Meniscus Tear

Q I am a man in my 60s, and MRI results indicate significant wear on my meniscus. Is it actually possible to see improvement with Korean traditional medicine treatment at this age?

A. Even with degenerative meniscus damage in the 60s, pain reduction and functional improvement are fully possible. While new cartilage cannot be created, the realistic goal of treatment is to protect the remaining cartilage, strengthen surrounding muscles and ligaments, and suppress inflammation. Many patients recover their ability to walk normally without surgery through active conservative treatment.

Q I am an athlete in my 20s who wants to undergo meniscal repair surgery, but I am afraid of the operation. Is it possible to return to sports with only Korean traditional medicine treatment?

A. For athletes in their 20s, if the tear is a complete rupture or a bucket handle tear, repair surgery is often more advantageous for returning to sports. If it is a partial tear, a return can be attempted with conservative treatment combined with Korean traditional medicine, but it is essential to first accurately confirm the extent of the tear using an MRI. Realistically, returning to sports with Korean traditional medicine treatment alone for a complete tear is limited.

Q It is said that knee osteoarthritis can occur along with meniscal tears. Can both be treated together?

A. Meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis often occur together, and integrated treatment considering both conditions is possible. Approaches that reduce intra-articular inflammation and strengthen surrounding muscles are effective for both diseases, and Korean traditional medicine treatments work in the same direction. However, for end-stage osteoarthritis (K-L grade 3~4), surgical treatment must also be considered.

Q I am currently undergoing treatment for a meniscus tear. Is it okay to continue exercising? I would like to know which exercises are good and bad for my knees.

A. Aerobic exercises with low knee impact, such as swimming, aqua aerobics, and indoor cycling (low resistance), are good for maintaining muscle strength while supplying nutrients to the cartilage. As a general rule, exercises involving repetitive impact and twisting, such as running, jumping, soccer, and fast stair climbing, should be avoided until symptoms stabilize.

Q Since my meniscus injury, my knee feels unstable and heavy. I am curious about lifestyle habits that can protect my knee in daily life.

A. Key habits for protecting the knee include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding the same posture for long periods, using a chair instead of squatting, and choosing shoes (cushioned athletic shoes). Additionally, correcting postures where the knees protrude far forward beyond the toes, or correcting pigeon-toed or pigeon-toed gaits, can reduce stress on the meniscus in the long term.

Q I am pregnant and my knee meniscus hurts. Is it safe to receive acupuncture or herbal medicine?

A. Acupuncture treatment during pregnancy can be safely performed if specific acupoints (such as Hegu and Sanyinjiao, which induce uterine contractions) are avoided. Since there are herbal medicines contraindicated during pregnancy, you must inform a doctor of Korean medicine of your pregnancy beforehand and receive a prescription. The principle of pain management during pregnancy is to increase the proportion of non-pharmacological treatments.

Q I am currently receiving anti-inflammatory painkillers and joint injections at an orthopedic clinic. Is it okay to take herbal medicine from a Korean medicine clinic?

A. Generally, it is permissible to take herbal medicine concurrently with anti-inflammatory painkillers. However, considering the burden on liver function, it is important to inform all attending medical staff of your use. If you have recently received a steroid joint injection, it is common practice to wait 1 to 2 weeks between doses, as the herbal ingredients may affect the injection's effectiveness. There have been no reported direct interactions between hyaluronic acid injections and herbal medicine.

Q I have been diagnosed with a partial meniscus tear. How long does it take to see improvement if I receive Korean medicine treatment?

A. In the case of a partial tear, it is generally common for pain to significantly decrease within 4 to 8 weeks of starting conservative treatment, and for daily walking to become comfortable around 3 months later. However, the prognosis varies depending on the location of the tear (blood supply availability), age, weight, and the presence of concomitant injuries. The treatment plan is adjusted by re-evaluating the response to treatment every 4 weeks.

Q My knee still hurts after meniscectomy. Is Korean traditional medicine effective for post-surgical pain?

A. In some cases, increased load on the remaining cartilage after a meniscectomy can lead to the progression of arthritis, or adhesions and scar tissue can cause pain. Korean traditional medicine can help with pain caused by residual inflammation, adhesions, and muscle imbalances after surgery, and contributes to creating an environment that protects the remaining cartilage.

