If You Hear Noise from Your Knee, It Could Be a Sign of a Meniscus Tear
Meniscus tears, commonly known as an athlete's disease, are a health problem that occurs as a result of knee strain and significantly reduces the quality of life.
Meniscus tear, which manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, swelling and noise in the knee area, can cause permanent damage if left untreated.
Watch out for impacts and excessive strain on the knee!
One of the most frequently injured areas of the body is the meniscus. The meniscus is the cartilage piece in the middle of the knee joint. This structure is a hard, flat and rubbery tissue. It covers the joint surface and supports it like a pillow. There are two menisci in the knee, one on the inside (inner meniscus) and one on the outside (outer meniscus). Menisci are thin pads in the shape of a 'C' at the intersection of the two largest bones in the knee area. Their functions include creating a harmonious joint between the round femur and the flat tibia in the knee, carrying the load, being able to rotate in many directions, and ensuring the balance of power between the femur and tibia. A meniscus tear can occur when your body turns forcefully while your knees are slightly bent and loaded. This is the type of injury we call degenerate tears, especially in older ages.
Do not strain your knee if there is pain and swelling.
Sounds coming from inside the knee, a feeling of catching and locking may be the first symptoms of a tear. You will have pain in the knee joint. Depending on the area of the meniscus where the tear is, swelling may occur in the knee joint immediately or after a few hours. You may not be able to bend or straighten your knee fully. Your knee may lock or get stuck at one point. Depending on the area of the meniscus where the tear is, swelling may occur in the knee joint immediately or after a few hours. Swelling in the knee, limited movement, severe pain after a certain angle are symptoms of a meniscus tear.
Treatment of meniscus tears should not be delayed
Early diagnosis is important in meniscus diagnosis. While it is the best choice to see a doctor as soon as possible, pain caused by minor blows to the knee should be ignored. A long-term tear in the cartilage and not receiving any treatment can cause cartilage damage and calcification in the knee. Similarly, it is very important to know the disease well. If deemed necessary during the treatment phase, MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy can be performed.
Surgical method gives successful results in persistent pain
There are four important applications in meniscus treatment. These are:
- Rest
- Apply ice
- Bandage
- Keeping the knee above the body
Along with all these treatment options, painkillers are recommended to relieve pain and swelling. Physical therapy and muscle strengthening exercises can be used. There is no improvement especially in degenerated tears due to insufficient blood supply to the meniscus. In cases where the pain persists, surgical intervention is recommended. Although removing the meniscus where the tear is located is the most well-known method, such interventions result in the patient facing calcification and cartilage wear problems. In non-degenerated tears, meniscus tears can be repaired arthroscopically. Weight bearing takes time in the arthroscopic repair process. After arthroscopic meniscus tear excision, patients can walk within 3-5 hours and start sports within 1 month. Surgical intervention is necessary for complaints such as pain and catching. Let's not forget that the meniscus is one of the primary tissues that prevent cartilage tissue wear and calcification. Our general opinion is that meniscus repair in young patients; The part that causes symptoms in older patients is the arthroscopic removal of the meniscus.
