The knee is such a critical part of the body to assist with day-to-day activities, staying active, and much more. When parts of the knee become injured, it can really have a negative impact on normal motions. This is why it is crucial to see a doctor and local physical therapist to help you regain your abilities after enduring an injury. Learn about what the meniscus in your knee is, top types of injuries to watch out for, premier treatment options, and reasons to use physical therapy in Moorcroft, WY and all other locations to recover.

What is the Meniscus?

The meniscus is a part of the cartilage in one’s knee that assists with the stabilization of the joint. It plays an important role with daily use and activities as it acts like a cushion and helps to keep the knee from wearing over time. The knee joint has two of these. They are shaped like the letter “c” and are located in between one’s shin and thigh bones. This piece of cushion helps to prevent the onset signs of arthritis that over time, can make it difficult to have the same mobility as a healthy, quality knee.

Meniscus Tears

When there is a large amount of pressure placed on one’s knee, or a sharp rotation or pivot in motion, or a hard stop, the meniscus can tear. While common in athletes, a meniscus tear can happen to anyone, especially in adults over 30. One of the go-to signs the meniscus has torn is when there is a popping sound after one of the instances above has occurred. After this “pop” sound, the area can become very painful, swollen, and hard to move. It becomes hard to move, or support weight, and some note that it feels the knee keeps locking or slipping.

Treatment and Physical Therapy

If you know you have injured your knee, do not wait. It is best to see your physician as soon as possible to help you try to restore the quality back in your knee. When you see them, give them an overview of your situation. From there, they may do imaging to investigate the type of injury. Upon being diagnosed with a meniscus tear, you will want to use the method rest, ice compression, and elevation (RICE) – topic overview explained by WebMD. In addition, you should incorporate physical therapy into your recovery process. A physical therapist will help you learn a series of exercises that will expedite recovery process. Physical therapy will also help build strength in the area and increase flexibility.

When it comes to the recovery of orthopedic injuries, you can count on North Platte Physical Therapy to help you speed up the process. Our team of experts will provide you with your own individualized plan of rehabilitation, and learn how to prevent further injuries in the future. To get started, view our physical therapy office locations to find the one nearest you, and contact us today to see how we can help you with your recovery process.