Torn Meniscus : How Long After A Torn Meniscus Can You Walk?

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage present in the knee and acts as a shock absorber along with stabilizing the knee joint.^{(1, 3)} This meniscus commonly gets injured when performing rigorous physical activities such as sports.^{(2, 3)} Depending on the severity of the torn meniscus, the treatment is decided.

In case of surgery to repair the torn meniscus, the recovery and the question of how long after a torn meniscus can you walk depend on the surgery type and the degree of the injury. One cannot obviously start walking immediately after the meniscus repair surgery; however, at least two weeks of rest after surgery before attempting to try to walk is advised.

Common causes include a twisting or rotation movement of the knee, which frequently occurs in sports, such as soccer, basketball and football.^{(1, 3)} A torn meniscus can also occur from heavy lifting or deep squatting along with falls and other knee injuries and also due to degenerative changes caused by aging.

Some of the common symptoms of a torn meniscus are: Tearing or popping sensation when it is injured; knee swelling; knee pain; problem with straightening and bending the leg; the knee gives out; the feeling as if the knee is catching or locking; instability; limited movement of the knee and not being able to kneel or squat.⁽¹⁾

A history and physical exam helps in diagnosis along with certain tests, such as McMurray maneuver; Thessaly test; Apley test and Bounce home test.

Imaging tests to diagnose a torn meniscus are: Ultrasound, x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).⁽¹⁾

A minimally invasive surgical procedure, which is arthroscopy, can also be done where a small scope with an attached camera is inserted into the knee of the patient to see the internal structures clearly.⁽¹⁾

For a minor meniscus tear, conservative treatment is enough, which consists of: rest, compression, icing the injured part; leg elevation and using NSAIDs for pain relief. One can also use braces or crutches if needed.⁽¹⁾ Physical therapy with exercises to strengthen the knee should also be done.⁽¹⁾  Surgery is needed if the severity of the torn meniscus is high.

As to this question about how much time it takes to walk after a torn meniscus depends on the type of surgery; whether it was arthroscopic surgery or an open surgery. Whether there was complete removal of meniscus or partial removal.

Whatever the type of surgery or injury, a patient cannot start walking immediately after suffering from a torn meniscus; and rest for several days is needed. A knee brace can also be used as per instructions by the doctor. It can take many weeks before patients can begin to walk without the use of a knee brace and there may be quite some months before the patient’s knee has sufficiently healed after a torn meniscus before they can get back to their sports activities.

The duration of time when you can start to recover from arthroscopic meniscus repair needs a period of limited motion, limited weight-bearing along with knee brace in some cases. In about 4 to 8 weeks, the patient suffering from torn meniscus can increase their range of motion and weight bearing. It takes 2 to 3 months for most of the patients to start walking without crutches or a knee brace.

The duration of time when you can start to walk after partial meniscectomy is quicker when compared to arthroscopic meniscus repair. Patients can use crutches for some days and rest for 10 to 14 days. However, majority of the patients can indulge in increased levels of activity according to their own comfort, if they do not have any pain.

The recovery time for patients with strenuous occupations can take about six to eight weeks before they can completely start to walk and recommence their physically taxing activities.^{(2, 3)}

References:

Also Read:

• Lateral Meniscus Tear of Knee Joint: Types, Treatment- Conservative, Medications, Surgery
• What is Posterior Horn Medial Meniscus Tear: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Recovery
• Risks of Meniscus Tear Surgery & the Recovery Period Following Meniscus Tear Surgery
• How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Torn Meniscus?
• What is Meniscus Tear and How Is It Treated?
• How To Heal A Torn Meniscus Naturally?