Returning to the game after a meniscus tear starts with skilled care by an experienced orthopedist.
After treatment, you can ensure a safe return to the sport you love by:
Skipping any of these steps can stall your progress and may prevent a full recovery.
Award-winning surgeon and board-certified orthopedist Dr. Sumit Dewanjee offers top-level orthopedic care, including sports injury recovery, at FXRX in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona.
Read what Dr. Dewanjee and his team say about returning to sports after a meniscus tear.
The menisci are C-shaped structures in the knee (two per knee). Made of cartilage, they act as cushions and stabilizers between the shinbone (tibia) and thighbone (femur).
Meniscus tears often occur during sudden twisting movements and are common during football, basketball, or other sports requiring sudden starts and stops or quick pivots in direction.
Age can also affect the menisci, causing the cartilage to degenerate over time and increasing the risk of a tear. In this case, a clumsy step off a curb or an awkward twist arising from a seated position can injure the meniscus.
Many people report a popping sensation at the time of injury. But although you shouldn’t, you may be able to continue walking, running, or otherwise moving immediately after the tear. Knee pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited knee motion tend to build up gradually over 2-3 days.
Before scheduling a return to sports, Dr. Dewanjee assesses the extent of your injury and develops an appropriate knee treatment plan.
Your course of treatment may include:
For significant tears or those that don’t respond to conservative therapy, Dr. Dwanjee may recommend a minimally invasive surgical fix.
Treatment and rehab following a meniscus tear are based on the type and location of the tear, your pre-injury activity level, and your future goals.
Active seniors, for instance, may benefit from subtle differences in their rehab strategy compared to collegiate or pro athletes seeking a speedy return to competition. Dr. Dewanjee develops personalized plans based on your needs.
Generally, though, rehab following a meniscus injury includes:
The final phase of recovery after a meniscus tear includes a gradual return to sports, as developed by Dr. Dewanjee.
This step-by-step process typically begins with low-intensity, sports-specific drills, gradually increasing in intensity and duration until Dr. Dewanjee approves your return to full activity.
Another factor to consider during rehab is healthy nutrition, which promotes healing. Lean protein for muscle repair and growth, calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., fresh fruits, leafy greens, fatty fish) help support your body’s natural tissue repair and rebuilding process.
Dr. Dewanjee may also recommend orthopedic bracing as you transition back to sports. This can provide additional stability and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Dewanjee at FXRX Inc. today by calling one of our offices or requesting an appointment via our online portal.
