Knee Meniscus Injury:
The knee joint is one of the most complex and frequently used joints in the body. It endures significant stress during daily activities, making it susceptible to injuries—one of the most common being a meniscus tear.
What is the Meniscus?
The menisci are two C-shaped pieces of cartilage in each knee:
- Medial meniscus (inner side)
- Lateral meniscus (outer side)
They act as shock absorbers, distributing weight and reducing friction between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). They also provide stability and help lubricate the knee joint.
How Can the Meniscus Be Torn?
Meniscus tears occur due to:
- Trauma: A sudden twist or pivot (common in sports like football, basketball, or skiing).
- Degeneration: Age-related wear and tear that weakens the cartilage over time.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, locking, and difficulty straightening the knee.
Management of a Meniscus Injury
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management
Not all meniscus tears require surgery. If the tear is small, located in the outer vascular zone (which has good blood supply), or if the symptoms are mild, non-surgical treatment is often recommended. This includes:
- Rest & Activity Modification – Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, such as deep squats or twisting movements.
- Pain & Swelling Control – Applying ice, using compression wraps, and taking anti-inflammatory medications.
- Use of knee brace.
- Physiotherapy – A structured rehab program helps improve knee function and prevents muscle weakness.
Many people with minor meniscus tears recover well with physiotherapy alone, regaining full mobility and strength over time.
Surgical Management
If the tear is large, causes persistent pain, or interferes with daily activities, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery depends on the tear’s location and severity:
- Meniscectomy – The damaged portion of the meniscus is trimmed away. This is common for degenerative tears but may increase the risk of arthritis over time.
- Meniscus Repair – If the tear is in a well-vascularized area, stitches can be used to repair it. This has a longer recovery time but preserves knee function.
- Meniscus Transplant – In severe cases where most of the meniscus is removed, a donor meniscus may be transplanted.
How Physiotherapy Helps After a Meniscus Injury
Physiotherapy is crucial for both non-surgical and post-surgical recovery. It helps:
- Reduce pain and swelling through manual therapy, ice, and gentle exercises.
- Restore mobility and flexibility by gradually improving knee range of motion.
- Strengthen surrounding muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes) to support the knee.
- Improve balance and coordination to reduce the risk of re-injury.
- Guide return to sport or daily activities safely through progressive loading and functional training.
Proper physiotherapy post menisci injury ensures a safe and effective return to daily life or sports while reducing the chance of future knee problems.
Deep Sidhu
Physio (Bphty)