Physiotherapy &

Meniscus injury: causes, symptoms and recovery.

A meniscus injury is one of the most common knee problems in Physical Therapy. Whether you're an avid athlete or just made a wrong move once, a meniscus injury can significantly disrupt your daily life. In this blog we will take you through and tell you all about the causes, symptoms, treatment of meniscus complaints and how we at Fysio Fitaal in Tilburg can help you make an effective and lasting recovery after meniscus surgery.

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What is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a cartilage-like ring in your knee that acts as a shock absorber. Each knee has two menisci(menisci is plural of meniscus): one on the inside of your knee (the medial meniscus) and one on the outside of your knee( the lateral meniscus). They help stabilize the knee and allow you to move smoothly. When a tear or damage occurs in the meniscus, it often causes pain when moving and can even cause locking symptoms in the knee. 

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Causes of a Meniscus Injury

There are several causes of a meniscus injury. Below are the most common ones:

  1. Sudden turning movements: often occurs during sports such as soccer, tennis or basketball, where your knee twists while your foot remains firmly on the ground.
  2. Age: As we age, the cartilage in the meniscus loses its flexibility and strength. This makes it more susceptible to tearing, even with simple movements such as squatting or slipping.
  3. Trauma: A hard blow or also worse, a car accident can also lead to a meniscus tear.
  4. Overload: Prolonged overuse, often at the same angle, can cause meniscus complaints.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Injury

The symptoms of a meniscus injury can vary depending on the severity of the tear. The most common symptoms are:

  • Pain in the knee: Especially on the sides of the knee, where the joint gap is located. In the medical world, we also call this the Joint Line. 
  • Swelling: This may occur immediately after the injury or several hours later.
  • Restricted movement: You may have difficulty fully bending or extending your knee.
  • Final complaints: Sometimes the meniscus can get stuck between the joints, causing a blockage in the movement of the knee.
  • Crackling sounds: When moving the knee, a cracking sound may be heard, indicating a damaged meniscus. Sometimes this is also described more as a pop or loud click. 

How is a meniscus injury diagnosed?

If you think you have a meniscus injury, it is important to consult a doctor or physical therapist as soon as possible. A physical examination can often provide much clarity. In addition, an MRI scan can help assess the degree of damage and establish the appropriate treatment plan. Common tears include bucket handle tear, flap tear and radial tear of the meniscus. Sports-related meniscus injuries often occur in conjunction with other knee injuries, such as a anterior cruciate ligament injury. 

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Quick action on lock complaints

When you suffer from lock symptoms, where the knee is truly in a lock position, quick action is crucial. This can indicate a serious meniscus tear where part of the meniscus is literally stuck between the joint surfaces. If this is the case then make an appointment quickly at Fysio Fitaal in Tilburg. 

Why acting fast is important:

  • Preventing permanent damage: a meniscus that is stuck has in itself a reduced ability to recover naturally. 
  • Meniscus preservation: The sooner a correct diagnosis is made, the more likely the meniscus can be preserved. This avoids the need to remove parts of the meniscus during surgery.
The blood flow of the meniscus: 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 distribution

The meniscus is divided into three zones. Blood flow in these three zones plays an important role in the recovery from a meniscus injury. The outer 1/3 of the meniscus, also called the red area called, has the best blood flow. This means that tears in this part of the meniscus have a greater chance of repairing without intervention because this is where the body can supply more nutrients and oxygen. The middle 1/3, the red and white area, has limited blood flow. Tears in this area can sometimes heal, but it depends on the severity of the damage. The inner 1/3, the white zone, has virtually no blood flow. This part of the meniscus generally does not heal on its own, and tears in this area often require surgery, such as removing or repairing the damaged tissue.

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Treatment of a Meniscus Injury

Treatment for a meniscus injury depends on the severity of the tear. There are two options:

  1. Conservative treatment: Small tears can often be treated without surgery, again, this also depends greatly on the location of the lesion in the meniscus. That is, in which part the tear is located. Exercise therapy can help reduce swelling and pain early on. Physical therapy plays a crucial role here in restoring mobility and strengthening the surrounding muscles.
  2. Meniscus surgery: For severe tears, surgery is sometimes unavoidable. This is usually performed through a arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon makes small holes in the knee to repair either suture or remove the meniscus. The recovery period after surgery can vary depending on how complex the procedure was. 
How long does recovery take for a meniscus injury?

Recovery time from a meniscus injury varies from person to person and depends on treatment. Here are some rules of thumb:

  • Conservative treatment: With rest and physical therapy, it may take 12 weeks for your knee to fully recover.
  • After surgery: Recovery after meniscus surgery can take 3 to 6 months, depending on the type of surgery and your own ability to recover.

It is important to take your physical therapist's prescribed exercises seriously so that you do not return to strenuous activities too soon. After all, this can lead to new symptoms. 

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Physical therapy after meniscus surgery

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery after meniscus surgery. During physical therapy, the focus is on restoring strength, stability and flexibility in the knee. The treatment plan often consists of:

  1. Getting used to load: exercises aimed at strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings help support the knee. This prevents future injuries.
  2. Good stretching of the knee: Through manual therapy and actively improving the extension of the knee, we want the knee to return to normal extension as soon as possible. This extension is critical for normal gait.
  3. Coordination Training : exercises focused on coordinative proper movement during sports are essential to restore knee stability and reduce the risk of re-injury.
  4. Strength training: During rehabilitation, your physical therapist will slowly increase the intensity of your exercises. This is done in increments so your knee can get used to strenuous activities again without overexerting itself.
Rehabilitation at Physio Fitaal in Tilburg

The goal of physical therapy after meniscus surgery is to get your knee fully functional again as quickly and safely as possible. Without proper rehabilitation, your knee may remain stiff and you run the risk of the injury returning. In addition, physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve your gait.

A meniscus injury can limit you considerably in your daily activities, but with proper treatment and physical therapy, recovery is quite possible. Whether it is a conservative approach or you do have to undergo surgery, it is important to be patient and give the process time. 

Are you dealing with a meniscus injury and want to know more about physical therapy after surgery? Make sure you contact Fysio Fitaal in Tilburg.

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Ruben Luijkx

Owner Physio Vital
Physical therapist, MSC. Manuel therapy

With a solid foundation in scientific knowledge, Ruben combines the latest insights with his practical experience to ensure the best results. As owner of Physio Fitaal, Ruben has created a patient-centered environment that works with innovative techniques and a data-driven approach. Whether you are an elite athlete looking to return to the field or someone recovering from knee surgery, Ruben will guide you to a full recovery, with attention to your individual needs and goals.

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Ruben Luijkx

Owner Physio Vital
Physical therapist, MSC. Manuel therapy

With a solid foundation in scientific knowledge, Ruben combines the latest insights with his practical experience to ensure the best results. As owner of Physio Fitaal, Ruben has created a patient-centered environment that works with innovative techniques and a data-driven approach. Whether you are an elite athlete looking to return to the field or someone recovering from knee surgery, Ruben will guide you to a full recovery, with attention to your individual needs and goals.