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Knee Pain - Download Pdf
What is a Meniscus Tear?
In the knee there are two crescent shaped pieces of cartilage called the medial and lateral meniscus. The main function of the cartilage is to provide a smooth surface for motion between the two large bones in the leg the femur and tibia that make up the knee joint. A tear is a disruption of the integrity of that cartilage, usually the one on the inside (medial) of the knee.
Symptoms
Localized pain and inflammation at the joint line are very common. Usually the pain is worse when bearing weight through the affected limb, although a very common sign is pain in the knee when turning over at night. Some people may also experience a "pop" at the time of injury if it is traumatic. A clicking sound, locking of the knee or the sensation of the knee giving way may also be present.
Causes
Meniscal tears can be traumatic or develop over time. Traumatic tears are usually from a twisting motion of the knee when it is bent or impact such as during a sporting activity. A tear that occurs over time is general called a degenerative tear and occurs due to continuous use or wear and tear on the knee joint from all activities such as walking and squatting.
Physical Therapy Treatment
Conservative treatment-includes strengthening the muscles that surround the knee joint to take the stain off the joint and meniscus. It will also focus on flexibility of the surrounding muscles so there are no additional forces pulling too tightly across the joint.
Post-Operative care-includes regaining range of motion (ROM) with active and passive techniques, modalities and manual therapy (massage) to decrease inflammation from the original injury and surgery, training to resume your normal walking pattern and stride, strengthening and stretching of the surrounding muscles, and balance training.
A physical therapist can also help to improve body mechanics or movement faults that may be contributing to excess strain on the meniscus such as the knees going inward when squatting or landing from a jump as well as progress to returning to activities of daily life or sports.
Norkin, C and Levangie, P:Joint Structure and Function A Comprehensive Analysis, 2nd ed. F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, 1992. Heckman T, Barber-Westin S, Noyes F. Meniscal Tears and Transplantation: Indications, Techniques, Rehabilitation and Clinical Outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006; 36(10):795-814. doi:10.2519/jospt.2006.2177.