Q I am an office worker in my 40s. I experienced knee pain without any apparent trauma, and after getting tested, I was diagnosed with a meniscus tear. Why does this occur even without any injury?

A. The meniscus is a fibrocartilaginous structure that absorbs shock between the knee joints. Even without trauma, gradual degenerative tears can occur due to repetitive squatting, twisting, being overweight, and a decrease in cartilage elasticity caused by aging. After the age of 40, the water content of the cartilage decreases and fibrosis progresses, making it susceptible to tearing even during everyday movements.

Q I am a man in my 30s who enjoys playing soccer. When I suddenly twisted my knee, I heard a "pop" sound, and the swelling and pain worsened. Did I tear my meniscus?

A. A meniscus tear caused by sudden twisting or flexion movements is a typical type of sports injury. If sudden swelling and pain occur along with a "pop" sound, there is a high possibility of an acute tear. It is important to immediately confirm the extent and location of the tear through an MRI scan and establish an appropriate treatment plan.

Q My meniscus is on the weaker side. Are there any foods that are good for cartilage or foods I should avoid?

A. Vitamin C (broccoli, bell peppers), which is necessary for collagen synthesis; foods rich in chondroitin sulfate (beef bones, cartilage); and omega-3 fatty acids (mackerel, tuna) are beneficial for the joint cartilage environment. On the other hand, refined sugar, trans fats, and excessive alcohol consumption increase inflammation in the body and worsen the environment surrounding cartilage, so it is advisable to reduce their intake.

Q I am a woman in my 50s working at the Dongincheon Logistics Center. I spend a lot of time squatting while working; are there any specific postures or movements that are particularly bad for the meniscus?

A. Squatting, twisting while the knee is fully flexed, and walking quickly down stairs concentrate pressure on the medial meniscus, causing rupture and aggravation. If it is difficult to avoid these movements due to your job, wearing a knee brace, stretching frequently, and managing your weight are essential.

Q I am visiting a Korean medicine clinic for the first time due to a meniscus tear. How often and for how long is treatment required?

A. During the initial acute and pain phase, treatment 2 to 3 times a week is recommended; once symptoms stabilize, the interval is increased to once a week. The average treatment period is 2 to 3 months for partial tears and 3 to 6 months for degenerative tears. Afterward, maintenance care 1 to 2 times a month is performed to prevent recurrence. The schedule is adjusted based on occupation and activity level.

Q I would like to know the entire process of how meniscal tears are treated at a Korean medicine clinic, in what order.

A. Stage 1 involves controlling acute inflammation and edema (acupuncture and pharmacopuncture); Stage 2 involves removing adhesions and stimulating tissue regeneration (smoke needles, fire needles, and thread embedding); Stage 3 involves muscle strength recovery and joint stabilization; and Stage 4 involves maintenance management to prevent recurrence. Each stage is evaluated every 2 to 4 weeks and adjusted according to the individual's condition.

Q Please explain in more detail how Dochim treatment works for meniscal tears.

A. Dochim is a special needle with a sharp tip that physically separates fibrous tissues adhered around the joint and stimulates ligament and tendon attachment sites to induce a tissue regeneration response. It acts directly on the hardened joint capsule, medial collateral ligament, and adhesions in the tissues surrounding the meniscus to alleviate pain and functional limitations.

Q I hear that Korean medicine clinics treat meniscal tears with acupuncture. Can torn cartilage really heal with needles? I have doubts about its effectiveness.

A. Although acupuncture treatment does not directly suture torn cartilage tissue, it demonstrates evidence-based effects in improving blood flow around the joint, suppressing inflammation, and controlling pain. In particular, knife needles are used to physically separate adhesions within the joint and stimulate ligament and tendon attachment sites to create an environment for tissue regeneration. In cases of degenerative or partial tears that do not require surgery, one can expect pain reduction and functional recovery through Korean medicine treatment.

Q I was recommended surgery by an orthopedic surgeon. Can I substitute or postpone surgery with treatment at a Korean medicine clinic?

A. Not all meniscal tears require surgery. In cases of degenerative tears or partial tears, symptoms often improve with conservative treatment, making non-surgical approaches, including Korean medicine, a viable option. However, surgery may be necessary if joint locking persists or if there is a complete or large tear, so MRI findings and symptoms must be considered together.