Eugene Housdon, PTA
Meniscus injuries are common injuries to the knee that can be seen in athletes and non-athletes alike and could possibly be what’s causing you knee pain! This condition can be caused by an acute injury after twisting or turning or from an age related degeneration of the knee.
What is the meniscus?
The meniscus is a cartilage disc like structure that helps to cushion your knee. There are two menisci in both of your knees. There is an inner menisci and outer menisci. Together these menisci act to absorb shock with activities and to stabilize the knee.
Questions to ask yourself if you think you may have a meniscus tear:
• Is there a sharp pain in the knee area?
• Did you feel a popping or tearing sensation when the injury occurred?
• Difficulty walking, taking stairs, or squatting and a catching feeling in your knee?
• Did you have knee swelling after the injury?
• Difficulty with bending or straightening your knee?
• Knee feels unsteady or gives you a sensation of wanting to give out?
• Are you experiencing knee stiffness?
How can physical therapy help with a meniscus tear?
At Empower Physical Therapy we can help. A therapist can help determine if your injury can be managed and resolved without surgical intervention. With guidance your therapist can provide you with a plan and treatments to reduce knee inflammation and pain, along with improving knee mobility and strength!
We also work with more serious meniscus tears that do require surgery. With physical therapy we can help you to recover to your previous level of activity and get you back on track!
