How to Treat Meniscus Tears and Why You Should Avoid Knee Surgery

Did you know that there are millions of individuals who walk around every day with meniscus tears and are completely asymptomatic (they feel no pain)?  Unfortunately, once pain is perceived and a meniscus tear is diagnosed most orthopedic surgeons will usually recommend arthroscopic knee surgery.   However, since knee surgery in patients over the age of 40 is often unsuccessful and it accelerates the arthritic process in the knee it should only be considered once all conservative measures have been exhausted.

There are several different types of meniscus tears and the location and size of the tear determines how it should be treated and whether the meniscus tear has the potential to respond to conservative care.

A meniscus tear is in one of these three zones:

Red Zone- The red zone is located in the outer one third of the meniscus.  This area has a rich blood supply therefore a meniscus tear in this region responds well to conservative care.  Many times a tear in this area will heal spontaneously if given a chance. The RICE method may be useful in this case.  (RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.)Sometimes, the tissue needs a ‘jumpstart’ or an extra ‘push’ so it can heal faster.  Therefore, cold laser therapy is a great option for individuals with this type of tear since it helps stimulate more blood flow, decreases pain, and inflammation in the area allowing the tissues to heal and repair faster.  Try to avoid arthroscopic knee surgery if you have a tear in this region.

Red/White Zone- This type of tear extends from the red zone (the outer one third) into the inner two thirds of the meniscus or the white zone.  The white zone is an area that has no blood supply.  Knee surgery may not work because the meniscus may not heal after the surgery is performed so conservative care should be considered first.  The goal for conservative care (ie cold laser therapy) with this type of tear is to help individuals get out of pain, and reduce swelling and keep them that way.

White Zone- Again the white zone is located in the inner two thirds of the meniscus. If you have a tear located in this zone this is a tricky area to treat because it is avascular.  This means there is no blood supply to the meniscus in this area. Due to the lack of blood supply a torn meniscus in this zone is unlikely to heal with ANY TYPE of treatment including arthroscopic knee surgery.  The goal with conservative care such as cold laser therapy is to help provide the individual with pain relief and decrease the inflammation in the knee joint.

In summary, many individuals have tears AND NEVER EVEN KNOW IT! So it is possible to be asymptomatic and still have a meniscus tear! Oftentimes individuals are scared into surgery by their doctors.  They’re told that if they don’t have knee surgery that they’ll eventually develop arthritis in the knee.

What do you think arthroscopic knee surgery does to your knee?!!

Knee surgery guarantees that you will develop arthritis, and the arthritic process will be accelerated.  It actually compounds the same problem (arthritis) your doctor told you would be avoided by undergoing knee surgery.  Furthermore, if the meniscus or meniscus tear is cut out or removed your knee joint is left with less of a cushion and shock absorber.

The bottom line is that after any injury or surgery arthritis is likely to develop.  At least with conservative care the meniscus is left intact therefore the shock absorber (meniscus) isn’t removed.

Of course there are cases where knee surgery cannot be avoided; however, if possible give  your knee an opportunity to heal without knee surgery.  Many times conservative care will allow an individual to become asymptomatic, and depending on the type of tear and its location the tear may heal on its own. Try the RICE method. In addition, visit a doctor that specializes in treating the knee joint with cold laser therapy which may help your knee heal faster by increasing blood flow, decreasing pain, and reducing inflammation in the knee.

The following is a case study about a patient who chose Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program to treat his severe knee pain and swelling from a meniscus tear.

Recently, Mr. B. age 54, a television producer from Lewisville Texas came in to the DFW Spine & Joint Center complaining of severe knee pain and swelling in his left knee.  He rated his knee pain a 6-8 on a pain scale of 1-10.  His knee pain prevented him from walking without a limp and climbing stairs.  He even complained of knee pain while he was driving, and he could not sleep through the night without tossing and turning.  His MRI stated he had a medial meniscus tear in the red/white zone and severe arthritis.  He already had arthroscopic knee surgery for the same condition on the same knee the year prior. But Mr. B did not want to undergo knee surgery for a second time so instead he chose to complete Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

After completing treatments, Mr. B is now able to walk without any knee pain and is able to walk without a limp 90% of the time.  He has more stamina in standing positions and is now able to climb and descend stairs without experiencing knee pain.  According to Mr. B his knee feels 75-80% better than it did before starting treatments and most importantly he was able to avoid knee surgery.

