What is Meniscus Injury?
By: Assoc. Dr. ancestor
What is Meniscus Injury?
It is the injury or tear of the crescent-shaped cartilage structures that prevent friction against each other and act as a shock absorber. The medial and lateral are located within the knee joint, between the upper and lower leg bones, and help stabilize the knee. Meniscus injury It can often occur as a result of a sudden movement or turn, lifting a heavy load, or a direct blow.
As it ages, it can wear out and tear more easily. Symptoms may include pain in the knee, swelling, limited movement, and a “clicking” sensation or sound. Sometimes wear and tear can cause the joints to lock completely and not bend.
What Causes Meniscus Injury?
During the aging process, such ailments become less flexible and more fragile. This may cause them to wear out more easily.
Sports such as football, basketball and tennis require sudden and rapid turns on the knee. Such movements meniscus injury increases the risk. Additionally, sports that pose a high risk of impact (for example, football and American football) may also increase the risk.
Extra weight puts extra pressure on the knee joints. It may cause the ligaments or bones in the knee to become damaged more easily.
Jobs that require spending a lot of time standing during the day may increase the risk of this problem.
Previous injuries to the ligaments within the joint structure increase the risk of this disease. Because this can put abnormal load on the joint.
Some congenital or acquired anatomical problems may increase the risk of this disorder.
Having any of the risk factors mentioned above does not mean you will tear. But it can increase the probability. Therefore, those who have these risk factors meniscus injury may consider taking precautions to prevent it from occurring.
Meniscus Injury Treatment Methods
In cases of minor injury, it generally heals on its own and requires conservative treatment. This treatment includes medications to reduce pain and inflammation, application of ice, and avoiding activity. Physical therapy can also help improve the flexibility and strength of the knee.
Physical therapists provide specific exercises to increase and strengthen knee movement.
If meniscus injury If serious, surgery is an option. Arthroscopic surgery is performed by inserting a small camera into the knee. It is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to see and repair the damage. The surgeon can remove damaged cartilage tissue around the injury. In more serious cases, this can repair the problem or regenerate the damaged area.
In some cases, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain. You should always consult a physician who specializes in orthopedics and traumatology regarding your treatment options. So you have to determine what works best for you.