How long does it generally take to recover from a meniscus injury?

The recovery time for meniscus injuries varies from person to person.

1. Mild injuries: Grade I and Grade II injuries generally recover gradually through conservative treatment.

Conservative treatment mainly involves rest, allowing the injured meniscus sufficient time to heal; physical therapy, such as hot compresses, cold compresses, and massage, helps improve local blood circulation and reduce inflammation; and medication can also be used to relieve pain and swelling. Generally speaking, the recovery period for such injuries is approximately 6–8 weeks, although the exact duration depends on individual patient factors such as age and overall physical condition.

2. Severe injuries: Grade III injuries, also known as meniscus tears, usually require surgical treatment in most cases, such as arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery.

The recovery period after surgery is also typically around 6–8 weeks. Patients must actively cooperate with rehabilitation training post-surgery to strengthen muscle power and restore joint mobility and stability.

In addition to the patient's age and physical condition mentioned above, differences in injury location and severity can also affect the recovery time. Therefore, during the recovery period, patients must strictly follow medical advice and properly schedule rest and exercise.