Meniscal Tear

What is a Meniscal Tear?

A meniscal tear is a tear in the knee joint cartilage. Each knee joint has two menisci: the medial meniscus and the lateral meniscus. A tear in either or both menisci is possible. Meniscal tears can range from minor to severe, and they can be acute (onset suddenly) or degenerative (due to wear and tear). Meniscal tears are a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for meniscal tears, helping to improve knee function, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent future injuries. If you are experiencing symptoms of a meniscal tear, seek medical attention to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What are the Symptoms of a Meniscal Tear?

Depending on the severity and location of the tear, the symptoms of a meniscal tear can vary. Among the most common symptoms are:

• Knee joint discomfort.
• Knee swollenness and stiffness.
• Clicking or popping sensations when moving the knee.
• Restricted range of motion.
• Inability to straighten or bend the knee.
• Having the sensation that your knee is locking or catching.

Where Parts of the Body Does a Meniscal Tear Most Commonly Affect?

Meniscal tears are most common in the knee joint. Because the menisci are located between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia), they are most commonly affected by twisting or sudden knee movements. Meniscal tears can occur at any age, but they are more common in athletes who participate in sports that require abrupt stops and changes in direction.

How Can Physical Therapy Help a Meniscal Tear?

Meniscal tears can be effectively treated with physical therapy. Physical therapists can create customized exercise programs to improve knee range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Manual therapy techniques can also be used to improve joint mobility and reduce pain and inflammation. Furthermore, physical therapists can teach patients proper body mechanics and exercises to help them avoid future knee injuries.

When Should You Seek Physical Therapy for a Meniscal Tear?

If you have meniscal tear symptoms, you should seek medical attention. A physical exam and diagnostic imaging tests, such as an MRI, can be performed by a healthcare professional to confirm a diagnosis. If you have a meniscal tear, your doctor may advise you to undergo physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. Physical therapy can help improve knee function, reduce pain and inflammation, and get you back to your normal activities as soon as possible and safely.

Where can I find physical therapy for meniscal tear near Kenilworth?

When you are looking for a skilled and experienced meniscal tear physical therapist near Kenilworth, look no further then Innovative Physical Therapy. The caring and compassionate staff at Innovative Physical Therapy can help your meniscal tear condition. They are committed to providing the highest quality care while ensuring that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your treatment. If you are looking for physical therapy for meniscal tear in and around Kenilworth, trust the experts at Innovative Physical Therapy.

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