Meniscus tear is a common knee injury that occurs when the meniscus, a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your shinbone and your thighbone, is torn. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that can limit your ability to move. The most common symptoms include:
Pain: This is often the first symptom of a meniscus tear. The pain usually feels sharp or burning, and it often worsens when you twist or bend your knee.
Swelling: This is caused by inflammation in the joint. It can make the joint feel warm to the touch and can restrict the joint's range of motion.
Difficulty straightening your knee fully: Over time, the inflammation and damage caused by a meniscus tear can make it difficult to move the affected joints.
Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it: This is a common symptom of a meniscus tear.
The causes of a meniscus tear are multifactorial. They include:
Forceful rotation or twisting of the knee: Especially during sports activity. Any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, especially when putting your full weight on it, can lead to a torn meniscus.
Direct stress on the knee: Such as kneeling, deep squatting, or improper way of lifting heavy objects.
Aging: As you age, the risk of developing conditions that cause meniscus tears, such as arthritis, increases.
Worn menisci: Worn menisci are more prone to tearing.
Treatment for a meniscus tear aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of your meniscus tear. It often involves:
Rest: Resting your knee can help to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. However, it's important not to rest too much as this can lead to stiffness and weakness.
Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help to reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help improve flexibility and strength, and to reduce pain.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the meniscus.
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