What is meant by Meniscus & its Tear?
A meniscus tear is a knee injury that can lead to immense pain, swelling, and restricted mobility. The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions the knee and provides stability to the joint.
Each knee has two menisci – one on the inner side that is medial and one on the outer side which is called lateral. When a meniscus tears apart and is torn, it disrupts the normal functioning of the knee, thus causing various symptoms and complications that can potentially arise.
Symptoms of Torn Meniscus:
Though each individual can have different symptoms but few of them are most common among all. These are mentioned below:
- Swelling and Stiffness
- Weak or Unstable Knee
- Pain when Holding Knee Straight
- Knee may Catch, Lock or Click
Causes of Meniscus:
The causes of meniscus tearing down can be many and can happen due to a mere sudden twist or just the rotation of the knee, which usually quite often occurs only when one indulges during sports activities, thus, resulting in surgery oftentimes.
As a result of this, you might end up searching for a knee replacement hospital in South Delhi because when a meniscus tears down, only an orthopedic specialist can detect the limit of how severe the injury has taken place.
Athletes involved in sports that require pivoting or sudden stops, such as football or basketball, are more prone to meniscus injuries. However, a meniscus tear can also result from degenerative changes as the cartilage weakens over time, making older individuals susceptible to this injury.
Consequences of Torn Meniscus:
One of the primary consequences of a torn meniscus is pain and if it is left untreated, then you might be undergoing knee replacement surgery in Delhi.
The meniscus lacks a direct blood supply, hindering its ability to heal naturally. As a result, when the meniscus tears, the nerve-rich outer edge of the disc can trigger pain signals.
The severeness of the pain may differ depending on the limit and location of the tear of the meniscus. In some cases, the pain may be mild and intermittent, while in others, it can be sharp and constant.
Swelling is another factor that comes as a result when a meniscus is torn. The natural response that comes out of a human body to injury is to increase the level of flow of blood to the affected area, causing swelling.
In the case of a torn meniscus, the accumulation of fluid in the knee joint contributes to swelling. This swelling not only adds to the discomfort but also limits the range of motion, making it challenging to bend or straighten the knee fully.
Limited mobility is a significant consequence of a torn meniscus. The meniscus plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint and facilitating smooth movement.
What Happens When a Meniscus is Torn?
Usually, when a meniscus is torn, the disrupted portion can catch or lock surrounded within the joints, which may put a stop to its normal movability. This limitation in mobility can affect daily activities and impede participation in sports or other physical pursuits.
One of the distinguishing features of a meniscus tear is the characteristic clicking or popping sensation experienced by many individuals.
This occurs when the torn edges of the meniscus move within the joint, creating a sensation similar to the snapping of a rubber band. The clicking or popping may accompany specific movements and is often a sign of the irregular mechanics within the knee.
What Will Happen if it is Left Untreated?
If left untreated, a meniscus tear can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. The meniscus plays a crucial role in distributing the forces exerted on the knee during movement.
When compromised, the joint experiences increased stress, leading to the breakdown of cartilage and the onset of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. It can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. Diagnosis of a torn meniscus involves a combination of your medical track record, physical examinations, and imaging studies such as MRI.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for identifying the location and severity of the tear. Based on the diagnosis, treatment options differ, that may range from traditionally conservative methods to modern methods of surgical intervention.
Treatment Methods Involved:
Traditionally conservative treatments often include RICE method, i.e rest, ice, compression, and elevation, besides non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to lessen pain and levels of inflammation.
Physiotherapy is commonly recommended to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve joint stability. However, the effectiveness of conservative treatments depends on factors such as the size and location of the tear, as well as the individual’s overall health.
In cases where conservative measures prove inadequate, or for more severe tears, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. It is used for the purpose of repairing or alleviating the torn portion of the meniscus. This approach involves small incisions and the use of a tiny camera to guide the surgeon, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
Post-surgery, rehabilitation is crucial for restoring knee function. Physiotherapy plays a central role in the recovery process, focusing on strengthening the muscles around the knee. It also improves flexibility, and gradually helps in reintroducing weight-bearing activities. The duration of rehabilitation varies, with full recovery often taking several weeks to months.
Conclusion:
A torn meniscus can leave a huge impact on an individual’s day-to-day routine life and physical activities. From pain and swelling to limited mobility, the consequences of this injury underscore the importance of timely diagnosis & appropriate treatment.
Whether through the traditional measures or new ways of surgery, calling out a meniscus tear promptly is crucial. It is so for reducing the long-term after-effects and facilitating a smoother recovery process.