Is it possible for a meniscus tear to heal on its own? Can someone still walk with a meniscus tear? Does a partial tear eventually become a complete tear with no solution? Can surgery provide relief for a meniscus tear? Or, could a natural knee meniscus tear treatment like platelet-rich plasma injection be effective? How long does it take to recover from a meniscus tear without surgical intervention? Let’s delve into these subjects extensively.
How do you get a knee meniscus tear?
The meniscus, a structure shaped like the number 8, is located between the leg bone and thigh. Its main purpose is to absorb shocks and protect the cartilage. There are two types of meniscus: medial and lateral. It is common for a medial meniscus injury to occur alongside an ACL injury because these structures intersect in the knee. It is important to note that meniscus tears can be categorized into three zones:
– Red-red zone: Tears on the outer edges of the meniscus have a better chance of healing due to a good blood supply in the lateral meniscus.
– Red-white zone: Tears in the middle section of the meniscus have a limited blood supply, making healing more likely in younger individuals.
– White-white zone: Tears in the inner portion of the meniscus may not heal well due to a lack of blood supply.
Your MRI results will determine the type of tear you have. It is important to remember that not all tears are equally significant, although they are more common in individuals over 35 years old. Meniscus tears are so prevalent that many people are unaware they have them.
Can you continue your normal routine life with a meniscus tear? When should you choose knee medial meniscus tear treatment?
As previously stated, meniscus tears in the red-red zone have the potential to heal on their own, although they differ from other types of tears. It is not a major concern if you have a tear, as you may have had it for quite some time without realizing it. However, it is crucial to address any symptoms associated with the meniscus tear. Occasionally, symptoms can become severe and partial tears may progress to complete tears rapidly. In such cases, knee meniscus tear treatment should be given utmost attention.
When should you choose surgery for the right knee meniscus tear treatment?
If conservative methods such as medications and steroids do not yield results, individuals may choose to undergo surgery as an alternative. An arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM), involves the removal of the torn part of the meniscus. The New York Times has categorized this procedure as “useless,” and there are various reasons for this classification.
A research study conducted in 2013 demonstrated that the outcomes of APM were no better than those achieved through a physical therapy regimen. Furthermore, undergoing APM can lead to changes in knee movement and potential loss of cartilage.
When is surgery, not the right knee meniscus tear treatment option?
The topic of choosing between conservative treatment and surgery is a highly debated one in the medical field. When it comes to meniscus tears caused by age-related degeneration, doctors generally lean towards conservative knee medial meniscus tear treatment. A study published in 2017 found no significant benefits from surgery for this type of tear.
Conservative treatment options like NSAIDs, physical therapy, activity modification, and steroid injections, are typically recommended for partial tears. Even tears in the red zone, which have a better blood supply for healing, respond well to conservative knee medial meniscus tear treatment. However, if symptoms persist for more than six months despite conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended.
How does platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection help?
If you are diagnosed with a partial meniscus tear, PRP therapy is a viable option for treatment. PRP treatment falls under the category of nonsurgical regenerative medicine and can naturally alleviate pain and discomfort associated with a meniscus tear.
Unlike other conservative approaches such as medication and cortisone shots, PRP injections provide lasting relief by addressing the underlying cause of the injury rather than just masking symptoms. This outpatient procedure utilizes your own healing blood cells, minimizing the likelihood of significant side effects.
It is important to pursue regenerative treatment as early as possible to prevent the partial tear from progressing to a complete tear. The earlier the knee meniscus tear treatment is administered the better the potential outcomes.
Additionally, our Medica Stem Cells Clinic offers physical therapy in conjunction with regenerative treatment to accelerate the healing process.
A review study published in the Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review suggested that PRP has the potential to be a beneficial treatment for repairing meniscus tears found in the avascular zone.
When is it necessary to seek advice from a doctor?
Do you experience sudden or persistent pain and difficulty performing regular activities with the affected knee? Seek immediate medical advice:
Neglecting knee medial meniscus tear treatment can lead to a worsening of the condition. Along with a physical examination, doctors may order additional tests such as X-rays or an MRI to determine the cause and severity of the pain. Based on this information, they will recommend appropriate knee medial meniscus tear treatment options.
If conservative treatments have already been tried and you are still experiencing knee pain, it is crucial to consult with a physician without delay.
The upshot?
As we age, meniscus tears become increasingly common. However, if the tear occurs in the outer third of the meniscus, natural recovery is possible without the need for surgery. Conservative treatment options will be recommended by a physician to address wear and tear-related meniscus tears, with a recovery time of 6-8 weeks. Alternatively, recent medical advancements such as PRP have proven effective in permanently and naturally alleviating associated symptoms without the need for surgery. Within 1-3 weeks of undergoing PRP treatment, significant improvement can be expected.