What is a meniscus injury?How to improve and prevent?Let s find out

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-01-19

1. Overview of meniscus injury.

Two pieces of cartilage within the knee joint, located between the femur and tibia, their main function is to provide cushioning, help stabilize the joint and reduce friction. Meniscal injuries are usually due to trauma, overuse, or degenerative conditions. Meniscus injuries can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, locking, limited movement, and in severe cases, surgery**. Therefore, it is important to understand how to improve and prevent meniscal injuries.

2. Meniscus injury**.

Trauma: Trauma is one of the leading causes of meniscus injuries, including sprains, falls, bumps, etc. These traumatic injuries can lead to a tear or rupture of the meniscus.

Overuse: Excessive use of the knee joint, such as walking, running, jumping, or standing for long periods of time, can lead to wear and tear and degeneration of the meniscus.

Degenerative diseases: Degenerative changes in the meniscus can also cause damage as we age. This damage is usually due to chronic inflammation and wear and tear.

Genetic factors: Some people are born with a hypoplastic or defective meniscus, which makes them more susceptible to injury.

Other factors: Obesity, osteoporosis and other medical conditions may also increase the risk of meniscal injury.

3. Diagnosis of meniscus injury.

Doctors usually diagnose a meniscal injury based on the person's symptoms, physical examination, and imaging tests. Commonly used imaging tests include x-rays, MRIs, and arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is a technique in which a camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision so that the doctor can directly observe the meniscus injury.

Fourth, meniscus injury**.

Non-surgical**: Non-surgical** may be used in patients with mild injuries or mild symptoms**. Including protective gear protection and ** training, etc. Medications can relieve symptoms such as pain and swelling, can promote local blood circulation and reduce inflammation, protective gear protection can reduce joint range of motion and avoid further damage, and training can help patients gradually restore joint function.

Surgery**: Surgery may be required in patients with severe meniscus injuries or non-surgical responses**. Commonly used surgical methods include meniscus repair and meniscectomy. Meniscus repair is the process of suturing or repairing the damaged meniscus to restore its function, while there is a technique in which the injured meniscus is removed to reduce pain and improve joint function.

Whether it is non-surgical** or after surgery**, patients need to undergo *** mainly including physiotherapy, **exercise and medication**. Physical therapy can promote local blood circulation and reduce inflammation, exercise can help patients gradually restore joint function, and medications can relieve symptoms such as pain and swelling.

5. How to improve and prevent meniscus injury.

Strengthen the muscles around the knee joint: By strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, you can improve the stability of the knee joint and reduce the wear and tear of the meniscus. It is recommended to do leg muscle strength training, such as squats, leg presses, etc.

Proper use of the knee joint: Avoid excessive use of the knee joint, such as standing, walking, running, or jumping for long periods of time. Rest properly and pay attention to adjusting posture to reduce the burden on the knee joint.

Pay attention to sports safety: Pay attention to safety when performing sports to avoid meniscus injury caused by trauma. Wearing proper protective gear and shoes can provide better protection.

Weight control: Excess weight increases the burden on the knee joint and accelerates the wear and tear of the meniscus. Maintain a healthy weight by controlling your diet and exercising properly.

Arrange the amount of exercise reasonably: avoid a lot of exercise or overtraining in a short period of time, arrange the amount and time of exercise reasonably, and give the body sufficient time to rest and recover.

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