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Meniscus Tear

At our Galway-based physiotherapy and sports injury clinic, we commonly treat meniscal tears and injuries of the knee. The medial and lateral menisci play an important role in absorbing forces and assisting in the role of nourishing the knee joint. An injury can cause altered biomechanics of the knee joint and pain.

Meniscal tears are the most common lesions followed by the meniscal cyst. Both of them have 2 causes. The first one is traumatic and the second one is a degenerative meniscal tear. A meniscal cyst may present with signs and symptoms consistent with typical meniscal pathology.

Meniscus injuries are often seen in athletes as a result of a sports injury and represent approximately 15% of all cases sports injuries. A meniscus can be torn or can be completely ruptured. There are partial or total ruptures of a lateral or medial meniscus. Medial tears are reported more commonly than lateral tears. In addition to tears occurring in sports, osteoarthritis can also lead to a spontaneous meniscal tear through breakdown and weakening of the meniscal structure.

Traumatic meniscal tears are categorised as:

  • Acute tears – These are commonly the result of a trauma or a sports injury (sports like tennis, jogging, soccer). Acute tears have different shapes (horizontal, vertical, radial, oblique and complex). If they do not respond to conservative management, surgical management may be indicated.
  • Chronic tears – These most often occur in the elderly population and are degenerative meniscal tears that occur after minimal trauma or stress on the knee. They are mostly treated with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication.

Physiotherapy is conservative treatment for meniscus tears which focuses on strengthening the quadriceps, glutes and hamstring muscles to prevent secondary quadriceps atrophy. This treatment is most successful with an incomplete tear or a small stable tear in the zone with blood supply.

Exercise therapy has been suggested to be an effective treatment option for patients with meniscus injuries. The aim of treatment is to improve knee function and limit joint pain. There is strong evidence that physical training plays an important role in reducing symptoms and improving muscle strength and physical ability.

Regular physiotherapy with exercise therapy can promote faster healing time and enable better function of the knee on return to activity. This is a big focus for us here at West Coast Physio.

Meniscus Tear

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Meniscus Tear FAQs

What is a meniscus tear, and how does it happen?
A meniscus tear occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint, known as the meniscus, is damaged due to sudden twisting movements, heavy lifting, or sports activities like football, basketball, or skiing. This injury is common among athletes but can happen to anyone.

What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?
Common symptoms of a meniscus tear include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee. Many people experience a “locking” sensation in the knee or feel as if the knee is catching during movement.

How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
A meniscus tear is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, where the knee is assessed for pain, range of motion, and swelling. In some cases, imaging tests like MRI scans are required to confirm the tear and its severity.

Can West Coast Physio help treat a meniscus tear?
Yes, West Coast Physio provides effective treatment for meniscus tears, particularly for minor or moderate tears. Treatment includes exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve joint stability, and restore mobility. Manual therapy and range-of-motion exercises can also help reduce pain and inflammation.

Do all meniscus tears require surgery?
Not all meniscus tears require surgery. Small or moderate tears can often heal with rest, physiotherapy at West Coast Physio, and proper rehabilitation. However, severe tears, particularly those that cause the knee to lock or become unstable, may require surgical intervention, such as meniscectomy or meniscus repair.

How long does it take to recover from a meniscus tear?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the tear and the treatment approach. With conservative treatment at West Coast Physio, recovery may take 6-8 weeks. If surgery is needed, the rehabilitation process can take 3-6 months, depending on the type of surgery performed and the patient’s progress.

When should I see West Coast Physio for a meniscus tear?
You should see the experts at West Coast Physio if you experience persistent knee pain, swelling, or instability, especially after a twisting injury or sports activity. Early intervention can help improve recovery outcomes and prevent further complications in the knee joint.

Can meniscus tears be prevented?
While not all meniscus tears are preventable, you can reduce your risk by maintaining strong leg muscles, practicing proper warm-up techniques before sports, and avoiding sudden, sharp movements. West Coast Physio can also help correct muscle imbalances and improve joint stability, reducing the likelihood of knee injuries.

Our mission is to help people get back to doing the things they love to do.

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COVID-19 INFORMATION

PHYSIOTHERAPY IS AN ESSENTIAL HEALTH SERVICE

During this pandemic, chartered physiotherapists at West Coast Physio will continue to provide services while following all relevant government COVID-19 guidelines to keep you safe during your visit, including screening for COVID-19 before each treatment.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical advice. If you have any questions about your condition, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

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