Torn Meniscus Causes & Treatment

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What Is A Meniscus?

The menisci are C-shaped, rubbery cartilage discs found in pairs between the bones of the knee joint. They are referred to as the medial meniscus (on the inside of the knee) and the lateral meniscus (on the outside of the knee).

If you’re experiencing a meniscal tear, you’re not alone—it’s estimated that 6 in 1000 people in Australia suffer from this type of knee pain. Men are more likely to sustain this injury than women, with the risk being 2.5 to 4 times higher, and the peak age for injury is between 20 and 29 years.

a health practitioner pointing out on an anatomical model where the meniscus is and which structure would be damaged when someone is suffering with a torn meniscus

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Why Is Your Meniscus Important?

Your knee joint is one of the strongest in your body, handling and transmitting forces equal to 2-3 times your body weight during regular walking—and even more during running, climbing stairs, and similar activities. The menisci play a crucial role in this, absorbing shock and distributing load across the joint, enhancing knee stability, and helping control movements like knee flexion and extension, among other functions.

What Causes A Meniscus To Tear?

Meniscus tears can occur from:

  • Excessive forces within the knee joint, between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). This often results from twisting the knee while it is firmly planted on the ground and flexed, making it a common sporting injury in young adults. This includes sports that involve quick pivots or changes in direction, fast-paced sports like soccer and basketball, and those that require fast movements during activities that bend and straighten the knee
  • Age-related degeneration. This occurs gradually over time in older adults, as a result of the force on the knee joint over a number of years. This may occur alongside other problems within the knee joint like osteoarthritis
  • The meniscus may also be torn simultaneously with other knee injuries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, which occur in 50% of meniscus tears

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Symptoms & Diagnosis

Sudden meniscal tears cause pain, inflammation, stiffness, and instability within the knee joint, with symptoms worsening when the knee is bent or straightened. You may also feel or hear a popping sound when the injury occurs. If the tear is degenerative, the symptoms may start as a dull ache or discomfort in the knee, gradually worsening over time.

 

If you suspect a meniscal tear, it’s crucial to have it professionally diagnosed as soon as possible to confirm the injury and rule out other potential causes of knee pain, such as ligament tears or tendon strains. Your podiatrist can assist with this diagnosis.

Treating Meniscal Tears

Before you can see your podiatrist, you can help alleviate the painful symptoms of a meniscal tear by using:

  • Rest (with weight-bearing as tolerated or using crutches)
  • Ice
  • Compression bandaging
  • Elevation of the affected limb to reduce acute swelling and inflammation

The next step in treatment depends on the severity and location of the tear, as different areas of the meniscus have varying blood supply. Small tears in well-supplied areas often respond well to regular treatment, while larger tears in poorly vascularized areas may require additional measures, including surgery.

At Priority Podiatry Clinic, we use a range of treatment strategies to support your recovery. This may include custom foot orthotics to promote optimal leg alignment and reduce strain on the knee joint, as well as knee bracing, strapping, stretching and strengthening exercises, and ensuring your footwear provides adequate stability and support.

We also recommend working with a skilled physiotherapy team experienced in treating meniscal tears. Early assessment will guide you toward the best strength and conditioning techniques, maximizing recovery and helping to prevent re-injury or worsening of the condition.

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