Knee | Meniscus Injury
Introduction
Meniscus injuries are common among athletes in high-impact sports like football and basketball. These injuries occur when the C-shaped cartilage in the knee tears, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. At Physio Active, we offer various physiotherapy solutions for meniscus injury treatment.
Understanding meniscus injury
A meniscus injury is a tear in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. This can happen due to a sudden twist or turn, especially when the knee is bent. It can also occur over time, due to repetitive stress or wear and tear. Meniscus injuries are more common in athletes, but anyone can be prone to them. Different types of meniscus tears include radial, longitudinal, and bucket-handle tears. A proper diagnosis is necessary to determine the severity of the injury.
Symptoms of meniscus injury
The symptoms of a meniscus injury can vary depending on the severity of the tear. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. There may also be a popping or clicking sound when moving the knee. In severe cases, the knee may lock or give way.
Diagnosing meniscus injury
At Physio Active, we use various methods to diagnose meniscus injuries. This includes a physical examination, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans, and arthroscopy. We also consider the patient’s medical history and the mechanism of injury to make an accurate diagnosis.
Physiotherapy treatment for meniscus injury
At Physio Active, we offer several physiotherapy solutions for meniscus injury treatment. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of the injury and the patient’s individual needs. Our physiotherapy solutions may include the following:
Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE)
This is a standard treatment for most injuries. It involves resting the knee, applying ice to reduce swelling, using compression to control swelling, and elevating the knee to reduce swelling.
Range of motion exercises
These exercises are designed to help restore the range of motion in the knee joint. This may involve gentle stretching, bending, and straightening exercises.
Strengthening exercises
Strengthening exercises can help build the muscles around the knee, providing more support and stability. This may involve using weights or resistance bands.
Manual therapy
This involves hands-on techniques like massage, joint mobilization, and stretching. This can help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Functional training
This involves exercises that mimic real-life activities, like walking, running, and jumping. This can help improve balance, coordination, and overall function.
Biomechanical assessment
This involves analyzing the patient’s gait, posture, and movement patterns to identify any issues that may be contributing to the injury. We can then make recommendations for corrective exercises and movement strategies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, meniscus injuries can be a painful and challenging condition, but there are various physiotherapy solutions available for treatment. At Physio Active, we provide comprehensive care for meniscus injuries, from an accurate diagnosis to personalized treatment plans. Our physiotherapy solutions include a range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, manual therapy, functional training, and biomechanical assessment to aid in recovery, reduce pain, and improve overall knee health. We work closely with orthopedic surgeons to provide complete care, and our physiotherapy solutions can be an effective and non-invasive treatment option for meniscus injuries.
