Meniscus Tears: Symptoms, Treatment and more

The knees are among the most hardworking joints in the body. They hold us up and help us walk, run, climb, and bend. However, because they are used frequently, they are also at risk of being hurt. A torn meniscus is one of the most prevalent knee ailments.

A meniscus tear can occur suddenly while playing sports or engaging in other physical activities, or it can develop over time as the body ages and wears out. Some meniscus injuries can heal on their own with rest and rehabilitation, but others may need surgery.

What is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia) and protects them from each other. There are two menisci in each knee:

• Medial meniscus (the portion of the knee that is on the inside)
• Lateral meniscus (the outside section of the knee)
• Their job is to take the shock during activities like walking or jogging.
• Put the weight of your body equally on the knee joint.
• Maintain stability and protect the cartilage in your joints from wear and tear.
• The knee may lose some of its cushioning and stability when the meniscus tears. This can cause discomfort, swelling, and trouble moving.

What Causes Meniscus Tears

There are two basic reasons why meniscus rips happen:

• Acute Tears from Traumatic Injury:

A lot of athletes get this, especially those who play sports that involve rapid pauses, twisting, or pivoting (football, basketball, tennis).

This often occurs when the knee bends while the foot is firmly planted.

• Tears that get worse over time:

More prevalent in older people since cartilage naturally wears down.

It can occur with minimal trauma, such as stooping or walking unusually.

Signs of a Meniscus Tear

Some meniscus rips don't hurt, but when they occur, they might hurt:

• Pain in the knee on the inside or outside of the joint
• Swelling that gets worse with time
• Stiffness and a reduced range of motion
• Sound of popping or clicking when moving
• Knee locking means that you can't fully straighten your leg.
• Feeling like the knee is "giving way" or being unstable
• The symptoms depend on the size and location of the rip.

How to Tell if You Have Meniscus Tears

1. A physical exam and medical history

A doctor will first discuss the symptoms and how the injury occurred. During the evaluation, the doctor may perform specific knee tests, such as the McMurray test or the Thessaly test, to assess for pain, clicking, or locking.

2. Imaging Tests X-rays can rule out fractures or arthritis, but they don't detect cartilage directly.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the most effective method for determining if someone has a meniscus tear, as it provides clear images of the cartilage and surrounding tissues.

3. Arthroscopy

Sometimes, doctors use a small camera called an arthroscope that is inserted into the knee to view the tear directly. Arthroscopy can be used to both diagnose and treat conditions.

Treatments

There are different ways to treat meniscus tears, and the choice relies on several things:

• The tear's type, size, and location
• Age and level of activity of the patient
• Other knee problems, such as ligament injury, are present.

1. Treatments that don't involve surgery

• Since this area has a lot of blood flow, small tears along the outer edge of the meniscus generally heal on their own. Non-surgical treatments include the RICE Protocol, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to help with pain and swelling.
• Medications: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to help with pain.
• Physical therapy: exercises to strengthen the muscles in the affected area, helping you regain mobility.
• Knee braces may help keep the knee stable as it heals.
• Usually, this conservative method is tried for 4 to 6 weeks before surgery is even thought about.

2. Options for Surgery

If the symptoms persist or the tear is large, unstable, or located in an area with inadequate blood flow, surgery may be necessary.

a) Arthroscopic Meniscectomy: The injured part of the meniscus is cut off and taken out.

• Often, people use them on cuts that are unlikely to heal.
• Fast healing and less discomfort are benefits, but losing padding could increase the likelihood of arthritis later on.

b) Fixing the meniscus

• The torn edges are sewn back together.
• Suitable for tears in the outer "red zone," where there is a lot of blood flow.
• Keeps the meniscus safe and lowers the risk of long-term problems. It takes longer to recover (a few months), but the benefits are particularly beneficial for young, energetic individuals.

c) Transplantation of the meniscus

• In rare circumstances, if the meniscus is totally gone or can't be fixed, a donor meniscus may be used for a transplant.
• For younger individuals who are at a higher risk of developing arthritis early on.

Post Surgery Recovery

The recovery time depends on the type of surgery:

• Meniscectomy:

Most people can walk within one to two days.

You can go back to your normal activities in 4–6 weeks.

• Fixing the Meniscus:

Needs additional care and protection.

Use crutches and don't put too much weight on your legs for the first few weeks.

It could take three to six months to heal fully.

• Meniscus Transplant:

The longest recuperation time is typically 6 to 9 months before full activity resumes.

Physical therapy is crucial in all circumstances to help people regain their strength, mobility, and ability to perform daily tasks.

Risks and Problems

Meniscus treatments are usually safe; however, there are specific hazards, such as:

Infection

• Stiffness or not being able to move
• Tearing of the meniscus again
• Early arthritis occurs in cases when a lot of the meniscus is removed

Choosing a skilled orthopedic surgeon significantly reduces these risks.

How to Stop Meniscus Tears

You can't avoid all injuries, but you can lower your risk by:

• Warming up before sports and activity.
• Building up the muscles in your thighs and calves to help your knees
• Wearing the right shoes for sports and everyday use
• Avoiding rapid twists or deep squats with large loads
• Maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate knee discomfort.

Questions and Answers on Meniscus Tears

1. Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?

Yes. With rest and physical therapy, small rips at the outer margin of the meniscus may heal.

2. How can I know if I need surgery?

If conservative treatment doesn't help with symptoms including pain, swelling, or locking, surgery may be suggested.

3. Is meniscus surgery done on an outpatient basis?

Yes. Most arthroscopic operations are done on an outpatient basis and don't require much recovery time.

4. How long will it be until I can play sports again?

4–6 weeks for a meniscectomy

Repairing the meniscus takes 3 to 6 months. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized advice.

5. What happens if you don't treat a meniscus tear?

If rips aren't repaired, they can worsen over time, leading to long-term pain, instability, and an increased risk of osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

Meniscus tears are a common knee problem that can be treated. Most people can return to their normal activities, whether that means walking comfortably, playing sports, or simply enjoying life without pain, as long as they have the correct diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan, and effective therapy.

If you experience persistent knee discomfort or suspect a meniscus tear, consult an orthopedic specialist like Dr. Mayank Chauhan at Prakash Hospital, Noida. Getting therapy early not only makes you feel better, but it also helps safeguard your knees in the future.