MENISCUS TEARS

The Meniscus is a special type of cartilage that helps to cushion your knee. There is a Meniscus on the inside (which can cause pain on the inside) called the Medial Meniscus and on the outside part of your knee (which can cause pain on the outside) called the Lateral Meniscus. You can see this in the image below.

How do you suffer a meniscus tear?

An injury often happens when you twist your knee too far, particularly when there is a lot of weight on it. Think about when you fall over skiing and your skis go one direction while you go the other; or when you change direction in football and the ground gives way. A medial or lateral meniscus tear is normally associated with immediate pain and often a swollen knee which swells more over 48 hours. The different types of tears are displayed in the image above.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include knee pain, a locking or catching feeling as you move your knee, and sometimes an inability to bend or straighten your knee past a certain point. You may also feel like you have a swollen knee. It can also feel like it gives way.

How do I know if I’ve torn my meniscus?

Diagnosing a meniscus tear is most accurately done using an MRI scan. Physiotherapists have a number of special tests we can use to tell you whether we suspect you have an injury and whether it is worthwhile having an MRI scan. It is also swollen and tender when touching the joint line.

What is involved in treatment?

Treatment for a meniscus tear involves a comprehensive Physiotherapy program over a 6 to 12 week period. Focus is made on letting the knee joint settle, strengthening the muscles around the knee to protect it, balance work and hands on Physio techniques to restore any loss of flexibility and to reduce muscle spasm. As the knee begins to feel significantly better exercises to help prepare the knee for change of direction and explosive drills is incorporated so you have the confidence to return to sport again. Other treatment options include surgery, depending on the type and severity of the meniscus tear. Some tears can be very minor and respond excellently to a good knee Physio program. However sometimes particularly if your knee feels locked and you can’t straighten it, then a referral to a surgeon is a high priority. Also if the knee isn’t responding to the Physio program then a surgical opinion is required. Most of the time meniscal tears can be rehabbed successfully with a Physio program and your Physio will let you know if an MRI needs to be ordered or a surgical opinion is required.

Not sure if your pain is a meniscus tear? Do you think it might be a muscle or joint problem, or maybe even a knee ligament injury? Why don’t you come in and see us and we’ll be able to get your knee on the right track again.

At Balance In Motion Physiotherapy + Pilates we don’t just focus on your injury. We recognise that your whole body is connected in a really intimate way and our unique way of assessing and treating you as a person goes beyond simply pushing, poking, and rubbing the sore spot. You can read more about our special approach to physiotherapy, called ConnectTherapy™.

If you’d like to book an appointment online you can do there here, or if you want to speak with someone our details are on our Contact page.