Meniscus Tear

What is a Meniscus?

The meniscus refers to two wedge-shaped pieces of resilient cartilage situated between the femur and tibia, acting as shock absorbers. The menisci play a vital role in distributing weight between the bones and maintaining knee stability.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain
• Popping sensation
• Stiffness and swelling
• The feeling of knee giving way
• Limited range of motion, for example, difficulty fully straightening the knee
• Feeling of knee being locked in place or catching during movement

Causes of meniscus tears

Meniscus tears can result from acute trauma or degenerative changes over time. Acute sports-related meniscal injuries often coincide with other knee injuries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and can occur with movements such as aggressive pivoting, sudden stops or deep squatting.
Degenerative tears can occur gradually over time with no significant symptoms and then suddenly become symptomatic with twisting, squatting or heavy lifting activities.

What can you do at home?

Treatment for meniscal tears depends on various factors such as tear size, type, location, age, activity level, and associated injuries. Small tears in the outer “red zone” with good blood supply may heal on their own, while tears in the inner “white zone” typically require surgical intervention due to limited blood flow. Nonsurgical treatments include:

• Rest: Limit painful activities such as walking, crutches can further relieve the pain.
• Ice your knee to reduce pain and swelling: 15-20 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days or until the pain and swelling is gone.
• Compress your knee: Use an elastic bandage or a neoprene type sleeve.
• Elevate your knee: when you’re sitting or lying down.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should not be used in the first 72 hours following injury as they may interfere with the body’s natural healing process. Following this period, discuss their use with your health practitioner.

The role of physiotherapy

• Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
• Treatment Planning: Based on the severity and type of meniscus tear, physiotherapists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the degree and location of the tear, some people will recover with physiotherapy and exercise, others may need surgery.
• Pain Management
• Restoring Range of Motion and Strength: Physiotherapists prescribe specific exercises aimed at improving flexibility, mobility, and muscle strength around the knee to ensure optimal joint stability and function.
• Functional Rehabilitation: Exercise programs that mimic functional activities help patients return to daily activities, sports and recreational activities.
• Prevention of Recurrence: This may involve teaching proper biomechanics during activities, recommending appropriate footwear, and providing guidance on a gradual return to activities to avoid overloading the knee joint.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: In cases where surgical intervention is required, physiotherapists play a crucial role in post-operative rehabilitation.