Meniscal Injuries
What are Meniscal Injuries?
Meniscal Injuries are conditions that refer to the meniscus in the knee being torn. The meniscus is a rubbery disc that helps keep the knee steady by balancing the weight across it, doing this also protects the knee. It can be damaged due to sudden motions such as twists or turns, especially if the knee is planted firm and bent. They are also caused as a result of wear and tear by age or by putting extreme loads or stress on it.
What do Meniscal Injuries feel like?
Severe symptoms include:
- The knee popping, locking or catching
- Inability to straighten the knee
- A wobbly feeling in the knee
Moderate symptoms include:
- Pain in the centre or side of the knee
- Swelling that worsens over 3 days
- Stiff knees with restricted bending ability
- Sharp pain when squatting or twisting
How can Meniscal Injuries be managed?
Treatment
- Range of motion, strengthening and stretching exercises
- Acupuncture & dry needling for pain management
- Bracing to unload the joint
- Return to sport programs
- Pain relieving medications
- Rest & icing
- Massage Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Osteopathy