A torn meniscus can be an inhibiting factor in the movement of your knees. You may need a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation and pain. Consult a doctor at the earliest.

1. Exploring Cortisone Injection Therapy for a Torn Meniscus
Due to the delicate anatomical architecture of our knees, they are quite sensitive and
vulnerable to wear and tear injuries. The torn meniscus is one such injury. The injury can be
really painful, especially if the tear is caused due to an intense sporting activity. Rigorous
physical activity and age-related degeneration of the cartilage are two major causes of a torn
meniscus. While most patients have gone for keyhole surgery so far to resolve the issue,
recent studies have indicated that opting for physiotherapy or cortisone injections is better.
We will talk about the torn meniscus condition in more detail and explore the significance of
cortisone as an effective treatment method.
Explaining the condition: What is a torn meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage structure located in the knee joint, acting as a cushion
and shock absorber. Each knee has two menisci – one each on the inner (medial) and one
outer (lateral) side. These structures are crucial in maintaining knee stability and providing
lubrication during joint movement.
Causes of a Torn Meniscus
A torn meniscus can occur due to various factors, including:
● Injury: Sudden twisting or pivoting movements of the knee, often seen in sports or
accidents, can lead to a torn meniscus.
● Degeneration: As individuals age, the meniscus can weaken and become more
susceptible to tearing with minimal trauma or strain.
Symptoms of Torn Meniscus
A torn meniscus typically presents with the following symptoms:
● Pain: Patients often experience pain in the affected knee, especially when bending,
twisting, or squatting.
● Swelling: Inflammation of the knee joint can lead to swelling, making it difficult to
fully extend or flex the knee.
● Clicking or popping sensation: Some individuals may hear or feel a clicking or
popping sensation in the knee during movement.
● Limited range of motion: A torn meniscus can restrict the knee's range of motion,
making it challenging to perform everyday activities.
Diagnosing a torn meniscus

2. The doctor will subject you to a thorough medical examination if they suspect a torn
meniscus. The medical exam consists of the following steps.
● Physical examination: It is the first and foremost step in diagnosing a patient.
The doctor will fully check the knee for signs of swelling and redness during the
examination. He will also check the knee's range of motion, stability, and tenderness.
These are preliminary steps for confirmation.
● Imaging tests: X-rays may be used to rule out other knee issues, while magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) is the most effective tool for visualising meniscal tears.
However, both these diagnostic techniques are invasive. MRI, though effective, is
costly. A better and cost-effective technique is ultrasound diagnosis. The latter is
particularly useful if the doctor is administering cortisone injections for knees. They
offer a precision tool for the exact drug delivery of the medicinal drug on the affected
site.
Treatment Options
The following treatment choices are generally presented to the patients in order to treat a
torn meniscus.
● Rest and ice: Resting the knee and applying ice can help reduce pain and
inflammation. Apply an ice pack at a gap of 2-3 hours every day.
● Physical therapy: A customised rehabilitation program can strengthen the
muscles surrounding the knee and improve joint stability.
● Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) may be prescribed to alleviate pain and swelling.
● Cortisone Injections: A cortisone injection is often recommended to manage pain
and reduce inflammation in the knee joint.
How efficacious are cortisone injections
Cortisone injections provide significant relief from inflammation caused by a torn meniscus.
● The effectiveness of cortisone injections for treating torn meniscus is variable. In
some studies, 70% of respondents reported experiencing pain relief for more than 6
weeks when treated with an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection for the knees.
●
● This is in considerable contrast to a cortisone injection administered into the joint,
which provided relief for only 3 weeks.
● The primary treatment course for a torn meniscus is usually rest, physiotherapy, and
oral and topical pain management. Injection therapy is generally recommended only
if:

3.  You have been suffering from knee pain for over 6 weeks
 The pain is seriously hampering your daily life.
 The severity of the pain is limiting your ability to participate in
physiotherapy
 It’s limiting your ability to take part in sports
● The meniscal tear is of a progressive nature, resulting from degeneration of the knee
joint.
● Other forms of pain management, such as compression, physiotherapy, and rest
have not yielded effective results, and surgery is an option.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully if he recommends you to get a cortisone injection
for torn meniscus.
Key Takeaway
A torn meniscus could be causing immense discomfort in your knees. It is a common knee
injury that hugely limits knee mobility. Pain in the back of the knee or redness and swelling
below and above the knee caps could be an indication of a torn meniscus. You shouldn't
wait too long before seeing a doctor otherwise the pain would only increase. The doctor will
examine you and figure out an appropriate course of treatment. Cortisone injections for
knees is one of the best-suited treatment in this case. While these injections reduce
inflammation and pain gradually, they should be considered as part of a comprehensive
treatment plan that includes physiotherapy. Consult an experienced doctor to chart out the
path to speedy recovery.