Meniscus Tear

A meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee. A torn meniscus can result from any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, such as aggressive pivoting or sudden stops and turns. It acts as a cushion between the shinbone (tibia) and thighbone (femur).

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Your Guide to Understanding Meniscus Tear

What is Meniscus Tear?
How can a Physiotherapist help treat Meniscus Tear?
What causes Meniscus Tear?
What treatments might help Meniscus Tear?
What are the Signs of Meniscus Tear?
What are the Symptoms of Meniscus Tear?

What is Meniscus Tear?

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that occurs when the cartilage in the knee, known as the meniscus, gets damaged. This can happen due to sudden twisting or rotation of the knee during activities such as sports or heavy lifting.

Symptoms of a meniscus tear include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty fully extending the knee. Treatment options range from rest, ice, and physical therapy to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the tear and individual circumstances.

How can Physiotherapy help treat Meniscus Tear?

Physiotherapists are really important in helping with meniscus tears. They make special exercise plans to make the muscles around the knee stronger and improve its stability. They also use hands-on methods to reduce pain and make the joint move better. Plus, they give advice on changing activities and getting back to doing things like before, so people can get better and avoid more injuries.

What causes Meniscus Tear?

A meniscus tear is typically caused by activities that involve twisting or rotating the knee forcefully, often during sports or physical activities. It can also occur due to wear and tear over time, especially in older individuals.

What treatments might help Meniscus Tear?

Treatment for a meniscus tear aims to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore knee function. Depending on the type and severity of the tear, options may include RICE therapy, physical therapy, medication, minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, lifestyle modifications, and emerging treatments like regenerative medicine.

Signs of Meniscus Tear:

The signs of a meniscus tear include pain in the knee joint, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty fully extending the knee. Other symptoms may include a popping sensation during the injury, trouble bending or straightening the knee, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee. These signs can gradually worsen over a few days, and there may also be sharp pain when twisting or squatting.

Symptoms of Meniscus Tear:

The symptoms of a meniscus tear typically include pain in the knee joint, swelling around the knee, stiffness, and difficulty fully extending the knee. Individuals may also experience a popping sensation during the injury, trouble bending or straightening the knee, and a catching or locking sensation in the knee. Additionally, there may be sharp pain when twisting or squatting. These symptoms can gradually worsen over a few days.

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When is the right time to see a Physiotherapist for Meniscus Tear?

You should see a physiotherapist if you have knee pain that doesn't go away, especially if it affects your daily activities. Even if you're young and active, starting with physiotherapy instead of surgery can often be a good option.

Most people with a meniscus tear improve with physiotherapy, and surgery is not usually needed. For younger individuals, it can take about 4 to 12 weeks for a mild meniscus tear to get better, while for older individuals, it may take longer. So, seeing a physiotherapist early on can help with the recovery process. If your symptoms do not improve your physiotherapist can determine if further investigation and/or treatment is needed.

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Brittany Pereira

Registered Physiotherapist

Registered Physiotherapist with a degree from the University of Toronto

Brittany enjoys working with patients across age groups and backgrounds to help them move better, get stronger, understand their bodies and ultimately, feel more confident. She combines her knowledge and clinical experience to best serve her patients.

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