Medial Meniscus Tear Symptoms

Knee injuries are common among athletes and elderly people. Most of the knee injuries are found to affect the menisci, which are C-shaped cartilages in the knee joints. These menisci play a vital role in smooth functioning of the knees and the legs.

They cartilages are located in the knee joint, where the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia) meet. They act as a cushion in between the ends of these bones, and also help in even distribution of the body weight on the tibia or shin bone. Menisci also have the function of shock absorption.

Menisci are of two types - medial and lateral. While the lateral meniscus is located on the outer side of the knee joint, the medial meniscus is located on the inner side. As compared to the lateral meniscus, the medial one is more prone to injuries. Medial meniscus tear is one such type of knee injury.

Symptoms of Medial Meniscus Tear

Medial meniscus is less mobile, as compared to the lateral meniscus and so, the former is more prone to injuries. The main causes for medial meniscus tear are traumatic accidents or activities, and degenerative process related to aging.

The symptoms can be mild to severe, according to the severity of the condition. Medial meniscus tear symptoms may vary slightly with the size, type, and location of the tear. In some cases, other common knee injuries may also occur along with this condition.

A medial meniscus tear can be mild, moderate, or severe. In case of mild tears, the affected person may not be aware of the tear, as he experiences only a slight pain. Sometimes, mild swelling may also develop. This pain may disappear within one or two weeks, but, may return at a later stage.

Moderate tear symptoms include pain on the inner side or in the center of the knee. The movement of the knee gets affected, as swelling develops. The symptoms may disappear within two weeks, but, may keep on recurring. In case of large tears, medial meniscus may get displaced or torn into pieces, thereby causing severe pain and swelling.

The most common symptoms of medial meniscus tear are knee pain and swelling. The pain may worsen with activities, involving knee movements. Knee pain will be more concentrated on the back side or in the center of the medial meniscus, and swelling usually develops within two days of the injury.

Pain that worsens with maximum knee flexion is one of the posterior horn medial meniscus tear symptoms. If the tear is large with displaced or fully torn medial meniscus, you may hear a clicking noise, during knee movements. The person may also feel stiffness, and locking or catching of the knee.

The affected person may also develop tenderness. The knee may also lose its ability to support the body weight, due to the injury. The person may not be able to bend his knees, or do any activity that involves squatting or rotating of the knee.

Diagnosis of this condition is usually done with X-rays, MRI, and careful physical examination. There are specific tests to find out the type and severity of these tears. Medial meniscus tear treatment is decided on the basis of various factors, like severity and type of the tear, age, and activity level of the patient.

The conventional treatment includes application of ice packs, rest, and compression. Keeping the knees elevated for a stipulated period, may also prove beneficial. The patient may also be administered with pain killers and joint healing supplements.

Even some special knee exercises for torn meniscus, and massage may be recommended, as the pain subsides. Ultrasound and laser treatment may also prove effective for treating a meniscus tear. In some cases, surgery may be required. Surgical treatment involves removing the torn part of the medial meniscus, or repairing or transplanting the tear.

However, the treatment method is decided by the doctor, after assessing the condition of the patient. The recovery time may also vary from one patient to another. So, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult your doctor and get it treated.

Disclaimer: This story is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.