Meniscus Injuries

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. Depending on the type of tear, surgery may be required, however, physiotherapy can also help to rehabilitate the knee. Working with a physiotherapist helps to regain knee range of motion, and strength, which will help you recover from the meniscus injury and return to the level of activity you had prior to the injury. In certain cases, research has shown the physiotherapy can help to prevent surgery on the knee for meniscus injuries. 

Each knee has two menisci, the medial and the lateral. The menisci are made of cartilage, and their purpose is to absorb shock and keep the thigh bone from pounding on the shinbone. They also help to nourish the knee joint. And injury to the meniscus alters the biomechanics of the knee joint and can cause pain. 

What Causes Meniscus Injuries?

There are two causes for a meniscus tear. It can be caused by trauma, or be a degenerative condition. Meniscus injuries are fairly common in athletes, and are stated to be a result of a sports injury and  “represent approximately 15% of all cases”. The spontaneous meniscus tear can also occur due to osteoarthritis causing a breakdown and weakening of the meniscus structure. 

Meniscus injuries don’t always present with characteristic symptoms, and some even heal spontaneously. Some symptoms to watch for include swelling, pain and moving the knee can result in more pain, and occasionally popping and clicking sounds and feelings. 

Treating Meniscus Injuries

Meeting with Nicole, our physiotherapist resident at FLXME, can help you address your knee pain. She will perform an assessment to try and determine if the meniscus is involved. From there she will use a combination of education, range of motion exercises, stretching exercises and eventually exercises to help build up strength. She also may incorporate hands on work and exercises to help reduce any pain you may be feeling. 

Come by FLXME to see if Physiotherapy with Nicole can help!

Soueces:

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Meniscal_Lesions

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/physical-therapy-meniscus-tear#1

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/uh2071

https://www.verywellhealth.com/pt-exercises-for-knee-meniscus-tear-4125900