KNEE
Meniscus Tear
A common knee injury known as a meniscus tear occurs when the cartilage pads, called menisci, between the femur and tibia in the knee joint get damaged. These C-shaped structures act as shock absorbers and contribute to the stability of the knee during movement. Meniscus tears can be caused by sudden twisting or rotating movements of the knee, or they may develop gradually due to age-related wear and tear in older individuals.
Signs and symptoms:
- The affected individual often experiences pain along the knee joint line.
- Swelling may be present.
- Stiffness can be felt.
- There may be a clicking or locking sensation, where the knee gets stuck in a certain position during movement.
Treatment Options:
Non-Surgical Approaches:
- Resting: Avoid engaging in activities that worsen the pain and strain on the knee joint.
- Cold Therapy: Apply cold packs to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
- Compression: Using an elastic bandage or knee brace can offer support and aid in managing swelling.
- Elevation: Elevating the leg can assist in reducing swelling.
Physical Rehabilitation:
- Strengthening exercises for the muscles surrounding the knee, which can enhance joint support and stability.
- Range of motion exercises can contribute to improving knee flexibility.
Medication:
- Pain relievers available over-the-counter, like acetaminophen or NSAIDs, can effectively manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Injections:
- Injections of corticosteroids may be administered into the knee joint to alleviate inflammation and pain.
Surgical Treatment:
- Arthroscopic surgery is often considered for meniscus tears that do not show improvement with conservative treatment or for larger, more severe tears.
- During arthroscopy, a small camera called an arthroscope is used by the surgeon to visualize and repair the meniscus. In certain cases, the damaged portion of the meniscus may be partially removed (partial meniscectomy) or repaired.
The selection of treatment depends on the specific characteristics of the meniscus tear and the individual’s requirements.
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