Meniscus tears are a common knee ailment among athletes, notably those who compete in contact sports. However, meniscus tears can occur at any age. When individuals allude to torn cartilage in the knee, they usually mean a torn meniscus.
Anatomy of Knee
The femur and tibia are the two bones that form the knee joint. The kneecap (patella) is placed in front of the joint to give protection. Menisci are two wedge-shaped fibrocartilage structures that connect the femur and tibia. These serve as shock absorbers, facilitating weight transfer and contributing to knee stability.
Description of Meniscus Tears
Meniscus tears can be caused by acute trauma or long-term degenerative changes. Tears can vary in appearance and location inside the meniscus. Bucket handle, flap, and radial tears are among the most common forms. In sports, meniscus injuries are frequently connected with other knee disorders, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.
Causes of meniscus tears
Acute meniscus tears are common in sports and can come from both contact and non-contact injuries, such as rotating or cutting movements. Degenerative meniscus rips grow increasingly common with age, as the tissue weakens and becomes more vulnerable to injury. In certain circumstances, a simple twist when getting out of a chair might trigger a tear in an elderly meniscus.
Symptoms of meniscus tears
A pop sound may be heard at the time of the injury. Many people may walk or continue to play sports after the injury, but the knee stiffens and swells during the next few days.
Medical Examination
Physical Exam by a Doctor
After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will check your knee. They will assess discomfort at the joint line, where the meniscus is located, which is frequently indicative of a tear. The McMurray test is a commonly used diagnostic tool for meniscus injury. Bending, straightening, and rotating the knee puts strain on a torn meniscus, which can produce pain, clicking, or clunking in the joint.
Imaging exams
To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other knee problems with comparable symptoms, your doctor may request imaging tests:
X-rays: X-rays produce images of dense materials such as bone. Although an X-ray will not show a torn meniscus, your doctor may recommend one to rule out other causes of knee pain, such as osteoarthritis.
Scanners for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI scan is widely used to assess the soft tissues in the knee joint, such as the meniscus, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Treatment for Meniscus Tears
The suggested treatment for a meniscus tear is determined by various criteria, including age, symptoms, amount of activity, and the kind, size, and location of the injury.
Non-Surgical Therapy
Many meniscus rips don't require immediate surgery. If your symptoms do not worsen and you do not have any locking or swelling in your knee, your doctor may suggest nonsurgical therapy options.
RICE: The RICE routine is frequently useful for sports-related injuries.
Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the injury, and your doctor may recommend crutches to avoid placing weight on the leg.
Ice: Apply cold packs multiple times per day for 20 minutes each. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin.
Compression: Apply an elastic compression bandage to minimize edema and give support.
Elevation: To minimize swelling, elevate your leg above heart level when resting.
Recovery
Meniscus tears are a frequent knee injury, but with correct diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, most patients return to their pre-injury skills. Wearing suitable footwear, such as DrLuigi medical shoes, during the recovery period is critical to supporting and stabilizing the healing knee.
Remember to speak with your healthcare expert for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your individual situation.