If you want to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program, and live in the Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding areas call our office at 214- 596-1051. Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

Treating Knee Pain From A Baker’s Cyst, Meniscus Tear And Arthritis With Cold Laser Therapy

A Dallas Residents Story Of Overcoming Knee Pain And Avoiding Knee Surgery With This High Tech Treatment

The following is the true story of Jill Vann a 61 year old Plano resident diagnosed with arthritis, a meniscus tear, a Baker’s Cyst, and near bone on bone and the treatments she tried before she finally found Dr. Schnee.

“In September of 2009 my pain was focused on the inside of my left knee.  From time to time it would vary to the back portion of the knee.  Unless one has actually experienced this type of knee pain, it is hard for someone to grasp how intense this can be.  The pain was sharp, stabbing, burning and achy.  Walking, climbing stairs, sitting, sleeping were all uncomfortable.  I had severe swelling in the back of my knee.  The pain was constant.  I was always groaning every time I took a step.  It was crippling me and my well being.  It obviously changed my life and not for the better.  In December 2009 I needed to seek some options and some answers.

After about 4 months of agonizing knee pain in my left knee I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon by my primary care doctor.  First, he took a knee x-ray and an MRI which revealed inflammation, some arthritis, a meniscus tear, a bakers cyst and near bone on bone.  He explained what this all meant and I begged him for a cortisone injection.  For 4 days I had no pain in my knee.  I was brand new, but that didn’t last long.  After the four days I was in excruciating pain again.  Then he sent me for physical rehabilitation.  I did stretches, used heat/ice packs, and lotions.  I was still hurting in January of 2010.  There was NO RELIEF in sight.  So in February he recommended a series of three injections called Euflexxa.  These injections don’t tickle.  They are painful.  They first start out by draining the knee fluid with a syringe and then they follow that with the injection.  I believe anyone who has had these injections will tell you they ‘hurt’, this is not an exaggeration. The result of these painful injections?  Zero, the Euflexxa did not work on me and the pain never lessened.  In March, I was referred to the ‘Brace Guy’.  This was just another added expense and the brace was heavy and burdensome.  In May 2010 I read about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Pain Solution Program.

She was my last hope otherwise the orthopedic doctor told me that we would have to discuss knee surgery.

I completed Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program in July and now I can walk without knee pain, climb stairs with no effort.  I can sit and get up from a chair or bed without hesitation on the first step.  The swelling in the back of the knee from the Baker’s Cyst is minimal.  And I can pretty much do anything I want to do now.

I am so pleased with the results of this program! I thoroughly enjoyed each and every treatment especially the wonderful massage at the end of each visit.  What a treat! Each therapist is precise and extremely adequate with each session.   Dr. Schnee explained to me from the very beginning that because my knee condition was severe that I would probably not be 100% pain free. But I feel like I am 100% because I am 85-90% pain free! For me these treatments have been very successful.  I am walking without pain.   I don’t wake up during the night whenever I move my leg.  There are times that I even forget my knee ever hurt so badly.   I have NO sharp, stabbing or burning pain in my knee.  It has definitely helped me get back on track.

Anyone who has issues with their knee needs this program it WILL work for you too.

Jill Vann, Plano Texas, Retired

If you are suffering with severe knee pain due to a baker’s cyst, a meniscus tear and arthritis and have tried medications and injections without any success AND you DON’T WANT KNEE SURGERY then call Dr. Alexandra Schnee, D.C at the DFW Spine & Joint Center in Irving, Texas (214) 596-1051.

If you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of the screen to get your FREE 16 page report mailed to you.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

Pastor Suffering with Severe Knee Pain from Meniscus Tear is 90% Better after Completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Treatments

I had knee pain that was almost unbearable.  I couldn’t stand or sleep in bed without having severe knee pain.  I had to sleep in a recliner because my knee hurt.  I tried cortisone shots and rooster comb or gel injection but I didn’t get any knee pain relief from those.  I was told that I needed a knee operation, but I had too many friends that had one done and they were still hurting so I didn’t want to do knee surgery.

I’ve almost completed my cold laser treatments with Dr. Schnee, and I am very pleased with my results.  I can now sleep in my bed with very little knee pain. My knee is 90% better then it was prior to completing treatments with Dr. Alexandra Schnee!

Clarence Chamberlain, Pastor, 63 years young, Glenn Heights, TX

As a result of completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program Mr. Chamberlain is now able to sleep through night and preach to his congregation without experiencing severe knee pain. Check Out a video of Clarence Below:

Are you suffering with knee pain from a meniscus tear or cartilage tear? Do you have knee pain at night that prevents you from sleeping? Are you unable to stand or walk because your knee pain is unbearable? Have knee injections (Rooster Comb, gel injections, cortisone injections) become ineffective?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be able to help you!

