What alternatives are there to surgery for meniscus problems?
May 3, 2024 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Hoffmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Max Höfer and I have been suffering from meniscus problems in my left knee for some time now. The pain has been increasing in the last few weeks and is increasingly affecting my daily life. Especially when walking and climbing stairs, I feel a stabbing and crunching in my knee, which is very uncomfortable.
I have already consulted a doctor who has advised me to consider surgery to address the problem. However, I have concerns about surgery and would like to know if there are possible alternatives that I could consider first. I am aware that every decision should be carefully considered and I want to make sure that I weigh all options thoroughly before opting for a procedure.
I regularly engage in sports and am interested in stabilizing my knee in the long term and avoiding potential follow-up problems. Therefore, it would be helpful if you could provide me with information on non-operative therapy options that may help with meniscus problems. I would like to know which treatments could be promising in my case and if there are also long-term solutions to strengthen the knee in the long run.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice. I look forward to hearing your expertise and finding a suitable solution for my meniscus problems together.
Sincerely,
Max Höfer
Dear Max Höfer,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of orthopedics. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from meniscus problems in your left knee and that the pain has increased in the past few weeks. It is understandable that you have concerns about surgery and are looking for non-operative therapy options to stabilize your knee in the long term.
There are indeed various non-operative treatment options that can help with meniscus problems. First and foremost, it is important that you rest your knee and avoid activities that could worsen the pain. Physical therapy may be a good option to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve the stability of the knee joint. A physical therapist can also show you specific exercises to improve the mobility and flexibility of the knee joint.
In addition, anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the knee. In some cases, the injection of corticosteroids into the knee joint may also be considered to reduce pain and inflammation.
Furthermore, adjusting your lifestyle can help improve your meniscus problems. This may include avoiding overweight, wearing appropriate footwear, and avoiding strenuous activities that could further strain the knee.
It is important to emphasize that the choice of the right therapy depends on various factors, such as the extent of the meniscus injury, your overall health, and your personal goals. I strongly recommend that you consult a specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.
I hope this information helps you and can support you on your journey to relieve your meniscus problems. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like a personal consultation.
Best regards,
Ingo Hoffmann
