Is a torn meniscus a disability?

A torn meniscus is not he type of injury that, by itself, is a significant enough impairment to qualify one for Social Security benefits. However, it may justify an award of benefits if the tear is in addition to other significant impairments, which, in combination, leave the claimant unable to perform full time work.

What knee problems qualify for disability?

Three of the common types of knee disability are major dysfunction of a knee joint, reconstructive surgery or replacement of the knee joint, and amputation at the knee. Evidence to support these conditions may be physical, such as proof of an assistive device like a prosthetic leg, walker, or cane.

What percentage of disability is a torn meniscus?

If the cartilage frequently dislocates, causing pain, swelling, and locking in the knee, it receives a 20 percent rating.

Can I go back to work with a torn meniscus?

How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 4 to 6 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.

Should I take off work for a torn meniscus?

Most people can walk with crutches soon after meniscus surgery. Many return to normal activities within six to eight weeks. Your healthcare provider may recommend low-impact activities rather than high-impact (such as walking rather than running). If you have a physical job, you may need extra time off work to recover.

Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?

How long should you stay off a torn meniscus?

Ordinarily, your doctor or physical therapist will ask you to reduce your sports activities while your meniscus tear heals. Healing could take between four and eight weeks. However, the time depends on the severity and position of the tear.

How long are you down for a torn meniscus?

Recovery will take about 6 to 8 weeks if your meniscus tear is treated conservatively, without surgery. If your symptoms persist after 3 months or your symptoms become significant, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the tear.

Does a torn meniscus hurt constantly?

The pain may be sharp or instead it can just be a constant dull ache sensation. It usually hurts more when bending the knee deeply or straightening it fully. It can also hurt when twisting on the knee with your foot fixed on the ground.

Will a cortisone shot help a torn meniscus?

A cortisone injection can effectively reduce pain and inflammation in your knee, as in the case of a torn meniscus. It's only a temporary solution to your pain, though. It can't heal your meniscus and may even delay your healing. It also can't prevent you from injuring it again in the future.

Should I keep walking with a meniscus tear?

If your doctor has told you that you don't need surgery to repair your torn meniscus, you may be given the green light to walk. However, you'll want to be very careful about movements that might worsen the tear or cause you pain. Avoid squatting and pivoting, which are likely to place too much pressure on the knee.

How much disability do you get for knees?

The most common rating VA assigns for limitation of flexion of the knee is 10 percent, although the highest rating a veteran can receive is 30 percent.

How much disability do you get for knee pain?

Limitation of Flexion of the Knee (Diagnostic Code 5260)

This refers to the range of motion a person has when their knee is moving towards the body. This is the most common knee problem eligible for VA disability benefits, with ratings that typically range from 10% to 30%.

How debilitating is a torn meniscus?

A torn meniscus' painful symptoms can be debilitating. Typically, a person will experience chronic knee pain, swelling, popping, and difficulty bending or straightening the leg. The stiffness in the knee will significantly limit mobility and make the patient suffering feel like their knee may give out.

What is the most approved disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

Is arthritis in knees a disability?

Arthritis affects a person's overall function and mobility, which can result in activity and other limitations. It is a leading cause of work disability among US adults.

What arthritis qualify for disability?

You may automatically qualify for benefits if your arthritis is affecting your spine and compromising any nerve roots within the spinal cord. Arthritis should cause your spinal cord to experience widespread pain, limited flexibility, and inflammation that necessitates a change in positioning every few hours.

Do you need an MRI to diagnose a torn meniscus?

You may not need magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or arthroscopy. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, or if your doctor thinks you have a meniscus tear and other knee injuries, he or she may recommend either an MRI or arthroscopy. Some doctors prefer to do arthroscopy instead of MRI.

What aggravates a torn meniscus?

Avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain, especially any activity that causes you to twist, rotate or pivot your knee. If your pain is severe, using crutches can take pressure off your knee and promote healing.

What is the best option for a torn meniscus?

Your doctor may recommend the RICE regimen—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—to treat a meniscus tear. Resting your knee can help relieve your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest using a cane for a few weeks to keep weight off your knee and to stay away from physical activity that may have contributed to the injury.

How much pain would I be in if I tore my meniscus?

A torn meniscus usually produces well-localized pain in the knee. The pain often is worse during twisting or squatting motions. Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain.

What are 3 signs of a meniscus tear in the knee?

Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.

Can you walk on a torn meniscus for years?

Can you walk with a torn meniscus? This depends on the severity of the injury. Many individuals are still capable of putting weight on the affected knee and even walking normally after a meniscus injury. In fact, many athletes can even continue playing after a meniscus injury.

How long are you out of work for a torn meniscus surgery?

Meniscus repair recovery

If your job mostly involves sitting at a desk, you may be able to get back to work in a week or two. If your job requires being on your feet, you could be off work four to six weeks. For a very physically active job or a return to sports, plan on a three- to six-month recovery period.

What percentage of meniscus tears require surgery?

Less than 10 percent of meniscal tears occurring in patients age 40 or older can be repaired. This is often because the tissue degeneration affects blood flow to the cartilage, making healing less likely after surgery. A doctor may recommend removing the damaged tissue and suggest physical therapy exercises.

What happens if you don't repair a torn meniscus?

Part of a torn meniscus can break off and become lodged in the knee joint itself, sometimes causing serious knee mobility issues and pain that require a more invasive surgery than an initial meniscus repair or treatment.