A meniscus tear can cause many different symptoms, including:
1- Pain: Pain is one of the main symptoms of a meniscus tear, and a person may feel pain in the knee when moving or standing for a long time.
2- Swelling: A meniscus tear can cause the knee to swell, and the bulge can be visible or a person can feel it.
3- Feeling of creaking or dislocation: A person may feel creaking or dislocation in the knee when moving, and he may hear a gurgling sound when moving.
4- Restrictions in movement: A torn meniscus can lead to movement restrictions, as it is difficult for a person to fully move the knee.
5- Feeling redness and heat: A person can feel redness and heat in the area around the knee.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor to diagnose your condition and determine the appropriate treatment. Delayed treatment may increase the risk of meniscus damage and worsening of symptoms.
Could the treatment require surgery?
Yes, the treatment of a meniscus tear can require surgery in some cases, depending on the size, location and severity of the tear, and on the person’s condition and the extent to which they are affected by the symptoms resulting from the tear.
In simple cases, a meniscus tear can be treated by lifestyle changes and exercise that help strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and improve flexibility, in addition to taking pain-relieving medications and reducing inflammation.
But in more serious cases, such as a large and chronic meniscus tear that affects movement and causes persistent pain, treatment can require surgery. Surgery includes removing or repairing a tear or implanting artificial cartilage. A stem cell transplant may also be performed to regenerate damaged cartilage.
A doctor should be consulted to determine the appropriate and optimal treatment option for a meniscal tear, which must be treated effectively to avoid other complications such as cartilage damage, arthritis, muscle cramps, and others.
Are there non-surgical ways to treat a torn meniscus?
Yes, there are many non-surgical ways to treat a meniscus tear. Some of these methods include:
1- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help improve movement and relieve pain, and includes exercise, stretching, and muscle massage.
2- Medication therapy: Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to reduce symptoms, and cartilage-supplementing drugs such as glucosamine and chondroitin can also be used.
3- Injection therapy: A meniscus tear can be treated with injections. This may include cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and pain, or hyaluronic acid injections to improve the fibrous function of the cartilage.
4- Laser therapy: Laser therapy can help improve tear healing, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
5- Myotropic therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee can help improve support and stability and reduce stress on the cartilage. This can be done through exercises that target the muscles.
A doctor should be consulted to determine the appropriate and optimal treatment option for the condition of the meniscal tear, which depends on the size, location and severity of the tear, and on the person’s condition and the extent to which he or she is affected by the symptoms resulting from the tear.
Can surgery be completely avoided in the case of a meniscus tear?
In the case of a meniscus tear, surgery can in some cases be avoided if the tear is minor and does not cause serious symptoms. In this case, symptoms and tear healing can be improved with physical therapy and lifestyle changes.
Here are some tips to avoid surgery:
1- Avoid activities that increase pressure on the knee, such as running, jumping, and climbing.
2- Exercising regularly to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
3- Control your weight. Excess weight can increase pressure on the knee and increase the risk of tearing.
4- Take pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications and nutritional supplements that improve cartilage health.
5- Take care to rest and avoid harsh and sudden movements that increase the risk of rupture.
However, in more severe cases that cause severe symptoms, surgery can be the treatment of choice for a meniscus tear. A doctor should be consulted to determine the appropriate and optimal treatment option for a meniscal rupture.
