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The knee joint, which is the meeting point of the femur with the tibia has 2 menisci. These menisci are nothing but cartilages that cushion and protect the joint from injury. When the menisci are injured, it results in pain at the joint.<br>
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Meniscus Surgery: All Your Queries Answered The knee joint, which is the meeting point of the femur with the tibia has 2 menisci. These menisci are nothing but cartilages that cushion and protect the joint from injury. When the menisci are injured, it results in pain at the joint.
Causes of Meniscus Tear A meniscus tear can have a lot of causes: • When the knee is suddenly twisted, the meniscus can suffer damage. • Sports that involve feinting, like rugby, football, etc. might result in a meniscus tear. Contact sports injuries are another cause. • Lifting heavy objects can, in some cases, lead to a meniscus tear. • In older adults, meniscus tear can happen even without an injury – due to wear and tear over the years.
Symptoms of Meniscus Tear • Knee pain and inflammation which, in some cases, may set in gradually and not immediately after an injury. • Some people might even hear the knee go ‘pop’ when they sustain a tear. • Knee’s range of motion is reduced. • Sometimes, when the torn menisci detach and get trapped in the knee joint, the knees might get locked. Diagnosis involves a physical examination to check the knee’s mobility. The doctor will also want to know the history of the injury. Imaging tests may also be required.
How to Prevent Meniscus Tear • Exercising regularly to strengthen the muscles and joints will minimize the possibility of a tear. • Adequate rest too is important and over exercising should be avoided. • Proper footwear when performing high impact activities is recommended. • Warming up before starting an exercise routine and gradually increasing exercise intensity is important. • For those with a weak knee or previous knee injury, wearing a brace will protect the knee.
Does Treatment Always Involve Surgery? Definitely not. No doctor will suggest surgery as the first line of treatment. Non-invasive treatment options will be tried first. After the injury is sustained, following the below-mentioned guidelines will help in recovery. Giving sufficient rest to the knee joint. If you have to walk, use a walking aid which can reduce the pressure on the joint. For pain relief, applying an ice pack to the joint will help. Wrapping the knee will help with the inflammation. Keeping the leg raised will bring down inflammation. If the pain is bad, ask the doctor for pain relief medication and do not self-medicate. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, stretching and strengthening exercises can be done. Care should be taken to avoid any activity that stresses the injured knee. If these measures do not resolve the condition and the pain gets debilitating, the doctor might suggest surgery. For the elderly, a meniscus surgery will enable a better quality of life.
Does Treatment Always Involve Surgery? Definitely not. No doctor will suggest surgery as the first line of treatment. Non-invasive treatment options will be tried first. After the injury is sustained, following the below-mentioned guidelines will help in recovery. Giving sufficient rest to the knee joint. If you have to walk, use a walking aid which can reduce the pressure on the joint. For pain relief, applying an ice pack to the joint will help. Wrapping the knee will help with the inflammation. Keeping the leg raised will bring down inflammation. If the pain is bad, ask the doctor for pain relief medication and do not self-medicate. Under the guidance of a physical therapist, stretching and strengthening exercises can be done. Care should be taken to avoid any activity that stresses the injured knee. If these measures do not resolve the condition and the pain gets debilitating, the doctor might suggest surgery. For the elderly, a meniscus surgery will enable a better quality of life.
