Mensical Tears -The Bane of Sporting Enthusiasts
Posted on: 25 November 2014
Do you suffer from a knee injury from playing a sport? It's likely that you sustained that injury from twisting it or from an awkward landing. If you are experiencing knee pain and discomfort from a recent sporting mishap, you may have a meniscal injury. Follow this easy guide to discover more about your injury, how to deal with it and your best pathway to recovery.
Understand A Meniscal Tear
The most common sporting injury to the knee, involving twisting and falling accidents, will result in a meniscal tear. The mensicus are the small cartilage discs positioned at the knee joint and are designed to absorb shock.
Take Stock Of Your Symptoms
A severe tear will produce considerable pain along the knee joint and restrict the movement of the knee. The knee may lock up, and you may feel a clicking sensation when it does. It is usually accompanied by swelling around the joint.
Your sporting injury physiotherapist will be well acquainted with this type of injury because such injuries are such a common occurrence.
Know What to Expect From A Sports Physio
Your physiotherapist will carry out a few tests and determine the exact type of injury. In some cases, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan may be needed to properly diagnose the injury.
The treatment program for a meniscal tear will depend on the severity of the damage.
Less severe tears can be managed with a treatment program designed to
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Reduce swelling with electro- therapeutic equipment
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Restore the range of motion with gentle manual stretching and movement
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Provide guidance in a program of gradual strengthening and recovery exercises
You may be advised to avoid placing any stress on the knee or placing any weight on it for a certain period. In these cases you may need crutches for a short time.
More severe tears will possibly require a surgical solution.
Be Aware of Surgical Possibilities
An arthroscopic surgery will aim to preserve the meniscus and repair any damage by removing or stitching the torn flap with minimal invasion of the knee.
Following surgery, a sports injury physiotherapist can assist the healing process with a specially designed programme that will progressively restore the knee to its full function.
Naturally the recovery time, will vary and be related to the degree of injury.
Now that you understand more about meniscal injury, you are in a much better position to know what it involves. By placing yourself in the hands of your sports physio, you will get the best possible professional advice. For more information, contact a business such as Twelve9teen Sports Physiotherapy.
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