Call the DFW Spine & Joint Center at 214-596-1051 or to order a free information packet about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FRRE 16 page report mailed to you today!

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

Find Out How Patient Was Able To Avoid Knee Surgery After MRI Showed Medial Meniscus Tear and Arthritis Of The Knee

Before I came in to see Dr. Schnee I was told by an orthopedic surgeon that I would need knee surgery.  I had severe knee pain when I walked, stood etc…I couldn’t walk for 10 minutes without experiencing knee pain, and I couldn’t stand for very long.

Now since completing Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser therapy Knee Program I can walk without knee pain.  I am pleased overall and my knee is about 80% better then when I started treatments!

Raymond J., 83 years young, Retired, Dallas Texas

Have you been diagnosed with a medial meniscus tear and/or arthritis of the knee and want to avoid knee surgery?  Then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be the answer…

If you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving or surrounding areas call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional for the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas, Fort Worth and surrounding areas since 2001.”

Only 48% Were Able to Return to Their Normal Activities, Several years After Arthroscopic Surgery

A long-term study to determine the outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic  partial  lateral meniscectomy (partial removal of the lateral meniscus) for lateral meniscus tears was conducted in otherwise normal knees.  The study reviewed patient’s activity level, clinical, and x-ray results.

Patient’s who underwent the surgery were followed up with a minimum of 5-8 years later.  They were evaluated by questionnaire, x-rays, and knee examinations.  Initially, only 85% of those who underwent surgery were able to temporarily return to pre-injury activity level.  However, this percentage dropped to 48% at the time of follow-up.     The study concluded that the activity level of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for partial lateral meniscus removal is likely to deteriorate with time.  The study also concluded that patients should be counseled concerning long-term expectations regarding their knee pain.

If you’re still suffering from knee pain after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery then Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program may be the answer to your problem.  Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is considered a complete treatment plan that combines low-level laser treatments (cold laser treatments), non-weight bearing exercises, and other modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee.  Every patient’s program is different depending on whether they suffer from arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions.  If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…

Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful non-surgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser/Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”

Jaureguito JW. Elliot JS. Lietner T. Dixon LB. Reider B. Arthroscopy. The effects of arthroscopic partial lateral meniscectomy in an otherwise normal knee: a retrospective review of functional, clinical, and radiographic results. 11(1):29-36, 1995 Feb.

Facts about Menisci and Meniscus Tears

• Each knee has two tough, rubbery menisci. 
• The menisci are located between the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone).
• One meniscus sits on the inside of the knee joint and is referred to as the medial meniscus.  The other meniscus rests on the outer part and is referred to as the lateral meniscus. 
• The medial meniscus is “C” shaped and the lateral meniscus is “O” shaped.  
• The menisci act as shock absorbers and help equally distribute body weight across the knee joint. 
• Without menisci the knee joint would wear down unevenly. 
• Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries.

• Normal knees have 20% better shock-absorbing capacity then those without meniscus.
• Surgical procedures of the meniscus are performed on an estimated 850,000 patients each year.
• Meniscal injuries may be the most common knee injury. The prevalence of acute meniscal tears is 61 cases per 100,000 persons.
• The overall male-to-female incidence is approximately 2.5:1.  Males between the ages of 31-40 years, and  females between the ages of  11-20 years have a higher prevalence of meniscal tears.
• In patients older than 65 years, the rate of degenerative meniscal tears is 60%. In older patients the meniscus will typically become drier and more brittle therefore it can tear more easily.
• Menisci are able to distribute the load and forces over a much larger surface area which decreases contact pressure by increasing contact area.
• Menisci transmit up to 70% of the joint load.  Partial menisectomy may increase peak loads up to 65%.  A total menisectomy may increase peak loads up to 235%.
• Menisci also protect the underlying articular cartilage. Removing 15-34% of a meniscus may increase contact pressure on the articular cartilage by more than 350%. (This is an important fact if you are considering arthroscopic  Surgery for a Meniscal Tear).

Located in Irving, Texas, the DFW Spine & Joint Center includes a team of professionals that are dedicated to improving your quality of life.   Professional and amateur athletes, dancers, musicians, retirees and people who are just suffering with pain go to the DFW Spine & Joint Center for care. Using the facility to improve their condition, thousands of successful cases have been treated since 2001.

Dr. Alexandra Schnee primarily treats patients suffering with knee pain due to arthroscopic knee surgery, arthritis, bursitis, ‘bone on bone’, tendonitis, meniscus/cartilage tears, and Baker’s Cyst’s.

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc…

Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful nonsurgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser/Spinal Decompression Therapy.

