Ah, meniscus injuries. Those pesky knee injuries that can cause a lot of pain and inconvenience. But fear not, because we are here to break down the ins and outs of meniscus injuries so you can understand what is going on and how to recover.
First things first, what is a meniscus injury? The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that helps cushion and stabilise your joint.
When this cartilage is damaged, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your knee. Meniscus injuries can be caused by sudden twists or turns, or by wear and tear over time.
In addition to the ins and outs of meniscus injuries, it’s also important to know the top causes of these injuries.
Here are the top 5 causes:
- Twisting or turning your knee suddenly. This can happen during sports or even while walking on uneven ground.
- Wear and tear over time. As we age, our cartilage can become weak and more susceptible to injury.
- Overuse. Doing the same physical activity over and over again without giving your knee a break can lead to a meniscus injury.
- Direct impact to the knee. This can happen during contact sports or car accidents.
- Previous knee injuries. If you’ve had a previous knee injury, you may be more likely to experience a meniscus injury.
If you are experiencing pain or swelling in your knee, it’s important to see a medical professional to determine if you have a meniscus injury and to determine the best course of treatment.
Now, onto the recovery process. The good news is that most meniscus injuries can be treated without surgery. However, the length of time it takes to recover depends on the severity of the injury. Mild injuries can take a few weeks to heal, while more severe injuries can take several months.
In some cases, you may be recommend to going for scans or even surgery to repair the damaged cartilage.
One thing to keep in mind is that physiotherapy can play a crucial role in your recovery. Physiotherapy can help you regain strength and range of motion in your knee, as well as reduce pain and swelling.
Dealing with a meniscus injury can be frustrating, but physiotherapy can help you get back on track. At Instant Physio, we create personalised treatment plans for each of our clients to ensure they are receiving the best care possible.
Here’s what a typical treatment plan for a meniscus injury may look like:
- Initial assessment. Your physiotherapist will assess your knee to determine the severity of the injury and create a personalised treatment plan.
- Pain management. Your physiotherapist will use techniques such as ice, heat, and massage to reduce pain and swelling in your knee.
- Mobility and strengthening exercises. Your physiotherapist will guide you through specific strengthening exercises to help you regain range of motion and strength in your knee.
- Functional exercises. Your physiotherapist will also provide functional exercises that mimic everyday movements or sports specific movements to help you return to your normal activities.
- Education. Your physiotherapist will provide education on how to prevent future injuries and maintain healthy knees.
At Instant Physio, we understand that each person is unique and will tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs and goals.
Now that you know the ins and outs of meniscus injuries and how physiotherapy can help, it’s important to remember that even the most elite athletes can sustain these injuries.
Here are 5 famous people or athletes who have dealt with meniscus injuries:
- Andy Murray
- Harry Kane
- Anthony Joshua
- Mo Farah
- Greg Rutherford
These athletes have all successfully recovered from their meniscus injuries and returned to their respective sports. So if you’re dealing with a meniscus injury, know that you’re not alone and that with the right treatment, you can get back to doing the things you love.
Contact Instant Physio today to start your journey to recovery.
Call 020 3488 2698 or click here to leave an enquiry.