Meniscal tear happens when the rubbery cartilage acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and the shinbone ruptures. This tear occurs due to an injury during activities involving sudden changes in direction, twisting, or pivoting, which happens in sports or due to missteps or falls.
The sudden tear in the meniscus causes sharp pain at the location of the tear. The knee joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to fully straighten or bend comfortably. In some cases, a torn meniscus fragment can get stuck within the joint, causing a locked knee, instability, and feeling of the knee giving away when walking. Over time, the torn meniscus can lead to uneven wear and tear on the cartilage, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis development.
Meniscal Tear – Causes & Types:
Meniscal tears can happen due to acute trauma from forceful hyperextension and twisting, often resulting from physical activities. Degenerative changes in the knee joint caused by aging can also trigger meniscal tears. Individuals with underlying knee joint conditions who engage in high-impact activities are at a higher risk of meniscal tears.
- Mild meniscal tear: Causes minimal swelling and pain, with occasional stiffness. This type of mild tear has minimal impact on daily activities.
- Moderate meniscal tear: Causes moderate pain and swelling, locking or catching of the knee, and stiffness. This type of tear makes climbing stairs, squatting, or pivoting difficult.
- Severe meniscal tear: Causes significant pain and swelling and noticeable instability of the knee, severely impacting even the most common daily activities.
Meniscal tears also vary based on the severity, location, and size of the tear in the cartilage. Tears in the cartilage zone with a good blood supply have a higher chance of healing than tears in poorly blooded areas of the meniscus.
Meniscal Tear Treatment at Moonot Healthcare:
Depending on the tear’s severity, a wide variety of treatment options are available. From RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), pain medication, physical therapy, and bracing to arthroscopy and meniscectomy, treatment for meniscus tears can vary depending on the complexity of the tear. Unfortunately, many people may not be able to afford these treatment options, and delaying treatment may further worsen the condition and exacerbate knee damage.
Moonot Healthcare Foundation supports people who find it challenging to access the proper medical care due to financial concerns. Led by India’s leading surgeon, Dr. Pradeep Moonot, we have been helping patients experiencing knee problems with both surgical and non-surgical approaches.
