Treatment Methods for Meniscus Injury
Disease description:
I have recently been experiencing severe knee pain, especially noticeable when going up and down stairs. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with a meniscus injury. Now, I'm having difficulty walking smoothly, and it's really troubling me. How should a meniscus injury be treated to recover as soon as possible?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Meniscus injury is one of the common sports-related injuries of the knee joint, mainly occurring during sudden twisting of the knee or when bearing weight while the knee is bent. Treatment methods mainly include the following:
1. Rest: Avoid strenuous exercise to reduce the burden on the knee joint.
2. Ice application: Helps relieve pain and swelling; apply for 20 minutes, 3–4 times daily.
3. Compression bandaging: Use elastic bandages or knee supports to reduce swelling.
4. Elevate the affected limb: Helps promote blood circulation and reduce swelling.
5. Medication: In the early stage, take blood-activating, stasis-resolving, swelling-reducing and pain-relieving medications such as Taohong Siwu Decoction with Achyranthes root and Siler root. In later stages, use warming, meridian-invigorating, and pain-relieving formulas internally, such as Jianbu Hujian Pills. Additionally, if the injury is not severe, medications that nourish articular cartilage may be considered, such as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride capsules.
6. Physical therapy: During the chronic injury phase, local massage and manipulation techniques can be performed to promote local blood circulation and alleviate pain.
7. Immobilization: During the acute injury phase, immobilize the knee joint for 3 weeks, restrict movement, and prevent further injury.
8. Surgical treatment: If the injury is severe, arthroscopic surgery may be considered to repair or remove the damaged meniscus.
