How to treat a meniscus injury of the knee joint?
While riding a bicycle, I accidentally fell and injured my knee, resulting in a meniscus injury. How should it be treated?
Meniscus injuries typically occur in situations involving sudden twisting of the knee joint or direct impact while the knee is bent, and are commonly seen among athletes, manual laborers, or elderly individuals. Methods for treating knee meniscus injuries include:
1. Rest: Avoid activities that may aggravate the injury and reduce stress on the knee joint.
2. Ice application: Helps alleviate pain and swelling; apply for 20 minutes, 3–4 times daily.
3. Compression: Use elastic bandages or knee braces to reduce swelling.
4. Elevation: Raise the knee above heart level to help reduce swelling.
5. Physical therapy: Includes heat therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to aid in restoring knee joint function.
6. Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and inflammation.
7. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments: Such as acupuncture, cupping, and topical application of herbal medicine, which can also help relieve pain and promote recovery.
8. Arthroscopic meniscus repair: For patients with good blood supply to the torn area, suturing and repair may be attempted.
9. Partial meniscectomy: If the torn area cannot be repaired or if repair might compromise knee joint function, partial removal may be necessary.