There are two
menisci in the knee:
• Medial meniscus
• Lateral meniscus
Causes
Meniscus tears
may occur due to:
• Sudden
twisting of the knee
• Sports injuries
• Rapid movements during running or direction changes
• Degenerative wear with aging
Symptoms
Common symptoms
include:
• Knee pain
• Swelling in the joint
• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
• Joint stiffness
• In some cases, locking of the knee
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
typically includes:
• Physical
examination of the knee
• Assessment of joint movement and stability
• MRI imaging to determine the location and severity of the tear
Treatment
Treatment
depends on the severity and type of the tear and may include:
• Rest and
reduced stress on the knee
• Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
• Medications to relieve pain and inflammation
In some cases, arthroscopic
knee surgery may be performed to repair or remove the damaged portion of the
meniscus.
Importance of early treatment
Proper
treatment helps to:
• Reduce pain
and swelling
• Restore knee mobility
• Prevent long-term joint complications
A Message to Patients
If you
experience knee pain or swelling after an injury or sudden movement,
early medical evaluation can help diagnose a meniscus tear and guide
appropriate treatment.