A torn meniscus is a common knee injury that mostly occurs among athletes. Any activity that makes you forcefully rotate or twist your knee can lead to this condition. [1]
Apart from athletes, the torn meniscus is also common among those who have arthritis. It’s because the meniscus in the knee weakens as you age. In addition, the cartilage wears thin over time due to degeneration of tissue, making it prone to tears.
A torn meniscus may go away with a conservative method that includes rest, ice, compressing, and elevate (RICE). However, if the condition becomes worse, you may have to go for surgery.
Some essential oils may help reduce your knee’s pain, swelling, and inflammation. You may consider using these therapeutic oils while undergoing traditional treatment.
This article looks into pain-relieving essential oils for a torn meniscus, their efficacy, and their uses.
Essential Oils for Torn Meniscus
1. Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen essential oil is extracted from the warmed, water-soaked wintergreen leaves through steam processing. It is a popular choice for relieving severe pain and inflammation.
This oil contains 99% methyl salicylate, which can help with pain and inflammation of muscles, bones, and joints. [2]
Wintergreen oil has been a popular choice as a topical pain reliever. Research shows this therapeutic oil works like aspirin to relieve pain and inflammation. [3]
2. German Chamomile Essential Oil
German chamomile oil possesses several health benefits, but it’s most popular as a potent anti-inflammatory agent for topical application.
This essential oil is rich in analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Studies show chamomile oil can reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting nitric oxide production. [4]
3. Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum oil is obtained from the Helichrysum italicum plant through steam distillation.
Famous for its exotic, spicy aroma, this essential oil effectively treats a wound and skin inflammation. It’s also known as a potent pain-relieving oil. [5]
Knee injuries like torn meniscus often leave the skin bruised and prone to severe infection. The best part of helichrysum essential oil is that it can also prevent your skin from bruising.
4. Juniper Essential Oil
Professionals widely suggest this therapeutic oil for soothing pain, thanks to its rheumatic and anti-spasmodic properties.
You are more prone to having torn meniscus if you have arthritis. Juniper essential oil may ease your sprains, swollen muscles, and knee injury. [6]
Apart from relieving pain, this essential oil can also help strengthens the muscle, which is vital for preventing muscle spasms, torn meniscus, etc.
5. Clary Sage Essential Oil
Salvia sclarea or clary sage is a flowering herb native to the Mediterranean Basin. The essential oil derived from the buds and leaves of this plant is quite popular due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant effects.
Clary sage essential oil is a natural muscle relaxant. It can help soothe the stiffness in your knee muscle after an injury. [7]
However, it’s highly recommended that you use this essential oil in small amounts. Also, if you’re an alcoholic, do not use this essential oil.
How to Use Essential Oils for Torn Meniscus
Essential oils can be used in various ways. For example, you can make a massage blend, add them to bath water, or use aromatherapy.
Massage:
- Take a few drops of any essential oils. Then, dilute them using a suitable carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil.
- Massage your affected area with this oil mix for a few minutes.
- Repeat this process until the pain and inflammation are gone.
Bath:
- Add some of your favorite essential oil to a tub full of lukewarm water.
- Soak your knee in that water for at least 15-20 minutes.
Diffuser:
- Add a few drops of the essential oils to a diffuser.
- Let the aroma spread to your home and soothe your pain naturally.
Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils
- When using for topical application, it’s important to dilute them. This is because some essential oils are quite strong and may irritate your skin.
- Do not use any essential oils, especially wintergreen oil, if you’re under medication for epilepsy or seizures.
- Stop using them immediately if you have any allergic reaction after using them.
- If you are already receiving treatment for torn meniscus or other knee injuries, ask your doctor if you can use essential oils with them. It’s because the components may interact with some of the medications.
- Avoid using essential oils on children and pregnant women without consulting a doctor first.
Torn Meniscus: When to See a Doctor?
Not all meniscus tears require medical attention; some of them may go away with proper rest.
Depending on your age and the severity of the injury, your healing time may differ. If you see no improvement even after following the RICE method, you must consult with a doctor.
You may have to undergo arthroscopic surgery if your pain and inflammation do not go away after the conventional treatment.
Bottom Line
A torn meniscus is quite common among sportspeople and athletes. This condition may cause severe pain and inflammation, hampering the quality of your life.
However, you can avoid this situation by following some preventive measures such as warming up before exercise and lacing up your footwear properly. It would help if you also learned the proper technique of any exercise or activity before engaging.
The torn meniscus should not be taken lightly, no matter how minor your pain is. It would help if you always went for proper treatment. You can also use some therapeutic essential oils to reduce pain and inflammation.
