Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a knee injury. The doctor thinks you have a meniscal tear. This is when a part of the knee joint called the "meniscus" tears. It can happen suddenly, such as during sports. It can also happen slowly over time as you age.
There are different kinds of meniscal tears, depending on the part that tears and how it tears.
You probably have knee pain, swelling, and stiffness. You might also feel like your knee locks, gives out, feels unstable, does not straighten all the way, or "catches" on something when it straightens.
How long it will take for you to heal depends on the type of tear, as well as your age and overall health. Most tears do not heal completely. Small tears usually do not cause major problems, but large tears might require surgery.
You might be waiting on test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. You might need to see a specialist called an "orthopedic surgeon" who repairs meniscal injuries.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, if needed. Examples include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Rest your knee. Avoid movements that worsen pain. Try not to squat, kneel, or run. You might need to use crutches to help you move around.
●If the doctor gave you a knee brace, wear it as instructed.
●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on your knee every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin. Use the ice (or other cold object) for at least 6 hours after the injury. It might help to ice longer, even up to 2 days.
●Prop your knee on pillows, keeping it raised above the level of your heart. This can help with pain and swelling.
●Once the pain and swelling improve and if your doctor says it's OK, you can start to do simple exercises. They can help improve your knee's strength and movement. Follow your doctor's instructions for doing them.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●The pain or swelling gets worse.
●Your knee locks, and you cannot bend or put weight on it.
●Your knee feels unstable or wobbly.
●Your toes are blue, gray, or numb.
●You have a fever with knee pain, swelling, and redness.
●You have numbness or tingling in your lower leg or foot.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Meniscal tear (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a knee brace (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)
