WHAT CAUSES IT?
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A meniscal tear can occur during sport when the knee is flexed then twisted.
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Degeneration of the meniscus can also occur.
WHAT IS IT? MENISCAL TEARS
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Menisci protect the cartilage within your knee. There is a medial meniscus and a lateral meniscus. The medial meniscus is more prone to injury because it is fixed to the capsule within the knee joint.
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The role of the meniscus is to act as a shock absorber, protect the underlying cartilage, and provide stability for the knee.
Signs and symptoms
- Feeling of tearing at time of injury
- Pain
- Swelling
- Loss of bending and straightening movements of knee
- Locking
- Clicking
- Clunking
- Grinding
- Tender joint line
- Aggravated by squatting
HOW TO SELF MANAGE
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R.I.C.E. protocol
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Depending on the severity, a meniscal tear can be managed conservatively or arthroscopically.
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An assessment by your physiotherapist is recommended to gain assessment and possible referral if required.
PROGNOSIS
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An MRI or arthroscopic investigation can determine the severity of your tear.
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Return to sport following a minor tear may be possible after 4-6 weeks
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A more severe tear, where clunking and locking is present, range of movement is not improving, and other damage is apparent, will require surgery.
HOW PHYSIO HELPS?
- Assess your knee for meniscal damage
- Reduce pain and swelling with massage and electrotherapy
- Prescribe a program to improve quadriceps control
- Increase the strength of hip and knee muscles to improve overall knee stability
- Increase proprioception to reduce the risk of re-injury
- Progress your rehabilitation for return to daily activities and sport
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