Torn cartilage in the knee, or a meniscal tear, is one of the most common knee injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS. Although anyone can experience a torn meniscus, athletes who participate in contact sports are at the greatest risk. At the time of injury, pain is generally minimal and the only symptom may be a "pop" sound. Over the next few days, increased swelling, stiffness, locking and pain develop. Small tears may respond to home treatment, while more serious tears require medical intervention and possibly surgery.
Step 1
Rest your knee by walking as little as possible, avoiding sports and using crutches to keep your weight off your joint. If walking is painful, interpret that as a sign that you need to sit down and elevate your leg. Elevation will reduce swelling and help ease pain.
Step 2
Apply ice packs to the affected knee several times each day. The AAOS recommends placing a thin towel between your knee and the ice pack to protect your skin, and leaving the ice in place for about 20 minutes at a time.
Step 3
Wear a compression bandage on the affected knee to prevent blood loss, swelling and pain. Elastic compression bandages are available from your doctor and at many pharmacies and sports retailers.
Step 4
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to control inflammation and reduce knee pain from torn cartilage. Pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medications may require prescription-strength pain relievers. Call your doctor for a prescription.
Step 5
Undergo surgery to repair your torn cartilage if your doctor recommends it or if your pain persists even after home care. Many cases of torn knee cartilage respond to arthroscopic surgery, a procedure that involves making only a few small cuts in the skin to repair the tear. This type of surgery has a shorter recovery period and poses less risk of pain and complications than open surgery, according to MayoClinic.com.
Tips and Warnings
- Sleeping with a pillow beneath or between your knees may alleviate pressure on the affected joint and reduce pain, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
- Do not resume normal activities until instructed to do by your doctor. When you are cleared to resume normal activities, do so gradually to prevent pain and a recurrence of your condition.
Things You'll Need
- Crutches
- Ice packs
- Thin towel
- Elastic compression bandage
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
