Can I still exercise if I have a torn meniscus?

Doctors will usually advise against performing certain exercises when you have a meniscus tear. These exercises can put too much pressure on an already unstable knee. Avoid exercises that involve: pivoting.

What is the best cardio machine for bad knees?

Elliptical Opt for an elliptical over a treadmill for minimal risk of knee injury. Your feet never leave the pedals, which means there is less of a chance to injure your knees, back, neck or hips.

What exercises should I avoid with a torn meniscus?

Avoiding twisting activities may decrease the symptoms from a torn meniscus. Additionally, one should do quadriceps setting exercises with the knee straight or mini-squats, bending only to 15 degrees, to prevent giving way and keep the quadriceps muscle from atrophying.

What cardio can you do with a knee injury?

Rowing is a great cardio exercise that you can enjoy with others, which makes it all the more fun. Cycling: If you want to spend time outdoors exercising, riding a bicycle is a great option when you have a knee injury. Similarly, using a stationary bike at a gym or at home is also beneficial.

Can exercise make meniscus tear worse?

Are squats bad for meniscus?

Some exercises are too strenuous for people with meniscus tears. A person should not: do deep squats.

What is the best exercise for a torn meniscus?

Once you have your doctor’s approval to begin exercising, try some of these exercises to enhance your strength and stability following a meniscus tear.

• Quadriceps setting.
• Mini-squats.
• Straight leg raise.
• Hamstring heel digs.
• Leg extensions.
• Standing heel raises.
• Clams.
• Hamstring curls.

Should you stay off a torn meniscus?

Rest. You should stay off your feet until your meniscus tear is healed. Don’t walk, run, or play sports because this can make your injury worse.

What is the best cardio exercise for a torn meniscus?

Best Cardio Workouts for Knee Pain Sufferers

• Walking. Since running or jogging may not be the best option, walking (including speed walking) is a good low-impact cardio workout if you keep a brisk pace.
• Swimming/Pool Exercises.
• Elliptical Machine and Bicycle.
• Low-Resistance Circuit Training.
• Other Exercises.

Should I do cardio if my knee hurts?

Cardio Exercise for Knee Pain Once you know what’s going on with your knee and have clearance from your doctor, you can start exercising. Cardio exercise is a great place to start and one of the best choices for strengthening the lower body, getting your heart rate up, and losing weight.

How do you heal a torn meniscus in your knee?

If your pain is severe, using crutches can take pressure off your knee and promote healing. Ice. Ice can reduce knee pain and swelling. Use a cold pack, a bag of frozen vegetables or a towel filled with ice cubes for about 15 minutes at a time, keeping your knee elevated.

Can exercise cause a meniscus tear?

Strenuous exercise can tear the meniscus, a layer of cartilage in the knee — and certain gentle exercises may help with recovery. Meniscus tears are fairly common; research suggests that around 61 in 100,000 people in the United States have this health issue.

How do you diagnose a torn meniscus in the knee?

X-rays. Because a torn meniscus is made of cartilage, it won’t show up on X-rays. But X-rays can help rule out other problems with the knee that cause similar symptoms. MRI. This uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of both hard and soft tissues within your knee.

What should I avoid after meniscus surgery?

The surgery involves transplanting a meniscus from a cadaver. Avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain — especially sports that involve pivoting or twisting your knee — until the pain disappears.