Like many other knee injuries, a meniscus tear may be painful and traumatic. Regrettably, it is relatively prevalent. In fact, a meniscal tear is one of the most common tendon injuries in the knee. You can sustain meniscus tear West Chester in sports like football, volleyball, and soccer that require jumping and turning. Older athletes are at a higher risk of meniscus tears because the meniscus degrades with age.
Here are natural treatments for meniscus tear;
1. Rest
Rest, activity limitations, and raising the knee and leg as much as possible might help heal meniscus tears. In addition, Avoid activities that entail bending, turning, or rotating the knee in any way. You may use crutches or other walking aids to relieve strain on the knee and improve recovery.
2. Apply ice
Using a cold compress or ice pack reduces swelling and soreness in the knee. Lift the knee and Leg, cover the ice pack in a towel (to avoid frostbite from direct skin contact), and apply it to the wounded region of the knee for 15 minutes at a time. Repeat this process four times a day.
Remove the ice pack as soon as it becomes too cold to cause discomfort. It should feel soothing rather than painful.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Supplements and Diet
Eating a nutritious diet and using supplements can help lower inflammation and enhance your body’s capacity to recover. Foods that are nutrient-dense and anti-inflammatory to focus on include:
- Leafy greens and vegetables like cruciferous vegetables, berries, sea vegetables
- High-quality proteins like eggs, fish, and grass-fed beef
- Seeds and nuts
- Healthy fats such as olive oil, Coconut oil, avocado,
- Green tea, bone broth, and plenty of water
4. Exercises for Meniscus Tears
The following are some of the most excellent meniscus tear exercises to do to help with recovery:
- Flexion/Extension Exercise – You may perform this exercise while sitting or standing; simply bend and straighten your knee as much as your discomfort and range of motion it will allow. Repeat this five times.
- Straight Leg raises –Lie on your back with one knee arched upwards and the other Leg flat and on the floor.
As you tense your quadriceps, tighten the muscles on your straight Leg, then slowly elevate the Leg about 6 inches off the ground. Continue to contract while holding for a few seconds, then gently lower and repeat around ten times.
5. Physical therapy
Engaging with a physical therapist is the best method to learn how to do meniscus tear exercises and stretches effectively and securely. A physical therapist will help you complete specific activities to support the knee healing properly to prevent persistent discomfort or a weak knee.
Physical therapy for a torn meniscus will concentrate on gently stretching initially, then strengthening the quadriceps to stabilize the knee and prevent muscular imbalances.
If you experience torn meniscus symptoms, consult your doctor before applying natural treatments to alleviate the pain—plan on taking some time off to rest and regain strength.
Call Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment to evaluate and treat a meniscus tear.
