Meniscal Injury
Introducing Brandon Houndonougbo, who opens up about his journey with a meniscal Injury from the moment of injury, through diagnosis and medical treatment, to his recovery. He shares his experience working with Dr. Myhre and the rehabilitation process, offering valuable insights and inspiration for anyone facing a similar challenge.
This post will help you understand
- What is a Meniscal Injury?
- Types of Meniscal Injury
- Symptoms Meniscus Injury
- Management and Treatment
What is a Meniscus Injury
A Meniscus Injury happens when the strong cartilage in your knee gets damaged. Inside your knee, two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage sit between your thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). These are called menisci, and they work like natural shock absorbers, helping to cushion and stabilize your knee joint. A sudden twist or sharp rotation of the knee can cause one of them to tear.
Types of meniscus tears
- Medial meniscus: A medial meniscus tear affects the cartilage on the inside of your knee.
- Lateral meniscus: A lateral meniscus tear affects the cartilage on the outside of your knee.
Meniscus tears are one of the most frequent knee injuries. They often occur in athletes or active individuals, but they can also affect older adults and people with knee arthritis.
Symptoms Meniscus Injury
If you have a meniscus tear, pain and swelling may take more than 24 hours to appear, especially if the injury is mild. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- A popping or clicking sensation in the knee.
- Swelling or stiffness.
- Pain, particularly when twisting or turning the knee.
- Difficulty fully straightening the knee.
- A feeling that the knee locks or gets stuck when moving it.
- A sense of instability or that the knee “gives way.”
Management and Treatment
Depending on the size and location of your meniscus tear, surgery might not be required. Your doctor may suggest taking anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen or aspirin) to ease discomfort and minimize inflammation.
In the first few days after the injury, it’s helpful to follow the R.I.C.E. method:
- Rest: Limit movement and avoid putting pressure on the affected knee.
- Ice: Apply a cold pack for about 20 minutes several times throughout the day.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage to help control swelling.
- Elevation: Keep your leg lifted above heart level to reduce fluid buildup.
Your healthcare provider might also advise working with a physiotherapist to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and restore mobility in your knee.
