Understanding meniscus tears: causes, treatments, and rehabilitation

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury, particularly in individuals who are physically active. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between your thighbone and shinbone, helping to stabilise the knee joint and absorb shock. When damaged, it can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility.

In this article  Mr Giles Heilpern addresses the common questions patients may have about meniscus tears, their causes, treatment options, and rehabilitation.

What causes a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear typically occurs due to twisting or rotating the knee, often during sports or activities that involve sudden stops and pivots. Common causes include:

• Sports injuries: football, rugby, basketball, and tennis players are particularly at risk.
• Ageing: as we age, the cartilage in the knee becomes more fragile, making it easier to tear even during simple movements.
• Trauma: any direct blow to the knee can result in a meniscus tear.
• Degenerative conditions: individuals with osteoarthritis are more prone to developing meniscus tears due to the weakening of cartilage over time.

What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?

The symptoms of a meniscus tear may vary depending on the severity, but common signs include:

• Pain: usually felt on the side or centre of the knee, especially when twisting or rotating.
• Swelling: the knee may become swollen within a few hours after the injury.
• Stiffness: the knee may feel stiff or difficult to move.
• Locking: some people experience the knee locking or catching, making it difficult to fully extend or bend the joint.
• Instability: a torn meniscus can make the knee feel unstable or give way during activity.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis.

How Is a meniscus tear diagnosed?

A meniscus tear is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests. During the physical exam, your doctor will assess the range of motion and stability of your knee, often using tests like the McMurray test, which involves bending and rotating the knee to detect any pain or clicking.

To confirm the diagnosis, imaging tests such as an MRI scan may be recommended, as they provide detailed images of soft tissues like the meniscus.

What are the treatment options for a meniscus tear?

The treatment for a meniscus tear depends on the severity of the tear, your age, activity level, and overall health. Treatment options range from conservative management to surgical intervention:

• Conservative (non-surgical) treatment: includes rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), Physiotherapy or anti-inflammatory medications.
• Surgical treatment: for more severe tears, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include arthroscopic surgery, meniscectomy, meniscus repair.

What does rehabilitation involve after a meniscus tear?

Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring knee function and strength following a meniscus tear. After surgery or during conservative treatment, your doctor or physiotherapist will guide you through a rehabilitation plan that may include:

• Strengthening exercises: these focus on building strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles to support the knee.
• Range of motion exercises: these help maintain flexibility in the knee joint.
• Balance and stability exercises: to improve knee stability and prevent future injuries.

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the tear and whether surgery was required, but most patients can expect to return to their regular activities within a few months.

Conclusion

A meniscus tear is a common injury that can lead to pain and reduced mobility, but with the right treatment and rehabilitation, most people can fully recover.

Are you thinking about getting a diagnosis for meniscus tears? Arrange a consultation with Mr Giles Heilpern via his Top Doctors profile.