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Knee Meniscus Injuries

Cartilage Damage│Twisted Knee│Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a cartilage tissue located inside the knee joint that absorbs and distributes pressure between the knee and shin bones. Meniscus injuries are usually caused by twisting or injuring the knee joint, which can occur during sports or daily activities.

Causes of Meniscus Tear

  • Knee twisting: Twisting of the knee can lead to meniscus damage, especially during activities that require rapid turns or changes in direction.
  • Direct impact: Direct impact to the knee can cause a meniscus tear.
  • Overuse: Prolonged repetitive activities can lead to meniscus wear and tear.
運動受傷, sports injury
膝關節痛, knee pain

Symptoms of Meniscus Tear

  • Pain: Severe pain may be felt in the knee area, especially when under pressure.
  • Swelling: Swelling around the knee may occur.
  • Joint locking sensation: You may feel the knee locking or being unable to fully extend.
  • Instability: The knee may feel unstable or prone to twisting.

Physiotherapy for Meniscus Tear

Treating a meniscus tear involves identifying the extent of the tear and the joint’s range of motion through examination and assessment, followed by targeted treatment. In the later stages of rehabilitation, muscle strengthening and coordination are crucial, emphasizing correct body mechanics to reduce the risk of re-injury.

The following are physical therapy methods for a meniscus tear:

TCM Treatment for Meniscus Tear

Traditional Chinese medicine treatments for a meniscus tear typically include acupuncture, herbal medicine therapy, and TCM massage. Here are some common TCM treatment methods:

  • Acupuncture
    • Acupoint treatment: Adjusting the flow of qi and blood through specific acupoints to promote repair and recovery of the injured tissue.
    • Local acupuncture: Directly needling acupoints around the knee to help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve blood circulation.
  • Herbal medicine
    • Medicated diet therapy: Prescribing suitable medicated diets to help alleviate pain and promote recovery of the injured area.
    • Herbal compress: Using specific herbal remedies for local application to alleviate pain and swelling.
  • Massage techniques
    • Tuina massage: TCM massage therapists can promote blood circulation, relieve pain, and aid in the recovery of the injured area by massaging acupoints and tissues around the knee.
    • Cupping therapy: Stimulating local acupoints and tissues with cupping to promote circulation and help alleviate pain and swelling.

FAQ

If you experience the following symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional advice from an orthopedic doctor early on:

Persistent pain or instability: If knee pain persists or instability occurs after an injury, and if there is no improvement after a period of rest and initial treatment, an MRI scan may be necessary.

Significant swelling or bruising: If there is visible swelling, bruising, or other abnormal symptoms around the knee, an MRI can help determine the extent and severity of the injury.

Inability to fully extend or bend: If the knee cannot fully extend or bend after an injury, an MRI can provide detailed imaging information to identify possible damage locations.

The treatment approach for a meniscus tear depends on the severity of the patient's symptoms, age, activity level, and the location and type of damage. Not all meniscus tears require surgery, and some cases can be managed through non-surgical treatments. Common factors to consider include:

Severity of symptoms: If the symptoms are mild, they may be controlled through rest, physical therapy, and activity modification without surgery.

Activity level: Surgery may be more likely to be recommended for athletes or individuals with jobs that place significant stress on the knee to help restore function and stability.

Location and type of meniscus damage: The location and type of meniscus damage are crucial in choosing the treatment approach. Some injuries may not recover enough function through non-surgical treatments.

Age: Younger, more active patients may lean towards surgery as they have a greater need for restoring movement and stability.

Effectiveness of non-surgical treatments: If non-surgical treatments (such as physical therapy, activity modification, and pain management) fail to improve symptoms or significantly impact the patient's quality of life, surgery may be considered.

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