Dealing With A Meniscal Injury Of The Knee

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury that can prevent normal knee function.

The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee and keeps your knee steady by balancing your weight across the knee. Tears can lead to pain and/or swelling of the knee joint. Especially acute injuries (typically in younger, more active patients) can lead to displaced tears which can cause mechanical symptoms such as clicking, catching, or locking during motion of the knee joint.

What is a meniscus?

The knee joint is formed by your thigh bone (femur) and the larger bone in your lower leg (tibia). Between these bones (inside the knee joint) are two rounded discs of cartilage. One is referred to as the medial (inside) meniscus, and the other the lateral (outside) meniscus.

Each meniscus acts as a shock absorber cushioning impact in the knee during weight-bearing activity, such as walking/ running/ jumping.

Injuries to the meniscus are very common, and are sometimes referred to as torn cartilage in the knee. Medial (inner) meniscal injuries are more common than lateral (outer) meniscal injuries.

What causes a meniscus tear?

Injuries to the meniscus can occur traumatically (e.g. during sport) but they often also occur over time through gradual wear and tear associated with overuse.

A meniscus tear is usually caused by twisting or turning quickly, often with the foot planted while the knee is bent. These tears can occur when you lift something heavy or play sports.

What are the symptoms of a meniscus injury?

The severity of symptoms can vary considerably depending on the severity of the damage to the meniscus. Some common signs and symptoms include;

  • Sudden, sharp pain at the inner/ outer aspect, front or back of the knee at the time of injury.
  • ­Audible sound at the time of injury or experienced a tearing sensation.
    Swelling is often present and may occur a few hours after injury or, more commonly, in the following days.
  • There is usually pain with weight bearing activity and twisting movements of the knee, but when there is no load the pain goes often away.
  • Pain when climbing stairs, attempting to kneel or when squatting.
  • Tenderness may also be experienced on firmly touching the knee joint at the inner/ outer aspect of the knee.
  • The knee may also feel weak or unstable and may click, lock or give way during certain movements.

In minor cases of meniscus tears there may be little or no immediate symptoms. In these cases, symptoms may develop gradually over the coming days.

How are meniscal injuries diagnosed?

A physical examination by one of our physiotherapists is usually sufficient to diagnose a meniscal injury.

Investigations such as X-ray and MRI are sometimes used to diagnosis and exclude the presence of other injuries to the knee.

Treatment of a meniscal injury

In the case of a suspected meniscal injury to the knee, people should follow the R.I.C.E regime for the first 48-72 hours.

Minor tears to a meniscus may heal with rest and appropriate rehabilitation. Treatment will involve a combination of hands-on therapy, a structured rehabilitation program and a gradual return to sport. Bracing or immobilisation is generally not appropriate for meniscal injures.

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, the menisci (plural of meniscus) do not generally have a good blood supply and a reasonable percentage of minor meniscal tears fail to improve. In this case, surgery may be required for an optimal outcome. The majority of large meniscal tears also require surgery. This is particularly true in those cases where the knee is ‘locked’. Surgery for meniscus tears is minimally invasive.

For minor meniscus tears that are managed conservatively can usually expect to return to sport or activity in approximately 2 – 4 weeks. For moderate tears that are managed conservatively return to sport or activity may take 4 – 6 weeks or longer.

Minor meniscus tears that are managed surgically can often return to sport or activity within 4 – 6 weeks, although most surgical repairs (especially when the meniscus tear is moderate to severe) will usually require a rehabilitation period of 6 – 8 weeks.

For more information regarding management and rehabilitation of meniscus injuries of the knee contact one of the physiotherapists at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy.

