Torn knee cartilage - ice packs? suggestions?

kuepper

Doc had diagnosed my swollen and painful knee as having a torn/frayed cartilage and says it should sort itself out if I rest it for about 9 weeks. Seems a long time plus the only treatment he suggested was walking up stairs sideways. NHS site mentions ice packs, I wondered if anyone had used these and/or had other suggestions besides painkillers (eg knee brace) for same problem?

fireblade28

Preferably you need an MRI or ultrasound to diagnose urgently. Doctors are not great at injuries. You need to see the extent of the damage. Surgery may be needed rather than letting it heal and not heal well.

You can't know unless you physically see what the issue is. If doc has done this already then great but most often they don't. Advantage of private healthcare.

I would advise against painkillers wherever possible as you need to feel if you are hurting your knee. It can cause more damage if you numb the pain.

Knee brace is a sensible idea.

You need to mobilise as soon as possible so regular exercise (light non impact like a stationary bike low resistance)

Then around 2 weeks after injury you need to rehab. This involves strengthening the muscles around the knee to help stabilise it. You won't realise but you lose a lot of strength in 2 weeks of hobbling. This needs to be minimised. Physio is best to show you. Go and see a private physio for a second opinion as well. They know a lot more in this area.

http://physioworks.com.au/injuries-conditions-1/knee-meniscus-injury