Your knee is the largest joint in the body. Additionally, the knee has a cartilaginous joint that helps to protect your joints from the pressure placed on it from running, bending, walking, and running. The meniscus of the knee is meant to increase joint surface contact and joint articulation. It also reduces the peak pressure while loading.
Your meniscus also enhances joint lubrication and creates stability when moving. A meniscus tear can happen in the medial meniscus which is inside of the knee and the lateral meniscus which is outside the knee. Nonetheless, the tear is commonly seen on the inside of the knee which is medial meniscus. Depending on which type of tear you suffer from, a chiropractor will know the type of treatment to provide you with.
Types of tears
There are different types of tears mainly the acute tear and the degenerative tear. Degenerative tears occur with no serious trauma for people aged 40 years and above. This is because they have a complex morphology. Although patients suffering from degenerative tears might develop arthritis later on, the condition is manageable.
Acute tears occur when your knee is over extended during a rotation or compression. This type of tear happens in younger people and can respond to surgery if treated early.
What are the symptoms?
If you’re suffering from a meniscal tear, you’ll experience a knee pain that is acute, swelling of the knee after an injury or a locking knee that is painful.
How can a chiropractor help in treating a meniscal tear?
While surgery is a common treatment option, chiropractors can use non-surgical ways to treat this knee injury. Some of the treatment options include ultrasound, heat and ice therapy, strengthening exercises of the leg and hip muscles. Your chiropractor will also mobilize the knee to enhance blood flow and joint lubrication.
If you’re suffering from a meniscus tear injury, visit your injury chiropractors in Denver immediately. Chiropractic care will provide you with a non-invasive way to treat the injury by using exercises and joint manipulation.
