Meniscus tears are one of the most common injuries to the knee joint. The meniscus is a disc that creates a soft layer between the bones of the knee. There are only two menisci in the knee joint . One is located in the inner cavity, the second in the outer. These discs maintain the stability of the joint and distribute the load of body weight on it. If the meniscus is damaged, this, of course, will entail a violation of the functioning of the knee joint.
Meniscus tears occur due to unsuccessful sudden movements of the leg during a turn. This trauma can also be a consequence of lifting a large severity. Most often, gaps are observed in athletes. But the elderly are also at risk, since the meniscus wears out with age.
The most important factor affecting the rate of healing of a rupture is the site of the injury. Any of the two menisci can be damaged. If the rupture occurred from the outside, then most often the joint returns to normal quite quickly due to good blood supply. If the injury is in the inner region, then the healing will be longer and more difficult.
Meniscus tears are of three types. Each of them has its own severity of symptoms.
1. A small gap. It is accompanied by swelling and mild pain. As a rule, uncomfortable sensations disappear on their own after 3 weeks.
2. The gap is moderate. The pain is localized in the central region of the knee. A strong tumor builds up within three days after the injury. This leads to stiffness when the knee extends. But the ability to walk, relying on an injured leg, is preserved. Symptoms of a meniscus rupture disappear within a few weeks, but with excessive physical exertion they can reappear. If the damage is left untreated, then it will make itself felt for several years.
3. Severe meniscus tears can immobilize a limb. In addition, fragments of a damaged disc may enter the articular space. In this case, the knee often makes specific sounds. Straightening your leg becomes very difficult. If the knee remains mobile, then it can suddenly bend. Within two days, a tumor appears, as it grows, the knee joint becomes more and more constrained.
If in athletes the gap occurs sharply due to unsuccessful movement, then in elderly people it is a slow process. A person may not remember at what point the damage occurred. At first there is mild pain, more often when standing up. Following her there is a slight swelling. If these symptoms are observed, it is necessary to consult a doctor. He will conduct a thorough examination, ask about previous injuries. Only after that a preliminary diagnosis will be made. For a more thorough examination, you may have to visit an orthopedic surgeon. You will also need to pass a series of tests. They will allow you to see a clearer picture of damage. Of course, the treatment is long, because it is not a bruise or dislocation, but a meniscus rupture. The operation is assigned in the most difficult cases.