounding muscles and stimulates them to further support the injured joint.
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Surgical Treatment:
In instances where the damage is more severe, surgery is often required. In most cases, this involves the removal of the damaged part of the meniscus to prevent further tearing and can sometimes be unavoidable. Other times, the meniscus can be stitched together to recover and heal. It may also be necessary to mobilise the joint to keep the knee stable for recovery after surgery or more severe injury.
The GenuTrain OA Knee Brace is the perfect support for this, combining stability and lightweight design to relieve pain from moderate to severe meniscus compartment injuries.
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Partial meniscal implants have also shown excellent outcomes in long-term studies, but its efficacy in acute settings still requires further research.
To view our full range of GenuTrain’s and targeted meniscus/knee related braces and supports, visit https://www.bauerfeind.com.au/pages/best-braces-for-a-torn-meniscus, where you can view Bauerfeind’s extensive product range and easily toggle them by choosing to shop by condition, and the severity of the pain and discomfort you are experiencing.
For help selecting the right knee related product for your needs, call us on 1300 668 466 or leave us a message on our live chat. We are here to help you relieve your pain!
How Long Will a Meniscus Tear Take To Heal?
The recovery time for a knee sprain or meniscus tear will depend on the severity of the injury. Factors that increase the risk of a meniscus tear include: being male, being over the age of 40 years, participating in high intensity sports such as skiing or soccer and having an occupation that requires frequent squatting or bending (Medical News Today, 2017).
After surgery or general injury of the meniscus, you may need to participate in physical therapy to strengthen your knee, regain your range of motion, and get back to your activity within a time frame typically situated anywhere between 3 weeks (for minor injury) – 6 months (for more severe occasions of injury).
Over the last four decades, management of meniscal injuries has seen great advances. Until the 1970s, ‘meniscectomy’ (surgical removal of the meniscus) was one of the only sources of management for meniscal tears. The future of prevention and management is therefore more interested in less invasive methods of rehabilitation – something which Bauerfeind is very passionate about. Our award-winning products, designed based on years of research, are highly recommended by medical professionals and athletes around the world, we aim to put our customers back in motion.
