Any pain in the body can cause havoc in your daily life but muscle, bone and nerve pain can lead to extreme and unbearable pain and can even make the person immobile. If steps are not taken at the earliest to treat the condition, the person may never be able to lead a normal life. Knee pain is one such condition which usually is seen commonly in aged people but overstrain and injuries can lead to knee pain in anyone. A common cause is meniscus tear for which earliest and best treatment for torn meniscus is needed.

Understanding meniscus tear

Meniscus or menisci (plural) is referred to the cartilage present in the knee joint. They are flexible, offer a kind of cushion and absorb shock. There are two types of meniscus, the outer one called as the lateral meniscus and the inner one known as the medial meniscus. They are an important part of the knee for they offer a protective covering against repeated stress occurring due to walking or running. Sportspersons are prone to suffer from meniscal tears and so are those over 50. Men are more at risk than women.

The symptoms can be pain and swelling in the knees. Locking of the knee is a common symptom. If one hears a popping sound in the knee, it can be a torn meniscus. In some cases, the patient may be unable to keep the knee straight because of locking. Some may even fall because the knee gives away. In most cases, the result is that the patient is unable to move or even sit or stand.

Meniscal tear treatment

There are different ways the condition is treated. There are some severe cases in which surgery is the only option. But in many other cases, different therapies can be of help. CAREN, a relatively new method in treatment for torn meniscus has proved to be very helpful. Vibration therapy is another method applied by doctors. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT is also found to be very useful. Gait training is another method that helps patients gain their normal posture which they lose because of the pain and discomfort.

Since strain, inflammation or overwork is mostly the cause for the knee problem, doctors follow a technique known as RICE. It stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This method is used in the early stage and during this period. Along with the technique, patients are also given necessary medications, mainly to reduce inflammation and pain. The priority is to relieve the pain and then the focus is on repairing the tear and strengthening the muscles and bones in the knee. Physical therapy helps in restoring strength. Minor meniscal tear can be effectively treated with therapy.

Different cases may need different intervention. In some cases during the rehabilitation process, the patient may have to wear a knee brace or use crutches so that external or additional pressure on the knee can be prevented.

Those who suffer from meniscal tear should consult with an expert doctor as soon as possible because minor cases can be treated fast with the help of modern treatment. Neglecting the pain may lead to harmful and irreversible effects in future.