Strained Meniscus
By Robert Lim, PTA, PES
What is a Strained Meniscus?
A strained meniscus occurs when the meniscus (two cartilage pieces that act as a cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone) is injured. The meniscus works to help keep the knee stable and maintain even balance/weight across the knee. A strained meniscus can vary widely in size and severity.
Image of The Anatomy of the Knee
What causes a Meniscus Strain?
A Meniscus Strain happens when the knee suddenly twists while the foot is planted on the ground. A quick pivot or a hard tackle on the football field or soccer pitch could make this occur.
How Do You Diagnose a Meniscus Strain?
The diagnosis of a meniscus injury begins with a full medical history and physical examination. During the examination, the doctor will most likely ask detailed questions about the injury’s circumstances to help better understand the exact stresses placed on the knee. After the physical examination, many doctors may prescribe an MRI and X-ray to diagnose the injury further.
What is Recovery Like for a patient with a Strained Meniscus?
Treatment of a meniscal tear depends on the individual’s age and athletic level and the location and severity of the tear. If a non-surgical approach is taken, a strained meniscus’s pain and swelling should resolve within a few days if proper care is maintained to the knee. Many patients can resolve their injury by following the RICE protocol:
- Rest.
- Ice.
- Compression.
- Elevation.
Physical therapy can play an important part in the healing process of a strained meniscus. A short course of physical therapy can help determine whether your knee will recover without the need for surgery to the knee. Your physical therapist can help manage pain and swelling in the knee. They can also assist you in restoring full strength and mobility to your knee. Most common physical therapy treatment methods include:
- Manual therapy: Your therapist may perform manual therapy techniques, also known in common terms, as hands-on treatment. These may include soft massage, stretching, or joint mobilization to help reduce swelling and stiffness and improve the knee joint’s muscle function.
- Strength exercises: Your physical therapist will design specific strength exercises to build and maintain your strength to restore full functional movement to the knee. You will be issued a home exercise program that is specific to your diagnosis. Strengthening the muscles around the knee and throughout the leg helps ease pressure on the healing knee tissue.
During physical therapy, your therapist will apply ice packs to the knee to help control any pain and swelling. They may also instruct you to apply ice at home. If you experience an increase in swelling, your therapist will modify your treatment program or activity level to ensure your safest, most effective recovery of the strained meniscus.
Related Articles: Medial Meniscus Tear
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All JOI Physicians, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists now offer Telemedicine services for virtual visits from the convenience of your home. To schedule for physical therapy, please call 904-858-7045. For an new MD appointment, please call 904-564-2000 or schedule online.
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