Knee Pain Treatment Gaithersburg & Riverdale
Meniscus Tears
Tears of the meniscus are one of the most common injuries to the knee and specifically impact sports. These injuries vary in severity and types of injuries to the cartilage. The medial meniscus is more commonly injured than the lateral because of its natural design. Some of the main functions of the meniscus are shock absorption and stability of the joint. When these structures become injured they weaken the knee and increase the risk of further damage to primary ligaments of the knee. Knowing the symptoms of the injury and how to manage this type of injury ultimately increases the recovery time.
Anatomy
What to know!
During activity you may feel a “pop” or “snap” when the meniscus tears. Unless severe with other structures injured, most people are able to walk. The following days after the injury the pain, swelling, stiffness and/or clicking or catching steadily increases. The most common symptoms are pain, swelling/stiffness, clicking or catching of the knee, the knee will “let go” or “give way” and the knee will not be able to move through the full range of motion.
Other causes of Pain:
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Patellar tendonitis
- Patellar instability
- Osgood Schlatters
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- ACL injury
- PCL injury
- MCL injury
- LCL injury
- Stress fracture
Evaluation and Treatment
It is possible that a tear can become worse and continue to tear until it becomes loose within the knee. If this occurs it can cause the knee to lock or pop sometimes with or without pain. Often times a history will reveal how the injury occurred and an examination of the knee is needed. Depending on the severity, location and symptoms dictates the care received. In most cases physical therapy will be performed for a set number of weeks, which often resolves the injury and return to activity. If the symptoms do not improve advanced imaging (MRI) will be obtained with a surgical consult for resolution of the injury. To read more about the other chiropractic and physical therapy services we offer click here.