Does meloxicam help with a torn meniscus? (+3 treatments)

In this article, we will discuss whether meloxicam helps with a torn meniscus. We will discuss how meloxicam helps with torn meniscus and some treatment options for this condition. 

Does meloxicam help with a torn meniscus? 

Yes, meloxicam helps with the pain associated with a torn meniscus but meloxicam does not treat this condition. Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Meloxicam helps with the pain of a torn meniscus as it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Meniscus refers to a C-shaped fibrocartilagenous structure in the knees responsible for shock absorption and load transmission (1). 

A meniscal tear is a common cause of knee pain and it can be caused by an injury to the meniscus. A common cause of meniscal injury in young individuals is sporting activities (1). 

A torn meniscus can also develop as an individual grows older due to age-related degenerative changes. Individuals with a torn meniscus may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulties in moving the knee (1). 

Sometimes a piece of torn meniscus may move into the joint causing the knee to lock or catch (1). Meniscal tears are mainly managed through operative and non-operative treatment. 

NSAIDs like meloxicam can be used to manage the pain caused by meniscal tears or to manage the pain after surgical management also called post-operative pain (2). 

How does meloxicam help with a torn meniscus?

Meloxicam is an NSAID with analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by inhibiting the cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme which is vital for the production of prostaglandins (PGs) that promote pain and inflammation (2).

Meloxicam is used to manage the pain resulting from a meniscal tear while it is being diagnosed and treated. If surgery is recommended to treat the torn meniscus, meloxicam is used to manage post-operative pain (2). 

Post-operative pain refers to the pain experienced by individuals after surgery. Arthroscopic knee surgery (AKS), a common treatment for meniscal tears, is highly associated with post-operative pain as experienced by around 80% of the patients (2). 

The severe pain after the surgery can negatively influence rehabilitation and affect the quality of life. Therefore, NSAIDs like meloxicam are administered to manage this pain (2). 

In one study, the effects of meloxicam in managing the postoperative pain associated with AKS were investigated and it was administered to some participants before the surgery and to some after the surgery (2). 

Results from this study demonstrated that administering meloxicam before surgery is more effective in managing post-operative pain than administering it after the procedure (2).

Thus, meloxicam can be used to manage the pain caused by meniscal tears and to manage the pain after the surgical procedure is performed to treat the meniscal tear. 

Does meloxicam treat a torn meniscus?

Meloxicam can help manage the pain caused by a torn meniscus but it does not treat it. The treatment of a torn meniscus can be operative or non-operative.

Administration of NSAIDs before surgery to treat a torn meniscus has no impact on the healing of the meniscus. Thus, meloxicam will not speed up the healing of the meniscus and will solely help with the pain and inflammation (3). 

Thus, if you are taking meloxicam for knee pain, the pain will be resolved but the underlying issue will not be resolved by taking meloxicam. Meloxicam is only for the symptomatic management of the meniscal tear. 

How to take meloxicam for a torn meniscus? 

If you have a torn meniscus, your healthcare provider may prescribe you meloxicam to manage the pain before and after the surgery. Take meloxicam exactly as prescribed and do not increase the dose by yourself. 

Meloxicam can be taken at any time of the day and it is better to take it with meals due to the risks of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. To avoid the GI side effects and heartburn, do not lie down for at least 15-30 minutes after taking meloxicam. 

If you feel meloxicam is not working, communicate it with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may increase the dose or suggest alternatives to manage the pain until the torn meniscus is treated. 

How is a torn meniscus treated? 

Meloxicam is only for the symptomatic management of the torn meniscus. The treatment of torn meniscus is based on the etiology. Meloxicam can be used until the meniscus is repaired and the pain is resolved. 

Operative treatment of a torn meniscus: 

The surgical treatment is considered when a torn meniscus is due to a traumatic injury. The treatment can be done by surgical removal of the meniscus called a meniscectomy (1,4).

A total meniscectomy is not recommended as it can lead to complications later on. Thus, partial meniscectomy is considered where only the damaged pieces of the meniscus are removed (4).

Meniscal repair refers to repairing the meniscus using different techniques without removing the meniscus (4). 

Non-operative management:

Non-operative management is considered for degenerative tears and can also be paired with surgical treatment of the meniscal tear. Exercise is beneficial in improving function, flexibility, and pain of the knees, and increases muscle strength (4).

In my experience: 

As per my understanding, meloxicam can help with the pain associated with torn meniscus and also resolves the pain followed by surgical procedures to repair or remove the torn meniscus. 

Meloxicam is only used for the symptomatic management of torn meniscus and it does not treat it. Administration of meloxicam does not affect the healing of the meniscus and only reduces the pain and inflammation due to injury. 

References