It is estimated that knee injuries affect over 2.5 million people per year, with 500,000 of those people experiencing meniscus tears. This is a common knee injury that can lead to a number of treatment options which will be further discussed in this article.
What is The Meniscus?
Many joints have connective tissue structures that help provide additional stability and support. One such structure is the meniscus of the knee. The meniscus is a ring of cartilage that lines the concave surfaces of the shin bone (tibia) where the thigh bone (femur) articulates with it. The two menisci in each knee essentially deepen the joint to improve joint stability and also act as shock absorbers as force is transmitted through the knee.
What Causes a Meniscus Injury?
The meniscus is commonly torn when a person pivots or twists on a planted foot with a bent knee. This is common in sports but can happen with daily activities as well. A tear will often result in pain with walking, pain with end-range flexion and extension of the knee, clicking or popping in the knee, and swelling. While physical therapists can perform special testing to determine if a meniscus tear is likely present, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to further determine the severity of the tear. The information gathered from imaging can then be used to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Approaches to Treatment
Factors such as tear severity, prior level of function, health history and age are all considered when determining the best treatment option following a meniscus tear. In more minor tears, some will elect to pursue conservative treatment that often includes physical therapy and medical management for pain. If the tear is larger or in an area that is less likely to heal, surgical options are considered. Surgery can be performed to remove part of the meniscus which is referred to as a “meniscectomy,” or the meniscus can be surgically repaired. Recovery times can vary depending on the surgery that is performed. For those who undergo a meniscectomy, the recovery time is often shorter when compared to that of a meniscus repair as the repaired tissues need time to adequately heal. In general, full recovery will typically range from six weeks to approximately three months. Regardless of the course of treatment, physical therapy will be part of the recovery process. Physical therapy will help manage pain, restore normal motion, and build strength to meet your specific goals.
If you have experienced a meniscus tear or simply have knee pain, physical therapy can help you return to your desired activities. Call 703-671-1871 or click here to schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists today!
Tags: alexandriava, sport injury, Knee Pain Relief, fallschurchva, Physical Therapy, ptworks, Respire Physical Therapy, painfreeliving, physical therapist, movementfreedom, knee meniscus injury, choosept, arlingtonva
