It’s what approximately one million Americans, from elite athletes to the elderly, hear every year: “You have a torn meniscus.” Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries; athletes in nearly every sport are susceptible, and the risk of a tear rises for everyone as they get older.
For some meniscus tears, surgery is the only option. But for minor or degenerative tears, rest and a good physical therapy plan can usurp the need for surgical intervention.
Are you currently suffering from knee instability or swelling around your kneecap? If so, come see David Dickerson, MD at Performance Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Dr. Dickerson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with several year of experience. Here, he discusses meniscus basics, types of meniscus tears, symptoms, and how physical therapy can help a meniscus heal.
Each knee has two menisci, rubbery pieces of cartilage located between the shinbone (tibia) and the thighbone (femur). A meniscus provides cushioning between the two bones, providing stability and protecting the lower part of the leg from the shock created by your body weight.
There are two types of meniscus injuries, acute and degenerative. Acute meniscus tears occur when someone suddenly changes direction — as they twist or pivot with their foot planted, the meniscus tears. These injuries are common among athletes in contact and noncontact sports — an awkward football tackle or a volleyball player jumping for a spike can result in a tear. Acute tears are often severe and more likely to require surgery.
Degenerative tears occur as the meniscus wears down over time. As the meniscus gets thinner with age, something as simple as getting out of a chair at an odd angle or squatting to pick up a heavy box can cause a tear. These tears are usually mild to moderate and are more likely to be treated with rest and physical therapy.
Typical symptoms of a meniscus tear include:
Many people can walk or even play sports immediately after a meniscus tear. Swelling and stiffness typically build over the next couple of days, making it progressively more difficult to move your knee properly.
Although physical therapy is a conservative treatment path for meniscus tears, it can often be as beneficial as surgery for older adults and those with osteoarthritis. Physical therapy can help control your pain and knee swelling while also building the muscles around the knee joint to better support it and put less pressure on the meniscus.
Therapy for a meniscus tear has three general stages. First, the therapist works with you to regain the range of motion in your leg and reduce swelling. Once you’re ready, you can move on to stretches that keep your muscles loose, followed by strengthening exercises that get more challenging as you progress. Your therapist gives you workouts and stretches to do at home, and you may be advised to continue with rest, icing, and painkillers.
Each physical therapy plan is unique and depends on the severity of the injury, but most physical therapy schedules last four to six weeks.
To learn more about meniscus injuries and the role of physical therapy, request an appointment online or over the phone with Performance Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine today.
