Meniscus Tear is the Cause of Calcification that is Overlooked!
Meniscus tears, commonly known as an athlete's disease, can occur in anyone who has strained their knee in any way.
Meniscus tear, which manifests itself with symptoms such as pain and swelling in the knee, can cause arthritis in the knee 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). The 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 of 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.
Sounds coming from the knee may be a sign of a tear!
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.
Meniscus tears should not be taken lightly!
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 for 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 pain persists, surgical intervention is recommended. Although the removal of 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 open surgery repair. 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 is for young patients; arthroscopic removal of the meniscus is for the part that causes symptoms in older patients.
