During various activities of daily life, injuries and disorders of varying degrees can occur in the musculoskeletal system. In particular, some sports activities can cause damage to the joints and surrounding tissues over time. Among these types of damage, meniscus injuries and tears are among the problems frequently encountered in society. While meniscus tears are usually seen among young people and athletes, they can also occur as a result of the weakening of the cartilage and meniscus structure in the knee joint as we age. In this context, answers are sought to questions such as “how does a meniscus tear heal?” and “can a meniscus tear heal?”
What is a meniscus?
The meniscus is a hard and elastic cartilage tissue located in a C-shaped shape between the thighbone and tibia. These structures, located in the knee joint, prevent wear and tear by preventing the bones from rubbing against each other during movement. However, excessive pressure applied to this area can lead to meniscus tears. Meniscus tears are especially common in athletes who play contact sports, so people who play such sports are at risk.
What is a meniscus tear?
A meniscus tear is one of the most common injuries to the knee cartilage, occurring as a result of excessive load, twisting or turning of the knee. This condition manifests itself with symptoms such as pain in the knee joints (especially in the inner or outer areas), swelling, a feeling of locking in the joint, inability to fully extend or bend the knees, and limping.
What are the symptoms of meniscus tear?
Meniscus tear symptoms usually manifest themselves with swelling, pain, and sounds coming from the knee joint. At the time of such an injury, severe pain and a popping sensation are among the most obvious symptoms.
Meniscus tear symptoms include:
- Swelling in the knee due to edema
- Difficulty bending and moving the knee
- Knee pain during movement
- Noise from the knee when moving
- A feeling of the knee locking or getting stuck in one spot
What causes a meniscus tear?
The causes of meniscus tears can be listed as follows:
- Sudden and powerful movements in sports
- Knee arthritis strains the meniscus
- Actions such as kneeling, squatting, or lifting heavy loads
- Weakening of meniscus tissue due to aging
How is meniscus tear treated?
In the past, total meniscectomy surgeries were performed for the treatment of meniscus tears; in this procedure, the entire meniscus was removed. However, it has been scientifically proven that patients treated with this method develop significant damage to the cartilage surface within 10-15 years. When the protective function of the meniscus for the knee was understood, treatment approaches also changed.
Today, if symptoms such as pain and locking continue to disrupt daily life, surgical intervention is considered an option. So, what happens if a torn meniscus is not removed? The tear leads to wear and tear on the cartilage and eventually calcification.