Is surgery the only option for treating a torn meniscus?
With all the stress that’s placed on the knees every day, it’s not surprising that it’s also one of the areas of the body most susceptible to injury. The meniscus is cartilage that supports and cushions the two bones of the knees: the femur and tibia. If you’ve suffered a meniscus tear, or suspect that you have, it’s important that you turn to Dr. Jeffrey Chase and our St. Thomas and St. Croix orthopaedic team at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists for an immediate evaluation.
How is a meniscus tear treated?
When you come into our practice for an evaluation don’t be surprised if you need to undergo an MRI or imaging test so that we can see the full extent of the tear. Nonsurgical treatment options are typically employed first and include,
- Icing
- Compression
- Elevation
- Bracing
- Pain medications
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
Our orthopaedic team may also recommend physical therapy to help strengthen and rebuild the ligaments, tendons and muscles around the knee to support the joint and to improve mobility and range of motion.
Do I need surgery?
Not necessarily. While surgery can certainly repair a tear, sometimes this isn’t always the best treatment option, especially if you are dealing with only a mild tear (known as a Grade 1 or 2 meniscus tear). Whether or not Dr. Jeffrey Chase recommends surgery for your meniscus tear will depend on the location of the tear, as well as the size and severity of the tear.
Surgery may also be recommended if non-surgical treatment options aren’t providing you with relief. Most surgeries to repair a meniscus tear are performed arthroscopically, making it far less invasive and providing a faster recovery time for the patient.
When it comes to a meniscus tear, time is of the essence when it comes to treatment. We offer a full range of treatment options at our St. Thomas and St. Croix practices to make sure you get comprehensive treatment for your meniscus tear treatment. To schedule an evaluation, call Dr. Jeffrey Chase of Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists at (340) 714-2845, or (340) 692-5000.