One of the most common injuries sustained by athletes who engage in this kind of vigorous training is a tear of the meniscus. A torn meniscus can happen to anyone – young or old, beginner or advanced. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can also affect you in different ways; some meniscus tears can be healed in a relatively short period of time, while other tears can lead to more serious issues down the line.
What’s more, recent trends in fitness have led to the development of some extreme and physically grueling training programs. These high-impact, high-intensity sessions will surely provide you with a great workout, but they also come with a greater possibility of sustaining an injury to your joints and cartilage.

There are joint supplements, such as Flexicus, that not only help prevent these kinds of injuries, but also aid in the healing process should you sustain a meniscus tear. Becoming more familiar with the different types of tears (along with understanding the typical recovery process) will help you make the right decisions about proactive meniscus care and treatment.

Meniscus tears can vary greatly, therefore the treatment or repair of each tear is handled differently.

Most small tears that are located in the outer, blood-rich area of the meniscus will not require surgery. After a few days, the swelling and pain should subside and the injury will heal on its own. Sports trainers and physical therapists will be familiar with the RICE protocol for treatment – the suggested way to handle these types of tears. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. While you are resting, elevate the injured leg above your heart to decrease the blood flow and reduce swelling. Ice should be administered in twenty-minute intervals a few times a day, and an elastic knee brace (usually available in your local drugstore) will help with compression.

Some meniscus tears will require surgery, based on either the shape of the tear, the location of the tear, or both. An orthopedic surgeon will perform a knee arthroscopy – a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small camera and miniature instruments to complete the procedure.

Complex tears that occur in the outer third of the meniscus, or right on the border of the inner section, can be repaired. Your surgeon will stitch the pieces back together, and over time, the meniscus will heal.

In situations where the meniscus cannot be repaired, either because the tear is too severe to be stitched or because it occurred in the inner section that does not receive a blood supply, the damaged part of the meniscus will be removed. While a meniscectomy is a common procedure, it’s preferred to repair the meniscus when possible to avoid the onset of osteoarthritis in the knee.

Additionally, joint supplements like Flexicus will help reduce the pain and swelling associated with a torn meniscus, as well as helping to lubricate your joints to encourage regenerative growth.

As you have probably guessed, the amount of recovery time needed depends on the    type of meniscus tear, whether or not you had surgery and what kind of surgery you    had.As you have probably guessed, the amount of recovery time needed depends on the    type of meniscus tear, whether or not you had surgery and what kind of surgery you had.
   A torn meniscus that doesn’t require surgery will usually be healed in a few weeks. In    addition to the RICE protocol, physical therapy may also be recommended to help    reduce swelling and regain mobility.
  For tears that have been repaired, the recovery process is a bit longer. Right after the   surgery, you will need to keep weight off of the knee for about thirty days. This means   using crutches to get around until the stitching has healed. After that, you’ll either begin   physical therapy or work with a doctor to set up a regimen you can begin at home.
There are a number of exercises that are perfect for recovering from a torn meniscus. Regaining your mobility and strength are the two most important things to work on during this time. Initially, you’ll work on exercises designed to increase flexibility, and later on you’ll add strengthening exercises to the routine. The standard recovery time for a meniscus repair is three months.
If you’ve undergone a meniscectomy, the recovery time is about 3-4 weeks. Unlike with a meniscus repair, you’ll be able to put weight on the leg right away.

As is the case with any sports-related injury, taking the proper precautions will help reduce your risk of suffering a torn meniscus. One thing you can do is be sure you are wearing the proper gear for an activity. Sports that require a lot of cutting, like basketball and football, are more likely to incur the kind of meniscus tear that happens when you plant a foot and twist a knee. Wearing the appropriate type of cleats or sneakers will help your stability and decrease the chance of injury.Stretching can also help to prevent a meniscus tear. Tight quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles make you more susceptible to this kind of injury. When your muscles are loose and strong, they are more prepared to handle impact and sudden movement.

Most importantly, using the proper technique during your workouts is imperative to help prevent injuries of any kind. Certain weightlifting exercises (like squats, for example) put a great deal of pressure on your joints as it is. Doing them improperly drastically increases your chance of injury. It is smarter to start with a low, manageable weight to perfect your technique, and move to heavier weights later on.

Finally, maintaining overall joint health is an excellent way to prevent a meniscus tear or other joint-related injury. The all-natural ingredients found in Flexicus promote optimal joint health, improve mobility & flexibility and nourish cartilage. Flexicus has been specifically formulated to support an enhanced range of motion and joint strength to help maximize athletic performance.