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MENISCUS TEAR Explained in Detail


Treatment for Meniscus Tear

 What are MENISCUS ?
  • Meniscus are two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage acting as "shock absorbers" between your thighbone and shinbone. 
  • They are tough and rubbery to help cushion the joint and keep it stable.
  • They absorb shock and distribute load in the knee.
What are probable causes of Meniscal Injury ?
Sports that require sudden turns and stops may put you at higher risk for meniscus tears. Some of these sports include:
  • football
  • basketball
  • soccer
  • tennis
The meniscus weakens with age. Tears are more common in people over the age of 30.

What are the Common SYMPTOMS OF MENISCAL INJURY ?
  • Pain in the knee especially when the leg is extended .
  • The pain is usually either on the inner or outer side of the knee, not around the kneecap. 
  • Swelling over knee.
  • A popping sensation during the injury.
  • Difficulty bending and straightening the leg. 
  • A tendency for your knee to get "stuck" or lock up.
How does MENISCUS INJURY OCCUR?
  • Mostly these injuries occur when the knee is bent and then twists, which tends to occur often during sports. Meniscus tear can also be due to a part of a larger injury, such as a ligament injury.
Physical Test for determining Tear in Meniscus 


McMurray circumduction test is used to evaluate individuals for tears in the meniscus of the knee. A tear in the meniscus may cause a pedunculated tag of the meniscus which may become jammed between the joint surfaces.

Treatment for Meniscus Tear
  • The outer portion of the meniscus “red zone” has a good blood supply and can sometimes heal on its own if the tear is small. But, the inner two thirds of the meniscus “white zone” does not have a good blood supply. Tears in this region will not heal on their own as this area lacks blood vessels to bring in healing nutrients.
  • Not all meniscal tears require surgery. 
  • If your knee is not locking up, is stable, and symptoms resolve, nonsurgical treatment will work.
  • If the swelling and pain have not resolved in 6 weeks, then you must think of surgical intervention.

Physical therapy to treat Torn Meniscus
Exercises should be the first choice when managing the pain and functional limitation that may come with a knee meniscus tear.
You can regain normal motion and strength and return to your previous level of activity.

Rehabilitation Exercises: Meniscus Tear
  • Quad sets
  • Straight-Leg Raise to the front
  • Straight-Leg Raise to the Back
  • Hamstring curls
  • Heel raises 
  • Heel Dig 
  • Bridging
  • Shallow Standing Knee Bends
Calf raises
Hip Thrust
Leg Raises

Top 3 exercises after a meniscal injury are given in the video.

Diet to support your rehab
Legumes are anti-inflammatory.
Inflammation is the primary source of collagen in the injury.
  • Oranges
  • Pomegranates
  • Green Tea
  • Brown Rice
  • Nuts
  • Brussels Sprouts
SUMMARY:-
Meniscal injury is a common injury in which forceful twisting causes certain tissue in the knee to tear. It is curable without surgery if not of a severe grade. 

Comment us about your own experiences on injuries while playing.

Your comeback story will be featured on this blog in a special section.


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