Can you recover from a third-degree meniscus injury with rest?

Meniscus III degree injury is a complete tear of the meniscus, which is more serious, and surgery is generally recommended, with less chance of recovery from rest. Meniscus is a C-shaped cushioning structure composed of elastic cartilage, which can play a cushioning role and prevent cartilage damage on the articular surface. Meniscus injury can be caused by trauma and degeneration, in which the meniscus injury caused by trauma, manifested as severe pain, knee swelling, interlocking phenomenon. Meniscus injuries are categorized into three degrees according to the MRI findings. I and II degree injuries can be treated conservatively, while III degree injuries usually indicate meniscus tears, which are less effective with conservative treatment and require minimally invasive surgical treatment, i.e., arthroscopic surgery. In the case of a degree III injury in the red zone, a meniscal suture is considered; in the case of a degree III injury in the white zone, a partial meniscectomy is usually performed. Patients with meniscal suture surgery have a longer recovery time and need to rest for 2-3 months, avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive knee flexion, and can be treated with medication such as blood circulation and pain relief capsule.