If the tear is not severe, it may not require surgery. Small tears typically heal with rest and physical therapy. If your knee is stable and your symptoms do not persist, you may see good results from non-surgical care. In this case, treatment will be the PRICE protocol, which is common for most sports-related injuries. PRICE means Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. You may also need to do physical therapy.
• Protection – Avoid those things that aggravate the knee, or consider using a brace on the injured knee
• Rest – Enjoy some time off from the activity that caused the injury, and try to avoid any new activity that would aggravate the injury.
• Ice – Do not apply ice directly to skin. Use cold packs several times per day for about 30 minutes at a time. This will help with inflammation.
• Compression– Wear an elastic compression bandage around your knee. This will help prevent additional swelling.
• Elevation – This is also to reduce swelling. Recline when you rest, and make sure your leg is elevated higher than your heart.
In addition to PRICE, we will recommend that you take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, Naproxen, or Ibuprofen. These medications help reduce pain and swelling.
Return to the Meniscus Care page.