Menisci of the knee are cartilages responsible for the variety of movements of the human leg. In fact, this is a kind of natural shock absorber that prevents friction of bones and their rapid wear. Most often, menisci are damaged as a result of a sharp bending or extension of the leg. In this case, the risk of injury increases if the hip is rotated at the same time with a fixed lower leg.
Symptoms of Damage
Damaging the menisci of the knee joint is quite simple. This injury is very common. According to statistics, meniscus damage is diagnosed in 70% of patients who have come to the doctor complaining of pain in the knee. With a timely visit to the doctor, no problems in the treatment of such an injury usually arise. The main symptom of damage is pain, aggravated by extension of the leg, as well as inflammation and swelling in the joint area. Of course, such manifestations may be signs of a bone fracture. Therefore, when diagnosing, the doctor must prescribe an X-ray examination.
Damaged menisci of the knee joint become a cause of restriction of movement of both active and passive. The leg of the person lying on the couch is usually slightly bent. This condition is called
joint blockade. Very often people who have received such an injury do not go to the doctor. In this case, after some time (after about two days) the pain goes away. Imaginary recovery is coming. However, any careless movement in the future may lead to the resumption of the blockade.
Why is self-medication dangerous?
Damaged menisci of the knee joint must be treated by contacting a doctor. Injured injuries can lead to such unpleasant consequences as inflammation of the joint membrane, as well as to constant pain, aggravated by walking, descending the stairs. In the case of the appearance of the “articular mouse” (tearing off a piece of the meniscus and bone growth), surgical intervention is required. Therefore, in case of pain after a sharp extension of the leg with a simultaneous turn, one should immediately go to the emergency room.
Treatment of the meniscus of the knee
Previously, the doctor prescribes a puncture with the introduction of novocaine. After this, the restrained meniscus is adjusted. In this case, the doctor makes movements opposite to those that led to the injury.
Therefore, it is very important to inform the doctor as much as possible about the circumstances of the damage. After setting, a crib is applied to the knee. In the case of the appearance of the “articular mouse”, the internal part of the joint is examined first by means of endoscopic techniques. When diagnosing a separation, an operation is prescribed. The meniscus is removed. When treating such injuries, special gymnastic exercises are necessarily prescribed.
The use of folk methods
Of course, it is impossible to cure such an injury on your own. However, there are folk remedies that can partially relieve inflammation of the meniscus of the knee joint and stop the pain. The most common way is considered a honey compress. Of course, before taking any independent actions to relieve pain, you should visit a traumatologist and get appropriate advice. Honey remedy is quite effective. In any case, it will not do any harm. To prepare a compress, take one part of honey and medical alcohol. The components are placed in a small container and placed in a water bath. The heated mixture is applied to the knee and wrapped with a woolen scarf. The course of treatment is a month (2 hours in the morning and evening).
Damage to the menisci - the injuries are quite serious, so you should not take them lightly.