Meniscal Tears: How to Regain Mobility And Strength

Meniscal tears are one of the most common causes of knee pain that we see at Hartwell Physio. These tears can be a source of pain and discomfort, affecting not only athletes but people of all ages.

Understanding Meniscal Tears

Meniscal tears occur when the C-shaped cartilage in your knee, known as the meniscus, gets injured. This cartilage acts as a shock absorber, and it plays a crucial role in stabilising the knee joint. The tear can happen suddenly due to a twist or a sports injury, or it can develop gradually over time due to age-related wear and tear. Symptoms of a meniscal tear often include pain, swelling, stiffness, restricted range of motion and sometimes sensations of locking, clicking or giving way. If left unaddressed, this injury can lead to more significant issues, such as osteoarthritis or chronic knee pain.

How are meniscal tears diagnosed?

If you believe you’ve sustained a meniscal tear, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional, and your physiotherapist can be a valuable part of this journey. We’ll begin with a review of your medical history and a thorough physical examination. Based on our physical assessment we can make a diagnosis and develop a tailored rehabilitation plan. In some cases, usually if you present with severe symptoms, your Physio may refer you for diagnostic tests such as an MRI. These tests provide crucial information about the type, size, and location of the tear, which guides the treatment plan.

Treatment Options

The treatment of a meniscal tear depends on various factors, including your meniscus tear diagnosis symptoms, whether other knee structures are also injured, your age, and your activity level. Here are some common treatment options:

• Conservative Management (Physiotherapy): For most meniscal tears, surgery is not required and instead following the guidance of your Physio is the key to reducing your knee pain and regaining knee function. This non-surgical treatment for meniscus tears includes strategies early on like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E), as well as a personalised physiotherapy rehab program, which focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving your knee’s range of motion.
• Arthroscopic Surgery: In some cases where conservative treatments are not effective or when the meniscal tear is significant, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend arthroscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure allows them to trim or repair the torn meniscus. Arthroscopic knee surgery is then followed by a period of Physio rehabilitation to get you back to your sport or usual functional level.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Physiotherapy is a crucial part of the rehabilitation process for meniscus tear management, and here’s how we guide you to regain mobility and strength:

1. We work closely with you to design a personalised exercise plan aimed at improving your knee mobility and strength. Your program might include
   • Calf, hamstring and quad muscle stretching
   • Knee mobility exercises for knee injury recovery
   • Leg strengthening exercises using resistance bands, gym equipment or your body weight
2. Gradual Return to Activity: We guide you through functional training meniscal tear exercises to gradually return you to your normal activities and, if applicable, sports, ensuring that your knee is ready for the challenge.
3. Bracing and Support: In some cases, we might recommend a knee brace to provide additional support and stability during the healing process.
4. Long-Term Care: We stress the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and weight management, and physical therapy for meniscal tears to reduce the risk of future knee issues.

Preventing Meniscal Tears

Meniscal tear prevention is always better than a cure, and while accidents can happen, it’s worth consider the following tips to reduce the risk of meniscal tears:

1. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your knee joints.
2. Strengthen the muscles around your knees to keep them as strong and supported as possible.
3. Always warm up before engaging in physical activities, and ensure you use proper techniques and protective gear during sports.
4. Address niggling knee pain before it because a big issue.

Meniscal tear rehabilitation can be challenging, but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, along with the dedicated guidance of a physiotherapist, you can regain mobility and strength to get back to doing the things you enjoy. If you suspect you have a meniscal tear, don’t hesitate to consult one of the Hartwell Physio team members. Feel free to call 9889 3903 to make an appointment, or book ONLINE.