Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries, especially in athletes but also in the general population, particularly as they age. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilises the joint, protecting the bones from wear and tear.
A meniscus tear can occur in any part of the cartilage and due to various activities, from a sudden pivot or twist in sports to a simple awkward turn while walking. Age-related degeneration can also lead to meniscal tears, even from mundane activities due to the weakening of cartilage over time.
Here’s a detailed look at meniscus tears, the symptoms they may present, and how physiotherapy can aid in recovery.
Symptoms of a meniscal tear include:
Initial treatments focus on reducing pain and swelling, using ice, compression, elevation, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
Early intervention aims to restore normal knee joint range of motion through gentle stretching exercises.
Building strength in the muscles around the knee, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, can help support and stabilize the knee joint.
Improving balance and proprioception (sense of joint position) helps prevent further injury and ensures stability in the knee.
As recovery progresses, exercises become more dynamic and functional, tailored to the patient’s specific activities or sports, to ensure a safe return to these activities.
Techniques like massage, mobilisation, and soft tissue work can help improve knee function and reduce pain.
Being faced with an injury or being told by a health practitioner to undergo a particular treatment can be quite daunting. That’s why we are here to help you. You can book a 15-minute video consult to ask your trusted health practitioners any questions you may have on your mind. No judgement, no strings attached and most importantly, no fees!
