Brace or Tape after meniscus injury.

rulocal

New User
I got a small tear in my meniscus about ten days ago, and although it is healing quite quickly, is still quite sore, especially when twisting on that knee.

I have not played tennis since, but am going away at the end if this week for a tennis holiday. Under normal circumstances I probably would not play for at least another fortnight but really don't want to miss out next week. I am thinking that with a bit of extra support and some icing, I should get through the week. Should I just tape the knee up or go for a speciaist brace.

Any feedback on Lazarus-like meniscus recoveries will be welcome. :)
 

ollinger

G.O.A.T.
Neither is of much value (tape or brace) for a meniscus as it is not a stability element in the knee. How many MRIs have you had in the last two weeks (you would have had to have had at least two if there is documented rapid healing, which would be surprising in the fairly non-vascular meniscus)? I'll switch to your insurance plan!
 
I would also think you will need more time to heal. You certainly don't want to turn a "small tear" into a large one, causing much more damage to your knee, and not oly end up missing much more tennis time, but having a hard time just getting around. Work within the time framework that your doc and therapist recommend.
 

rulocal

New User
My doc actually said it was only a very small tear and a fortnight should be enough. The problem is that this holiday is based around tennis and hence my keenness to return. Clearly, if it doesn't feel right I will stop, but I just want to give myself the best chance.
 

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
My docs told me very different things from what your doc is telling you.

My docs said meniscus tears in certain areas do not heal at all, and tears in other areas with better blood flow can heal but usually require surgical repair.

My first doc (who gave me bad advice, IMHO) said "Yeah, sure. Go ahead and play on your small meniscus tear. The damage is done. If you can stand the pain, go for it."

The other doc (the one I went to after I played the tournament and tore the meniscus even more) said I shouldn't have played on it because of the risk of tearing the meniscus more, and I would need surgery because the knee was now locked (wouldn't straighten fully).

No brace or support will help, but they can make you feel better and help with inflammation.

Good luck. And if you know some way to get a meniscus to heal on its own, let me know. My other knee is starting to give me trouble . . . .
 

ollinger

G.O.A.T.
Without the MRI, 1) the diagnosis is uncertain, and 2) there is no way to assess healing since symptomatic improvement could just be some resolution of acute inflammation from the time of injury.
 
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