Meniscus Treatment
Meniscus; It is a structure located in the knee area and resembling a C shape. Task; to prevent damage to the cartilages in the knee area and to protect the functions of the knee. Meniscus injuries are quite common in athletes. At the same time, meniscus damage can occur during physical activity. Meniscus injuries can occur due to trauma or may be related to disinformation caused by advancing age. Serious meniscus damage, such as meniscus rupture, can severely reduce a person’s quality of life, severely reducing the movement capacity of the knee. Therefore, it must necessarily be treated with the appropriate method.
You can contact our clinic in Ankara for meniscus treatment. By consulting with Dr. Nural Aydin, you can learn more about the appropriate treatment process.
What is a meniscus?
The meniscus is the structure located between the bones of the caval and thighs. The meniscus protects the cartilage tissue in the knee area and ensures the mobility of the knee joint. It also helps to distribute body weight evenly, allowing the bones and joints located in the knee area to move harmoniously without friction.
The meniscus, in fact, refers to the half-moon-shaped region in the knee. However, since the tears in the meniscus area are called “meniscus” among the people, the damages in this area are generally known as “meniscus”.
What Causes Meniscus?
Meniscus is a condition that is widely encountered, especially by athletes and people who engage in intense physical activity. Performing a wrong or sudden movement can damage the meniscus, causing the meniscus to rupture. The main causes of meniscus damage are:
- Falling on the knee
- Turning the knee to the side when the feet are fixed on the ground
- Not a balanced distribution of body weight to the knees and concentration of weight on one side
- Traffic accidents
- Age-related disinformation
- Arthrosis in the knee
- Movements that cause knee rotation in sports such as football, skiing, dance, gymnastics
What Are the Symptoms of Meniscus?
The first complaint that occurs when the meniscus ruptures is pain and swelling in the knee area. If these symptoms are ignored and not treated, complaints may increase and become more complicated. In the following period, especially when going up and down stairs or walking, aggravated pain in the knees may be seen. In addition, symptoms such as a sound coming from the knee during physical movement, feeling that the knees are empty and the joints are rubbing against each other may also be encountered. Common symptoms of meniscus rupture:
- Pain in the knee
- Swelling in the knee area
- Restriction of index movemen
- Locking of the knee joints
- Failure to open and fully close the index
When these symptoms occur and their severity are important. From the appearance of symptoms, it is necessary to start treatment without losing time. In untreated cases, complaints may increase and restrict the person’s daily life. Untreated meniscus can also cause different damage to the knee joints and bones. In the future, surgery may be required and treatment may become difficult.
How is the meniscus treated?
Ankara meniscus treatment varies according to the extent of the damage received by this area and the size of the tear. In some cases, the first stage in the treatment of the meniscus is to apply a cold compress to the area, keep the knee high above the body and rest.
In cases where surgical intervention is needed, treatment can be provided by arthroscopy method. This method is the application of closed surgery to repair the ruptured meniscus. Since the healing process is fast, it is a preferred method of treating the meniscus.
If the tear is not severe, medication and exercise may be recommended. The most important point at this stage is; The series is to not push too hard and rest. In cases that progress with medication and rest, physical therapy and exercise can be applied to restore the mobility of the knee.
Meniscus Treatment with Physical Therapy
In meniscus injuries, physical therapy and rehabilitation are the most effective treatment methods. Especially in mild to moderate cases, physical therapy alone can often be sufficient. At the same time, after meniscus surgery, the knee area should be supported with various exercises. In this respect, the rehabilitation process after surgical application can be carried out together with physical therapy. With the help of physical therapy and exercise, it may be possible to strengthen the knee again, restore the mobility of the joints and strengthen the muscles.
Ankara Meniscus Treatment
The first stage in the treatment of the meniscus is an accurate identification of the injury that has occurred in the meniscus. Depending on the meniscus injury, an appropriate treatment plan is determined. Exercise and physical therapy are an important supporter in this process. At this point, it is necessary to determine the exercise program that is right for you together with your doctor. A regular physical therapy plan will help your joints reach their former balance by strengthening your muscles.
You can contact Specialist Dr. Nural Aydın for more detailed information about meniscus tears and treatment in Ankara.
