Sudden pain and swelling in the knee are common symptoms of a tear. Meniscus tear symptoms There may also be limited movement and a sound. A feeling of catching or locking in the knee may be experienced. Pain may increase during activity. This condition is more common in athletes or people who lift heavy loads. Early diagnosis can speed up the treatment process.
What Causes a Meniscus Tear?
The cartilage structure in the knee provides joint mobility and carries the load-bearing function. These structures become more sensitive as they wear over the years. With aging, these tissues become weaker and more brittle. Especially in advanced age, the durability of the cartilage structures in the knee decreases. This naturally leads to them being damaged more easily.
In younger individuals, sudden and powerful movements pose a greater risk. Especially in sports, sudden turns, jumps or falls can put great stress on the knee. In high-impact sports such as football, basketball or skiing, the joint is subjected to great stress. These movements are caused by sudden and violent movements of the knee. meniscus tear may cause serious damage such as.
Additionally, regular and repetitive movements can also cause long-term damage. Athletes such as runners and cyclists force the knee to repeat the same motion over and over again. This repetitive stress can cause tissue damage in the knee over time. These types of activities can cause damage to the joint from prolonged and excessive use.
Excess weight puts extra stress on the knee joint. Excess weight damages the natural structure of the joints, causing the structure to wear out more quickly. This situation becomes more pronounced in older individuals. Adopting a low-stress lifestyle can minimize the risk by reducing the load on the knee joint. Excess weight causes more strain, causing the knee to deteriorate more quickly over time.
How is a Meniscus Tear Treated?
If the structure in the knee is damaged, the first stage usually includes rest and these practices. Cold compresses can be used to relieve swelling and pain. This reduces inflammation in the area and speeds up the healing process. Also, resting and not putting pressure on the knee is an important step for healing.
Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications may also be used. These medications are helpful in reducing swelling and pain. However, this treatment is only temporary. Meniscus tear If you have a serious condition such as arthritis and the pain and swelling persist, further treatment may be necessary. These medications only provide short-term relief and are not a long-term solution.
Physical therapy plays an important role in the treatment process. Various exercises are applied to restore the range of motion in the knee. Strengthening the muscles helps reduce the pressure on the joint. In addition, by increasing muscle flexibility, the knee moves more healthily. Physical therapy can be effective in cases that usually do not require surgical intervention.
If the condition is more serious, surgery may be required. This depends on the extent of the damage. The tear may be repaired with stitches or some of the damaged tissue may be removed. Laparoscopic surgery is usually the preferred method because it is less invasive and the recovery process is faster. Physical therapy may also be required after this procedure.
What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?
Sudden pain in the knee area is usually the first sign of this type of injury. This pain is especially noticeable when trying to move. The tear is usually felt on the inside of the knee, and the person experiences intense pain in this area. This pain can increase in intensity as they move. At first, it can be relieved with painkillers or rest.
Swelling in the knee is also a common symptom. After a tear, the tissues in the knee joint become inflamed and swelling occurs due to fluid accumulation. The swelling usually becomes apparent within a few hours and restricts movement. In this case, the normal range of motion of the knee is reduced. Swelling can usually be relieved with ice applications.
Another symptom is a catching sensation in the knee. When a person tries to bend or straighten their knee, they may feel like something is caught. This catching prevents the knee from moving normally. The catching sensation is usually caused by damaged tissue compressing the joint. This can cause difficulty walking or even simple movements.
A common symptom is hearing noises when moving the joint. Because of the tear, the cartilage pieces in the knee rub together and a clicking or cracking sound can be heard. These sounds are usually more pronounced when a person is walking or climbing stairs. This is an indication of structural deterioration in the joint.
Symptoms such as sudden pain, swelling, a catching sensation, sound and limited movement in the knee are signs of damage to the meniscus structure. When such complaints are noticed, it is important to consult a health professional. Early diagnosis makes the treatment process easier and can prevent larger problems. Meniscus tear symptoms When seen, professional intervention can accelerate the healing process.