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m mooney
m mooney
04:59 09 Jul 24
Julie Dimevski
Julie Dimevski
08:04 26 Jun 24
Kieran and the team have provided great customer service during my daughters recovery. They show care, and are supportive. He has been open and transparent, and positive. Thanks Kieran and team.
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06:42 23 Apr 24
Really inviting staff, always ready to help. They know what they are talking about and facilites are wonderful.
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best in the business the team here are the very best at their jobs
G G
G G
16:52 05 Mar 24
I came to Jubilee Sports Physio for help on how to exersise and get fit without injuring myself constantly.During my initial consultation Michael said, I was standing wrong, sitting wrong and exersises I did were not suitable for my body.After four sessions, 15 minutes of daily exercises in between and I can go on hikes, lift weights and feel many years younger.I now have the life I want and very grateful to Jubilee Sports Physio, for their professionalism from booking, greeting and being able to do all I want physically.I highly recommend Jubilee Sports
Lara Mangelli
Lara Mangelli
08:56 18 Dec 23
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Michael and James for attending to my son, both before and after his shoulder reconstruction. Michael and James' combination of kindness and professionalism played an important role in helping my son navigate through what was his first significant life challenge.They both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my son's well-being, providing not only expert physiotherapy but also a level of compassionate support that went above and beyond.Thank you Jubilee team for your outstanding commitment to patient care. It's reassuring to know that professionals like Michael and James are dedicated to not just addressing physical challenges but also fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing health setbacks. The receptions ladies were kind and helpful too.
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Judith Gifford
06:00 18 Dec 23
Over a period of 4 years my husband and I have had the expertise and professionalism of Michael Gabriel and staff at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy Each of our ageing conditions required commitment to exercises to improve. When the conditions were clearly explained we gained confidence and understanding of realistic outcomes. We feel very fortunate for all of our treatments..and highly recommend Michael and staff.
Georgia Manos
Georgia Manos
12:08 13 Dec 23
The whole Jubilee team is fantastic. They are professional, knowledgeable and have always gotten me back playing football as quick as possible!
Jordan Figon
Jordan Figon
06:36 13 Dec 23
The team at Jubilee have been looking after me for over 15 years. Specially Michael with the help of Kieran. They have rehabbed me through 4 major surgeries as well as long standing injuries. It is because of these guys, I am able to still be involved in the game I love, stretching my career out as long as possible. In addition, my whole family is part of the Jubilee family
David Washington
David Washington
05:02 13 Dec 23
I have relied on Michael Gabriel for my physiotherapy needs for a number of years now. His professional work has allowed me to continue to chase the love I have for outdoors recreation.
Luke Payne
Luke Payne
22:05 12 Dec 23
Michael and his team are the best. So professional and knowledgeable and have kept me moving for years.
Diane sutton
Diane sutton
21:58 12 Dec 23
I have been a patient of Jubilee Sports Physio for many years, being treated for various injuries & chronic conditions. Michael’s diagnostic skills are excellent. I can highly recommend this practice for their care, proficiency & friendliness.
Nicole Simpson
Nicole Simpson
10:53 12 Dec 23
Micheal has helped over the years to heal and help with my injuries.. The entire team gives a five star help. I can’t praise them enough…Thank you so much
Judy Andrews
Judy Andrews
10:26 12 Dec 23
Michael has treated me on a number of occasions. He is very professional and very easy to talk to. He obviously knows his stuff and never fails to set you on the right path with his treatments
BERGE GABO
BERGE GABO
09:28 12 Dec 23
"I have been going to Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years.Very professional from the receptionists to the principal Physioswith lots of experience and straight to the point thatsave time and money"
Corinne Favaloro
Corinne Favaloro
04:09 02 Nov 23
I have been attending Jubilee physio, on and off, for many years.In fact three generations of my family are presently receiving treatment there. I have had several of the physiotherapist at Jubilee work on different problems and have found them all to be professional, knowledgeable and very caring in their treatment.
Nicole Di noia
Nicole Di noia
22:19 01 Nov 23
Thorough, professional and passionate team of physiotherapists.
Steve Chidgey
Steve Chidgey
02:04 04 Jul 23
The the treatment I received for injury was first class. Caring, knowledgeable and highly professional. The electronic home exercising provided to me showed me the required exercises so I was not let to a piece of papers directing me. Loved the app. This physio is the best I have used. Highly recommended.
Margaret Peace
Margaret Peace
01:29 01 Jul 23
I have attended Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years and have always had a positive experience. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable and safe in their care.My therapist, Samuel Leslie, knew exactly how to treat my new neck issue. As a result, I have made a very good recovery.
Angelina Mastoris
Angelina Mastoris
23:09 01 Mar 23
The guys at Jubilee are amazing! Been going for a couple years and each time I’ve had a great experience. Massive shout out and thanks to our team Physio Sam for helping me with my rehab and recovery. He’s helped improve my overall game and has made me stronger than before. He’s a legend. Would highly recommend, overall fantastic experience!
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