How is meniscal wear treated?

　　The meniscus is located in the knee joint, and its function involves flexion and extension of the knee, often accompanied by rotation and/or outward movement of the lower leg. Meniscal injuries typically result from inattention or improper movement during physical activity. Therefore, prompt medical intervention is essential upon injury onset. So, how is meniscal wear treated?

　　How Is Meniscal Wear Treated?

　　Meniscal wear can be managed through either conservative (non-surgical) treatment or surgical intervention. If a patient experiences knee pain, they should seek professional medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital. Initially, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended to assess the extent of meniscal damage. MRI clearly visualizes the degree of meniscal wear, which is classified into four grades. In Grade I meniscal wear, the damage remains relatively mild; patients may opt for rest, oral medications to promote soft-tissue repair, and intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate or other agents to alleviate symptoms. For more advanced (e.g., Grade II) meniscal wear, conservative management is usually attempted first.

　　Treatment strategies vary according to injury severity. For milder cases, conservative approaches such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) fumigation therapy, heat application, and other TCM modalities may be effective. In severe cases, surgical intervention—such as meniscal repair surgery—may be necessary. Patients should also ensure adequate warmth for the knee, prioritize rest, avoid excessive physical activity, and minimize friction on the meniscus to facilitate optimal recovery.

　　During treatment for meniscal injury, patients must strictly avoid vigorous physical activity to prevent further damage. Heavy lifting should also be avoided throughout the treatment period. We hope this information proves helpful to you.