Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a semi-circular piece of connective tissue inside your knee. It acts as a shock absorber and helps to stabilize your knee. You have two in each knee – a medial meniscus and a lateral meniscus. Injury to the meniscus can cause pain, popping, locking, and instability in the knee, but new research suggests that physical therapy is just as effective as surgical intervention.
A Meniscus tear most commonly occurs from a plant and twist mechanism. It is also often found alongside damage to other knee structures.
– Previous injury.Â
– Poor lower body mechanics.Â
– Hip weakness.
– Pain in knee.
– Swelling.Â
– Popping/locking/catching.Â
– Reduced range of motion.Â
– Difficulty walking.
At Home Diagnostic Tests
– Deep knee bend test (see video).
At Home Care
– Immediately begin edema protocol – compression, elevation, ankle pumps, ice/NSAIDs as needed.Â
– Crutches as needed for walking.Â
– Gentle range of motion.
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing the above symptoms, please see your physical therapist immediately. Your physical therapist will provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine if you need medical imaging or further assessment by an orthopedic surgeon, as well as provide immediate treatment to get you feeling and moving better – you won’t find this in an orthopedic quick care or PCP’s office!