How long do you wear a knee brace for a torn meniscus?

You must wear the hinged-‐knee brace for the first 6 weeks. This brace protects the meniscus repair because it prevents you from bending the knee past 90 degrees. It is OK to remove the brace for showering but be careful.


Does wearing a knee brace help a torn meniscus?

Will a knee brace help a torn meniscus? Yes. Although knee braces do not heal or treat your meniscus tear directly, they can provide extra support and stability for your knee while your meniscus injury heals. A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest.

How many hours a day should you wear a knee brace?

If your orthopedist recommends it, you can wear your brace all day. However, improper use of a knee brace can worsen your pain or cause further damage to the knee. If you are using a brace that immobilizes your knee, the joint can weaken.


How long should you stay off a torn meniscus?

Ordinarily, your doctor or physical therapist will ask you to reduce your sports activities while your meniscus tear heals. Healing could take between four and eight weeks. However, the time depends on the severity and position of the tear.

How long does it take for a slightly torn meniscus to heal without surgery?

Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery. If your symptoms persist after 3 months or your symptoms become significant, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tear.


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What is the fastest way to heal a torn meniscus?

To speed the recovery, you can:
  1. Rest the knee. ...
  2. Ice your knee to reduce pain and swelling. ...
  3. Compress your knee. ...
  4. Elevate your knee with a pillow under your heel when you're sitting or lying down.
  5. Take anti-inflammatory medications. ...
  6. Use stretching and strengthening exercises to help reduce stress to your knee.


What aggravates a torn meniscus?

Avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain, especially any activity that causes you to twist, rotate or pivot your knee. If your pain is severe, using crutches can take pressure off your knee and promote healing.

Should you walk a lot with a torn meniscus?

It is generally OK to walk on a torn meniscus, though you may benefit from using crutches to help alleviate some of the pressure. However, if pain increases, try to rest your knee as much as possible and avoid bearing too much weight on it.


What are 3 signs of a meniscus tear in the knee?

Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.

Is walking OK with torn meniscus?

Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain. Other people find that the torn meniscus prevents them from participating comfortably in their usual daily activities.

Is there a downside to wearing a knee brace?

Risks of wearing a knee brace might include: Discomfort wearing the brace. A knee brace can feel heavy, bulky and hot at first. Poor fit can cause it to slip.


Are you supposed to sleep in a knee brace?

It is sometimes recommended that you take a knee brace off while sleeping to give your leg a break. However, your doctor might instruct you to wear your knee brace while in bed depending on your post-operative care.

When should you not wear a knee brace?

Typically, a complex knee brace is worn for the first year. After that, a brace usually isn't needed for low-level activities. Keep in mind it can take up to two years to return to baseline stability. Once you're returned to full function, you can stop wearing a brace.

What activities should you avoid with a torn meniscus?

However, you'll want to be very careful about movements that might worsen the tear or cause you pain. Avoid squatting and pivoting, which are likely to place too much pressure on the knee. If you do need surgery, weight bearing is often limited afterward.


Should I bend my knee with torn meniscus?

Rest your knee when possible. Do not squat or kneel. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.

What type of brace is good for a meniscus tear?

When looking for a brace for a torn meniscus, look for one that offers compression. Braces that compress are usually made of neoprene or fabric, Dr. Walter says. Finally, look for brace types called “unloader braces.” They "can take pressure off the injured side, whether it's the medial or the lateral side.

Does a torn meniscus ever completely heal?

In the case of meniscus tears, some people think the injury will heal over time on its own. But the truth is that there are different types of meniscus tears — and some tears won't heal without treatment. If your tear is on the outer one-third of the meniscus, it may heal on its own or be repaired surgically.


How do I know how severe my meniscus tear is?

A tear is usually labeled as severe if the meniscus has a big tear. Loose pieces may cause the knee joint to lock or catch. This level of injury may also keep you from bending or straightening your leg and can make walking difficult. Severe tears usually require surgery to repair.

Can you walk up stairs with a torn meniscus?

Over time, a meniscus tear may become more severe and cause further damage if left untreated. Further, certain activities may cause symptoms to flare up. Some patients might find it difficult and painful to climb stairs, or even to get out of bed.

What percentage of meniscus tears require surgery?

Less than 10 percent of meniscal tears occurring in patients age 40 or older can be repaired. This is often because the tissue degeneration affects blood flow to the cartilage, making healing less likely after surgery. A doctor may recommend removing the damaged tissue and suggest physical therapy exercises.


Can you rehab a torn meniscus without surgery?

Nonsurgical Treatment for a Meniscus Tear

Walking aids such as crutches may be recommended to take pressure off of the knee and to promote healing. Using a cold compress or ice pack can help to reduce swelling and pain in the knee.

Will a meniscus tear show on an xray?

A torn meniscus causes clicking, popping, and locking of the knee. Because the meniscus is made of cartilage, and cartilage does not show up on x-ray, a torn meniscus will not show up on x-ray.

How did I tear my meniscus?

Traumatic tears in the meniscus usually occur during forceful twisting of the knee and are common among players of sports such as football, basketball and soccer, but they can occur during any activity involving knee twisting.


Will a cortisone shot help a torn meniscus?

A cortisone injection can effectively reduce pain and inflammation in your knee, as in the case of a torn meniscus. It's only a temporary solution to your pain, though. It can't heal your meniscus and may even delay your healing. It also can't prevent you from injuring it again in the future.
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