The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between your thigh and shin bones, acting as a cushion. The meniscus’s supple texture aids in shock absorption and lubricates the knee joint. Meniscus injury is most common in athletes, especially in football, basketball, and skiers.
This is because they occur when there is direct force applied to the knee and twisting. Meniscal tears occur in between 12% and 14% of the population, or 61 cases for every 100,000 individuals. The meniscus’s frayed edges may get lodged in the joint and cause pain and swelling if treatment is not received.
The significance of proper rehabilitation is underscored by the possibility that, in the absence of appropriate treatment, the meniscus tear’s size may increase and cause complications like arthritis and damage to other soft tissues surrounding the knee.
Source: orthoexperts.com
What is a Meniscus Injury?
One common kind of damage to the knee’s cartilage is a meniscus tear. Meniscus tears come in a variety of forms, and they are all typically caused by twisting forces applied to bent knees. Meniscus injury is also common in adults over 40, accounting for 30% of meniscus tears, as a result of years of wear and tear weakening the meniscus.
Types of Meniscus Injuries
The location and tear pattern of a meniscal injury is the main factor used to classify it. The most often discussed is the lateral meniscus tear, which is located on the outside of the knee. This kind of tear can vary in severity from mild, affecting only a tiny area of the cartilage, to severe, affecting a large section of the meniscus.
The effects of each type of tear on knee function and available treatment options vary.
Source: sgortho.com.sg
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Depending on the origin, extent, and location of the injury, a meniscal tear will manifest differently in every individual. Due to the possibility of harm to additional knee structures like ligaments and tendons, an athlete involved in a high-force accident is likely to suffer a more severe injury.
This may lead to worsening knee pain and swelling as well as a reduction in knee range of motion. Meniscal tears brought on by degenerative changes can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement, though they may manifest more gradually.
It’s critical that you contact your physiotherapist right away if you encounter any of these symptoms. They will examine your knee in detail and discuss the nature of your injury in order to provide a diagnosis. A physiotherapist may ask for imaging in more severe cases in order to assess the extent of the injury.
Why is Diagnosis Important?
When it comes to a meniscus injury, it is imperative that the injury be correctly diagnosed and treated. Unnecessary operations can sometimes be completely avoided. Furthermore, poor surgical technique can worsen cartilage damage, prolong knee trauma, necessitate a protracted recovery period, and never result in a satisfactory return of knee motion.
Meniscus tears should not be disregarded because, in the long run, they can make it difficult to do even the most basic of tasks like walking. Treatment for meniscus damage is effective. You shouldn’t have to stop participating in your favorite sport or activity because of knee pain.
Source: metrophysio.co.uk
Who Suffers From Meniscus Injuries?
There are two C-shaped menisci in each knee, which serve as a kind of cushion between your thighbone and shinbone. These menisci are especially prone to injury. Once compromised, the meniscus’s ability to absorb shock is diminished as the joint bones rub against one another more closely.
Meniscus tears are a common occurrence in athletes, particularly in sports where players must perform repetitive squats, twists, and position changes. The force and degree of knee twisting that occurs during sports like rugby or football can also tear a portion of the wedge-shaped meniscus, which cushions the knee.
Can Meniscus Injuries Heal on Their Own
Some athletes view a little discomfort as a badge of honor, particularly those involved in endurance sports. Some people believe that a meniscus tear will spontaneously mend over time. However, some kinds of meniscus tears require medical attention in order to heal.
A meniscus tear located on its outer third is regarded as a less serious injury. Because blood cells can regenerate meniscus tissue and this area has a rich blood supply, it might heal on its own if the position is stable and the tear is small.
Even patients with relatively less severe tears may still experience problems straightening and bending their legs, and their knees may become “stuck” or locked. Even walking could become increasingly painful and challenging, let alone running.
Meniscus damage that is left untreated can also lead to chronic knee issues like arthritis. In more severe cases, the tear must be surgically trimmed or removed entirely if it is located in the inner two-thirds of the wedge, which does not receive blood flow.
Source: proortho.com
Treatment Options
The patient’s objectives, the extent of the damage, and the patient’s age are some of the variables that affect how the injury is treated. The majority of cases can be treated conservatively with physiotherapy Bolton. However, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary in cases that are more severe.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
The RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) protocol should be followed as the first step in non-surgical treatment to minimize pain and swelling. Recuperation entails avoiding activities that worsen pain and, if necessary, elevating oneself up on crutches to prevent weight bearing.
Pain and swelling can be lessened with the use of ice, compression, and elevation. For the first few days following the injury, ice should be applied for 15 minutes at a time, ideally every 2-3 hours.
Physiotherapists can provide manual therapy, including cupping therapy, acupuncture, taping, and soft tissue massage, to help relieve pain and regain knee function during your rehabilitation. After 1-2 weeks of rehabilitation, patients can usually resume their jobs, participate in sports again 3-6 weeks afterward, and compete again 5-8 weeks afterward.
