What is a meniscus? How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made from your symptoms, the history of the problem, and an examination of your knee. Tests such as xrays and scans are not usually required.
Medial meniscus How is it treated? Lateral meniscus Pain relief: over the counter pain The menisci are C-shaped tissues inside the relief such as paracetamol and knee joint, located between the thigh (femur) ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory gels and shin (tibia) cartilage surfaces. There is one may help you to continue exercising. on the inside of the knee (medial) and one on A steroid injection may be offered if the outside (lateral). pain is a significant problem Menisci changes occur as a natural process as Activity modification: try to keep we age. However, most people remain pain the knee moving within your limits free and are able to function normally despite of pain this. Maintain a healthy weight Exercises: to improve strength and It is likely that pain develops as a result of the flexibility menisci being overloaded eg from overuse, with weight gain or after a traumatic event such as a twisting injury. Physiotherapy is the most effective method
of managing a painful but naturally ageing You may also experience noise such as clicking meniscus. Surgery is not usually indicated. or grating when you move your knee. This is called crepitus. Crepitus is not a sign of joint damage and occurs in healthy joints too. If you follow the advice and exercises on this leaflet, it is very likely that your symptoms What are the symptoms of a degenerative will improve. However, this may take up to meniscus? 12 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve Pain, stiffness and/or swelling after this period, please contact your Locking of the knee clinician. Giving way
Exercises
You may experience an initial increase in pain with these exercises. Do not worry, just do less repetitions next time and then gradually build up again. Your physiotherapist will guide you as to how many repetitions to do.
Straight leg Raise: Calf stretch:
Affected leg In standing, affected outstretched. Tighten leg behind unaffected your thigh muscles leg. Both feet remain and raise your leg 3 flat on the floor. Bend inches off the bed, your front knee until keeping your knee as you feel a stretch on straight as possible. affected leg
Knee bending
Bend your leg as far as you can Balance until you feel a Stand on one leg stretch around your knee.
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