Tearing your meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries, the cause of which is consistent with many other knee injuries: twisting the knee in a vigorous manner. Because of this, the injury often occurs in athletes who regularly undergo rapid stop-and-go motions like volleyball players and martial artists. Older individuals are also at a higher risk of tearing their meniscus; as the body ages, the cartilage in the knee can simply begin wearing out.
If you are experiencing knee pain that you believe may be related to your meniscus, do not hesitate to seek treatment. If left untreated, an injured meniscus will worsen and can lead to a variety of other ailments including the early development of osteoarthritis.
If you are experiencing any redness, swelling, or fever associated with your knee pain, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms are indicative of a potentially life-threatening infection.
Do I Need Surgery for a Torn Meniscus?
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to avoid getting their knee examined by a professional out of fear of needing surgery. This is just about the worst thing you can do, especially for those who have a phobia of going under the knife, because the longer your torn meniscus goes untreated, the more likely it is that you will require surgery.
Fortunately, conservative treatments like physical therapy are often the first order of business when it comes to treating a torn meniscus. Depending on the severity of your injury, most doctors agree that starting your treatment process means trying the least invasive options first. In many cases, physical therapy can be just as effective as surgery for improving the function of your knee.
Treating a Meniscus Tear
Conservative treatment plans for meniscus tears are going to vary depending on many factors. At our practice in Reading, PA, Dr. Joe Miller will take note of the patient’s age, activity level, and more in order to construct an individually-tailored program that provides the best results.
What are some realistic goals I can expect to achieve with physical therapy?
- Regain range of motion
- Reduce pain in the knee
- Reduce swelling in the knee
- Strengthen the muscles that surround the meniscus
- Increase functional mobility of the knee
- Learn techniques that will help you maintain your progress and avoid future injury
Best Physical Therapy in Reading, PA
When you plan a visit to our office, you’ll be seen by our physical therapist, Joe Miller. Joe has spent over 30-years serving patients in the Reading and Berks area. He’ll listen to your symptoms and concerns, conduct a careful assessment, and put together a care plan to get you feeling your best. He’ll guide you through every step of your physical therapy plan. You won’t be caught off guard by any methods or treatment technique. We keep our patients informed and comfortable throughout their entire appointment. If you’re experiencing recurring or worsening neck pain, plan your visit and start feeling some relief.
