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Have you injured your meniscus?
Read on for some helpful information regarding your knee pain and ways to help support your knee in the future.
The femur (thigh bone) and shin bone (tibia) are protected from impact by a tough cartilage covering called "menisci". There are two menisci in the knee. One protects the lateral aspect of the knee and one the inner portion (medial aspect). If you were somehow able to be born without meniscus, your weight would lie squarely on the bones of your thigh and tibia, causing fractures and a lot of pain.
Even a miniscule tear in the meniscus can cause pain, which is why the overall health of your knee relies heavily on functionality of the meniscus. A meniscus tear often happens as a result of a sporting injury. If the knee joint is bent and twisted, this can lead to a meniscus tear. Older people who have brittle cartilage can also suffer from a meniscus tear.
Symptoms include:
Knee pain
Swelling
Movement of the knee joint is limited
Popping and/or clicking noises made within the knee
Tenderness if pressed on
Diagnosis
Doctors will typically have a look at your history, and use an X-ray or MRI to assess whether or not you are suffering from a meniscus tear. Once your doctor can see the damage, a treatment plan will be made for your recovery. In most cases, surgery is not required, unless the damage is extensive.
Treatment
Icing the injured area can help reduce the swelling and relieve pain. By reducing the swelling, it also allows the body to heal faster. Stay away from activities that cause you pain.
Immobilize the knee and allow it to heal naturally. Knee braces are often used by patients who suffer from a meniscus tear. Knee braces can help reduce pain and provide added support to the knee area. If you're an active person, using a knee brace when you are healthy may help to prevent a meniscus tear. They are a very useful adjunct to your health care.
Surgery is the last resort. There are two types of surgical procedures that are typically used to correct a meniscus tear:
A meniscus repair is used to repair the damaged meniscus, but is used less often than the meniscectomy, which is a procedure that removes the damaged part of the meniscus.
If you suffer a meniscus tear, you are more likely to have further complications, such as arthritis in the future. Prevention is the best method. Making lifestyle choices that help prevent this condition are recommended. For instance, making sure you stay in shape so that your knee does not have to carry extra weight, and wearing a knee brace while engaging in sporting or daily activities is just two of the ways that people can help prevent a meniscus tear.
If you would like more free information on meniscal or other knee injuries you can visit us online. We are an education based site, that was created by brace professionals, that also offers extremely affordable knee braces. Visit us online today at http://www.drbraceco.com
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