A cortisone shot can help decrease the inflammation and pain caused by a torn meniscus. A cortisone shot usually does not help in healing of the meniscus and, hence, does not improve any mechanical symptoms. If a meniscus is repairable, then a cortisone shot is not preferred as it may impair healing of the meniscus.
An effective, long-lasting treatment has widely been sought after. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections have been among the methods of controlling pain for more than 60 years. However, such injections tend to produce short-lasting results, with profound effects lasting an average of up to 4 weeks.
While injections temporarily reduce pain, they will not help heal the meniscus tear. Researchers have been developing stem-cell therapies that may help heal the injured tissue.
There are two main injection options; steroid or hyaluronic acid injections. Steroid is a strong anti-inflammatory and is deposited directly into your knee joint using ultrasound guidance. This ensures the drug is deposited in the correct place.
AM3101 is an injectable drug being developed as a therapy to reduce the frequency of complications and morbidities associated with failed meniscal repair surgery. Meniscal tears, particularly in the portion of the tissue lacking sufficient blood supply, are often irreparable and require removal of the disease tissue.
Continuing to walk on the affected leg can aggravate your symptoms, making pain and stiffness worse in as little as a few days. Plus, suffering a torn meniscus may also increase your risk of complications, like developing osteoarthritis in that knee.
The injection consists of two medications: Cortisone (a steroid) and Marcaine (a numbing agent). It is recommended that you refrain from any high level activities using your knee for approximately 48 hours. Routine activities including walking are permitted.
A horizontal meniscus tear is one of the easiest types of tears to repair in the knee. Rather than removing the portion of the meniscus that is damaged, the surgeon will try to sew together the circumferential fibers of the meniscus back together.
There is often sharp pain when you twist or squat. Symptoms may go away but can come back from overuse or when you do activities that involve twisting. The pain may come and go over a period of years if the tear isn't treated. Larger tears usually cause more pain and immediate swelling and stiffness.
Meniscus tears are the most frequently treated knee injuries. Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery. If your symptoms persist after 3 months or your symptoms become significant, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tear.
Potential side effects of cortisone shots increase with larger doses and repeated use. Side effects can include: Cartilage damage. Death of nearby bone.
Spontaneous healing is uncommon in adults, but may occur in some cases. Safe strengthening activities such as cycling which avoid twisting and hyperflexion. Optional anti-inflammatory medication (Diclofenac/Voltaren or Ibuprofen/Motrin) for 1-2 weeks. Arthroscopic surgery to trim the damaged meniscus.
Many cortisone injections also include a numbing medication, such as lidocaine, to help make the shot more comfortable. “How the injection feels depends on where you're getting it. Many injections are not painful or only have a few seconds of discomfort,” Dr. Halim says.
The most common side effect is intense pain and swelling in the joint where the injection was given. This usually gets better after a day or two. You may also get some bruising where the injection was given. This should go away after a few days.
Physicians typically recommend cortisone injections when inflammation causes joint pain, swelling, and warmth. Painful joint inflammation is associated with several conditions, including but not limited to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and tendonitis.
Not necessarily. Left untreated, a meniscus tear can limit your daily life and ability to participate in exercise and sports. In serious cases, it can develop into long-term knee problems, like arthritis.
Small tears often heal on their own, while others may require arthroscopic surgery. Most people fully recover from a torn meniscus and can get back to doing their favorite activities without knee pain.
Knee braces are recommended for those with meniscus tears or OA as they help reduce stress on the joints which knee sleeves don't. Knee braces are used for sports injuries to protect against further damage and provide stability when exercising.
Generally, if the first shot doesn't work, we may inject the same area again after 6-8 weeks. However, if a second shot doesn't work, we don't recommend a third shot. But, you can have multiple cortisone shots in different parts of your body.
If you experience a post-injection steroid flare wait until it has passed prior to driving again (typically a few days after the injection). Ensure you can perform an emergency brake before starting to drive again. Contact your insurance company if you have any concerns.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections often are used when corticosteroid injections don't work. But they usually are approved only for use in the knee. In some instances, doctors consider HA injections first if you don't have obvious signs of inflammation.
Avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain, especially any activity that causes you to twist, rotate or pivot your knee. If your pain is severe, using crutches can take pressure off your knee and promote healing.
In severe tears, pieces of the torn meniscus can move into the joint space. This can make your knee catch, pop, or lock. You may not be able to straighten it. Your knee may feel "wobbly" or buckle without warning.