Do Anti-Inflammatory Pills Help Recovery or Just Relieve Pain?

I went to my doctor's about my knee, and I have a "torn meniscus" which is knee cartilage. The point being is he prescribed me anti-inflammatory pills called MELOXICAM for this minor sports injury. The pain isn't really bad at all, so I was just wondering if it's at all necessary for me to keep taking these. My only interest is my own recovery. Thanks.