The human body is filled with magical wonders, but did you know that your knees are in charge of carrying the entire weight of your body?
Although it doesn’t matter how strong they may be, they’re not prone to injuries. If anything, it only makes them more susceptible This is why meniscus tears are, by far, one of the most common injuries people face. It’s also why we often get asked whether or not a torn meniscus can heal on its own. The answer, however, depends on the type of tear and its overall seriousness. To get a deeper insight, keep on reading this blog.
What Is A Meniscus Tear?
A meniscus tear refers to an injury of the knee joint. More specifically, it focuses on the damage or tear faced by the meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage cushioned between your joints.
The main purpose of a meniscus is to join together your thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Thus, when this cartilage gets damaged, it can make small movements like walking, bending your knee, and even just lying straight extremely painful.
Moreover, given how the meniscus acts as a shock absorber and helps to evenly distribute your body’s weight, the smallest, most sudden move can cause it to rupture. This can include a sports activity that involves twisting or turning the knee. However, a meniscus tear can also sometimes develop over time due to wear and tear of the joint.
- Unbearable pain when twisting, bending, or squatting the knees.
- Swollen kneecaps.
- Stiffness in the knee joint.
- Inability to completely straighten your leg.
- Hearing a ‘pop’ sound during the injury.
- Limited leg movement
- Knee joint constantly gets locked, making moving or stretching your leg impossible.
- A grinding sensation in the knee joint every time you walk.
Can A Torn Meniscus Heal On Its Own?
It depends. In case of a minor injury or tear, your meniscus can heal on its own. All it needs is some rest and time. However, bigger or more severe injuries are less likely to heal without a medical prognosis.
Your meniscus is a crucial part of the body, albeit it has a limited blood supply. This can make it difficult for the body to heal on its own. Plus, if left untreated, a torn meniscus can lead to constant pain, swelling, and instability of the knee joint. Not to mention, it can even increase the risk of you developing arthritis in the affected knee.
Keeping all this in mind, it’s best to let your doctor know the moment you suffer from an injury. With a healthcare expert evaluating and performing physical exams on your knee, they might be able to produce effective treatments.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treating a torn meniscus, your options may differ depending on the severity of the condition. Nevertheless, in most cases, doctors recommend the following treatment plans:
- Rest
- Physical Therapy
- MRI
- Digital Imaging
- Surgery
- OTC Medication
Conclusion
The idea of stopping in your tracks because of a knee injury can be terrifying. This is why taking care of your health and paying attention to your body is important.
Since a torn meniscus can not always heal on its own, it’s better to have a medical professional evaluate the injury. For more information, feel free to contact Mufaddal Gombera, MD, at (713) 794-3457. You can also drop by our clinic at 7401 Main St, Houston, TX 77030. We’re located inside the Texas Orthopedic Hospital.