A meniscus tear is an injury to the cartilage in the knee that not only causes severe pain, but can also lead to restricted movement. Abrupt rotational movements or overloading the knee in particular can cause pain that should not be ignored.
How does a meniscus tear occur?
If the cartilage in the knee is injured, there are many possible causes. Sports injuries, overuse or even accidents can lead to a meniscus tear.
Ball games, such as soccer, involve rapid turning movements, changes of direction and abrupt stops. A sports injury can occur, especially with violent twisting movements, which can be reflected in the knee area in particular.
Anyone who falls on their knee or suffers a strong blow can also suffer a meniscus tear, which can manifest itself through various symptoms such as swelling or blockages.
However, an injury in the knee area does not necessarily have to be caused by fast or sudden movements. Long-term overuse of the knees due to repetitive strain or incorrect movement patterns can also lead to degenerative meniscus damage, even at a younger age. These can progressively increase and lead to serious consequences if they are not treated in time.
Knee pain and other symptoms caused by a meniscus tear
A meniscus tear mainly manifests itself in pain in the area of the knee. If a meniscus tear occurs after a strong twisting movement or due to strain during sport, damage to the cartilage of the knee can occur quickly. If swelling occurs within two days of the injury, a meniscus tear can be assumed.
The knee injury can also lead to restricted movement, which means that the knee can no longer be fully flexed or extended. Some sufferers also describe the restrictions as a feeling of blockage. In any case, a meniscus tear makes the knee feel unstable, meaning that mobility can be considerably restricted.
Treating a meniscus tear
If you act quickly, you can heal a meniscus tear using conservative methods without resorting to surgery or medication.
Physiotherapy after a meniscus tear
It is important to strengthen the leg muscles and stabilize the knee. Those who are not familiar with physical exercises can resort to physiotherapy, which addresses individual symptoms. With the help of a physiotherapist, a training plan can be drawn up that focuses on the surrounding muscles in order to improve the mobility of the knee. Depending on the recommendation, compression bandages may be recommended to reduce swelling.
Protective posture and immobilization of the knee
To avoid aggravating the tear, activities that carry the risk of injury and could put strain on the knee should be significantly restricted. The use of ice in the form of cooling pads can reduce swelling and pain as part of the protective posture. If possible, the leg should be elevated.
General physical fitness
In general, the body should always be kept fit in order to avoid injuries. If you are overweight, you should aim to lose weight. Not only good nutrition can help, but also a light sports program that includes cycling, swimming or yoga, for example. The body should be warmed up well before sporting activities. Stretching exercises or light movement sequences are suitable for this, so that the muscles are not immediately overstrained or overloaded.
In the event of initial knee pain, immediate action must be taken to maintain long-term knee health. Even in the case of a meniscus tear, good physiotherapy in combination with other measures can provide good treatment.