If you live in the Dallas/ Fort-Worth Metroplex and suffer with knee pain, and would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program or any of our other programs please call our office at 214-596-1051, or fill out the form on the right hand side of this page and a FREE 16 page report about the treatments will be mailed to you within 72 hours.

Article by Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”

Source Information:  Wheeless Textbook of Orthopedics online at Wheelessonline.com

Should Knee Surgery Be Performed to Fix Degenerative Medial Meniscus Tears?

No, not according to Georgetown University Department of Orthopedics Study!

Rimington T, Mallik K, Evans D, Mroczek K, Reider B. Orthopedics. A prospective study of the nonoperative treatment of degenerative meniscus tears.  2009 Aug;32(8).
Study Conducted at Georgetown University Department of Orthopedics, 3800 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC 20007, USA.:

The study was designed to determine if patients clinically diagnosed with degenerative medical meniscus tears would significantly improve if they did not  elect to do surgery and chose nonoperative-based treatment protocols. Twenty-six patients were followed for 37 months and evaluated clinically, radiographically, and with standardized, validated Modified Lysholm Knee Scoring System (MLKS) and Standardized Activities of Daily Living Scale of the Knee (SADL) questionnaires. Forty-six percent of patients (12 of 26) declined operative treatment.

AFTER  A  3  YEAR FOLLOW UP 100% OF THE PATIENTS THAT RECEIVED NONOPERATIVE TREATMENT  IMPROVED TO A FUNCTIONAL LEVEL THAT ALLOWED THEM TO AVOID SURGERY. THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND AN INITIAL COURSE OF NONOPERATIVE TREATMENT FOR ALL PATIENTS WITH A CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF DEGENERATIVE MEDIAL MENISCUS TEARS PRIOR TO CONSIDERING SURGERY.

Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is a conservative, non surgical, safe, effective treatment program  that  may help you avoid knee surgery.  Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program is considered a complete treatment plan that combines cold laser treatments, non-weight bearing exercises, and other modalities that promote rehabilitation of the knee.

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and suffer with arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, meniscus tears, bursitis, tendonitis, Baker’s Cyst, post surgical arthroscopic knee pain, or a combination of the listed conditions  call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

Or if you would like more information about Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you entitled, Amazing Cold Laser Therapy the Missing Link to Knee Pain Relief!

At the DFW Spine & Joint Center we also have programs available that can help most musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, disc and nerve problems, hip, ankle, foot, hand and wrist pain, etc… Dr. Robert Hanson, an associate at the DFW Spine & Joint Center, offers a very successful non-surgical program that treats herniated, bulging, degenerated discs, stenosis, and pinched nerves with Cold Laser/Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”

Knee Pain From a Meniscus Tear, Arthritis, And a Baker’s Cyst

Marlin K., 76, Retired, Little Elm, TX

On a scale of 1-10 the pain often reached a debilitating 9 or 10 with regularity. I seldom could go an hour without some level of pain. The right side of my left knee was extremely painful when the fabric of my pants touched the skin. I had to wear a knee wrap often to diffuse this. Excruciating pain occurred after riding in or driving a car for more then 10-15 minutes. (My knee) never failed to act up, no matter the seat adjustment. At home I could not sit for a long time without pain occurring. After a while I had to get up and walk the pain off. I tried different types of pain relievers and a cortisone shot. It was only effective for 2-3 weeks then started to wear off.

Now that I’ve completed Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program I can now drive or ride in a car for at least an hour with no debilitating pain. I can now sit for a long time without pain occurring. I am very well pleased with the results. I would rate my improvement at least 70-75% better then when I started. It was well worth the effort and price.

Mr. K gave Dr. Alexandra Schnee permission to use his unsolicited testimonial for marketing purposes.

If you have knee pain after sitting for awhile or if you have knee pain from arthritis, ‘bone on bone’, a meniscus tear, Baker’s Cyst, tendonitis, bursitis, a knee injury, or arthroscopic knee surgery, and live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area call our office at 214- 596-1051 to find out if you’re a candidate for Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program.

Dr. Schnee’s Cold Laser Knee Program combines non-weight bearing exercises (so that you don’t do more damage to the knee joint), multiple cold lasers, and other therapies so can enjoy life again without your knee pain stopping you!

Or if you would like more information about my Cold Laser Knee Program fill out the form on the right side of this screen to get your FREE report mailed to you today!

Dr. Alexandra K. Schnee, B.S.,D.C.,-Your Cold Laser Professional of the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas Area-“Helping People with Knee Pain and Joint Pain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area since 2001.”