Meniscus tears can cause serious pain and decreased mobility in the knee. In this physical therapy education article, we are going to talk about meniscus injuries and how physical therapy can help reduce knee pain.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a “C-shaped” disc in the knee that helps cushion the knee and aids in knee mobility. When a person twists or turns too quickly with their foot planted, this meniscus disc can tear. These injuries can be mild to severe, and may lead to any of the following symptoms:
- Knee pain and swelling
- Stiffness or decreased mobility
- Inability to straighten the knee
- Functionality issues
Meniscus tears are common in sports that require a lot of twisting and turning (basketball, and football for example).
Diagnosis & Treatment
There are several orthopedic tests that can help diagnose a meniscus injury. Once your physician or physical therapist has landed on a diagnosis, you can begin to strategize treatment options. Mild meniscus tears may be treated with rest, while serious tears may require extensive physical therapy and perhaps even surgery. Regardless of the severity, meniscus tears should always be addressed promptly to avoid serious issues in the future.
MN Physical Therapy Clinics
At OrthoRehab Specialists, we work hand-in-hand with each of our patients to ensure the best care possible. Whether you’ve been injured playing sports, or you’re recovering from a surgical procedure, our Minnesota physical therapists are here to help you regain your mobility. With nearly 30 years of experience practicing physical therapy in Minnesota, we have developed referral relationships with 600 local providers, who trust us with the rehabilitation care of their patients. Even if you don’t have a referral you can still set up an appointment with us through direct access. Reach out to our team today at one of our Twin Cities physical therapy clinics (Minneapolis and Edina) to make your appointment.