The knee joint has two c-shaped pieces of cartilage called the medial (the inside of the knee) and lateral (the outside of the knee) meniscus. This cartilage is responsible for shock absorption within the knee joint, protecting the shin and thigh bones.
MENISCAL TEARS
What is a torn meniscus?
The meniscus can become torn during movements that involve sudden, forceful twisting, such as when quickly changing direction during sport. Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries that present to us and they usually affect the medial meniscus.
Symptoms of a torn meniscus
Meniscal tears can vary in severity and therefore so too can the symptoms. Meniscal tears may cause:
- Knee pain at the sides or back of the knee
- Clicking, catching or locking feelings with knee movement
- The knee to give way when weight-bearing
- Swelling
- Reduce knee mobility
How is a meniscal tear treated?
Scans are often not required to diagnose a meniscal tear, in the event of severe pain and functional restriction your Physio might recommend an MRI scan to ensure a surgical opinion isn’t required. Treatment will involve:
- Advice on rest, ice, compression and elevation
- Exercises to improve the knee joint mobility and strength
- Hands-on treatment to relieve muscle tension
- Rehabilitation exercise to get you back to sport and physical activity.
