Comprehensive Meniscus Injury Management: Causes and Preventive Strategies

Understanding Meniscus Injuries: Causes and Prevention Tips

The meniscus is a small, c-shaped cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and shinbone. Engaging in high-impact sports like football, basketball, or tennis can lead to meniscus damage. Not only intense activities but also sudden movements during daily activities can cause tears. Each knee contains two menisci positioned on the outer and inner edges, supporting stability by distributing weight evenly. Damage to the meniscus impairs knee function and causes pain and swelling.

Primary Causes
Twisting motions and quick rotations are common triggers of meniscus injuries. Sports involving abrupt turns, such as soccer, tennis, or basketball, are high-risk. Age-related wear and tear also increase vulnerability, particularly in individuals over 30. Conditions like osteoarthritis further heighten the risk of tearing the meniscus, especially with aging or pre-existing joint issues.

Recognizable Symptoms
Meniscus tears often present with:

Localized pain, especially when the knee area is touched

Swelling and stiffness

Difficulties in bending or straightening the knee

Feelings of locking or catching within the joint

Weakness and instability, making it hard to support weight

Severity of symptoms varies with injury extent:

Minor tears cause mild pain and swelling that resolve within a few weeks.

Moderate injuries involve pain on the sides, with swelling worsening over days, accompanied by stiffness and difficulty in movement. These symptoms may last for one to two weeks and tend to recur if neglected.

Severe tears result in joint locking, popping sounds, inability to straighten the knee, and sudden weakness, with swelling appearing within days.

Persistent symptoms should prompt medical consultation.

Treatment Options
Meniscus injuries can be managed non-surgically or surgically depending on severity.

Non-invasive Approaches involve rest, ice application, compression, and elevation. Wearing a knee brace and avoiding aggravating activities are recommended. Applying ice every few hours and wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage helps reduce swelling. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to improve mobility and decrease pain.

Surgical Interventions are considered if non-surgical methods are ineffective. Procedures include sewing the tear, removing damaged tissue (partial meniscectomy), or in some cases, removing the entire meniscus (total meniscectomy), though the latter increases osteoarthritis risk.

Surgical procedures can be performed via open surgery or minimally invasive arthroscopy. Arthroscopy involves small incisions, inserting a camera to visualize and repair the joint with minimal tissue disruption.

Postoperative Care emphasizes physiotherapy and gradual return to activity. Avoiding strenuous activities like running and squats initially is crucial. Following medical advice and performing prescribed exercises aids recovery. The healing process depends on tear location; outer meniscus tears with better blood supply heal more quickly than inner tears. Proper warm-up and protective gear during sports help prevent future injuries. With attentive care, full knee function can often be restored after a meniscus injury.