Inflammation of the knee joint meniscus: symptoms and treatment

Treatment of inflammation of the meniscus: what to do if it hurts (symptoms)

Inflammation of the knee joint meniscus is a fairly common problem, which has a lot of actual causes.

To begin with, the knee itself remains one of the most "loaded" joints of the human skeleton. In addition, the knee often undergoes various injuries and injuries.

So, a completely natural result of these components of the knee functioning is an inflammatory process in the meniscus.

In the composition of the knee joint, two menisci, to be precise, are internal and external. The meniscus itself is a cartilaginous tissue that is designed to serve as a shock absorber and to stabilize all the functions of the joint.

Thus, the symptoms of the inflammation of the meniscus extend to the entire joint. And before talking about the causes of the inflammatory process, it is necessary to determine who is at risk:

• As always - athletes, jumpers, runners, football players.
• People doing hard physical work.
• Patients with excess weight, more likely, suffering from obesity.
• Patients with impaired blood circulation, metabolic processes and with chronic diseases.

Causes of inflammation

Despite the fact that the main cause of inflammation of the meniscus of the knee joint is trauma, there are other prerequisites for the onset of the inflammatory process:

1. Constant and high loads on the legs and knees. This obesity, weightlifting, a specific job.
2. Degenerative changes in the tissues of cartilage, which are caused by a violation of blood supply.
3. Damage to the meniscus is caused if the movements are not coordinated.

Symptoms of inflammation

Inflammation of the meniscus always passes against a background of bright enough symptoms. If the process has begun, it is simply impossible not to notice it.

First of all we note that the knee hurts. First, the pain in the knee joint area can be sharp, but gradually calms down and often the patient gets used to it.

In the second case, the pain can only constantly increase. This happens if the very fact of inflammation was caused not by injury or trauma, but by a violation of the circulation. Similar pains are observed if their cause is prolonged physical overload.

Other symptoms:

• The motor function of the joint begins to be limited.
• If there was a rupture of the meniscus, the symptoms are expressed in complete blockage of the joint.
• The joint begins to visually increase in volume.
• The edema of the soft tissues adjacent to the meniscus develops.
• The patient can clearly hear clicks while moving.
• There are symptoms of rolling, with them the patient feels that the bones of the knee joint in the knee joint seem to roll.
• Sensations of discomfort, as if in a knee there is an extraneous object.

Here, both pain and movement restriction, however, they are often confused with manifestations of trauma or a simple injury.

However, a few days after the onset of pain, the patient can clearly indicate in which place all the symptoms are concentrated. This is the projection of the meniscus, that is, the pain is localized along the joint space.

Once the inflammation passes into a chronic condition, the patient begins to feel not strong and acute painful sensations that appear during movement, especially when climbing or descending stairs.

First of all, this sensation of an alien object in the knee, clicks and rolls of bones, these symptoms we described above.

Diagnostics

Since the symptoms still remain nonspecific, they can often be mistaken for another problem, therefore it is necessary to precisely differentiate the disease of the knee joint, do ultrasound and other methods survey.

Among the methods of research we note:

• Conduction of ultrasound.
• MRI of the knee joint.
• X-ray examination

You can add that to do an x-ray is necessary to exclude other diseases of the knee joint, as on the X-ray as such problems and meniscus lesions are not visible.

The cartilage tissue of the meniscus is transparent to X-ray radiation, but completely eliminates knee injuries.

After the diagnosis, you can accurately confirm that this is inflammation, and now it is clear what to do with it and how to treat it.

Treatment of a meniscus

Treatment of inflammation of the knee joint meniscus is always selected, based on the cause of the inflammatory process. It is also important to localize the process and the nature of the injury, if it was the root cause of the problem.

Treatment can be divided into three types:

1. The first type is first aid, which is required for trauma. It uses the removal of the blockade of the joint. Eliminates the consequence of injury, removes excess synovial fluid from the joint bag, drained blood. Anesthetics are then used for pain in the joints, and the limb should be immobilized for up to 1 month.
2. Conservative treatment uses anti-inflammatory and non-steroid drugs. It can be as tablets, and ointments and gels for topical application or injection into the meniscus. Together with this, physiotherapy and compulsory physical therapy are prescribed.
3. Surgical intervention. The most common method of surgery is arthroscopy. This species is characterized by minimal invasive penetration. During the operation, a part of the meniscus will be removed, or the parts of the torn organ will be sewn together.

The prognosis of inflammation is always positive, because modern methods of diagnosis and treatment allow solving the problem already at an early stage. In this case, all functions of the knee joint will be fully restored.

It is also important to prevent the condition of knee joints, especially for athletes and people whose professional activities are associated with constant strain on the legs and knees.

A source: http://sustav.info/travmy/meniscus/vospalenie-meniska.html

What should I do if I have inflammation of the knee joint meniscus?

Inflammation of the knee joint meniscus can cause serious disability in the lower limbs.

Without proper treatment, the inflamed tissues will begin to deteriorate, which will lead to a loss of flexibility in the articulation of the leg bones.

Consider how to detect a violation in time, which agents will help treat inflammation and restore the mobility of the joint.

Causes of pathology

Cartilage tissues in places of articulation of the bones become inflamed from time to time under the influence of external factors. The reasons for this may be as follows:

• post-traumatic complications;
• reaction of the organism to viral pathogens;
• disturbance of metabolic processes.

In some cases, inflammation of the knee meniscus occurs after an injury that caused a metabolic disorder in the knee joint was obtained.

In people with weakened immunity, as well as in elderly people, inflammation of the cartilaginous tissues can also begin. It is provoked by a shortage of substances that participate in the restoration of menisci. In this case, the degeneration of the cartilage begins, against which a dangerous process is triggered.

Most often, inflammation of the tissue begins after the injury.

Most cases are fixed in athletes (track and field athletes, football players), construction workers and loaders.

A break in the meniscus leads to a disruption in metabolic processes, synovial fluids begin to accumulate, causing an increase in tissue.

Signs of the inflammatory process

Symptoms of inflammation of the meniscus can be as follows:

• painful sensations arising during flexion and extension of the leg;
• involuntary bending of the leg in an erect person (lack of stability);
• crunching and snapping in the joint when it is bent;
• swelling of the knee and the area around it.

Acute pain in the knee joint often quickly becomes less pronounced (blunt). A person gets used to it, which does not contribute to the effective treatment of the disease.

But if the inflammation of the meniscus is caused by circulatory disturbances, the process of tissue increase is increasing and painful sensations in the knee joint area increase.

Inflammatory process causes puffiness. Because of this, the normal movement of the liquid in the meniscus region is disturbed. It begins to accumulate in the knee joint, and then in the tissues around it. This condition is characterized by a specific skin swelling and increased temperature on its surface.

Diagnostic Problems

Specialists point out the serious problematic of setting an accurate diagnosis on the above characteristics.

The fact is that with inflammation of the meniscus the symptoms are almost the same as with some other diseases of the knee joint.

For example, with chondropathies, tendopathies, bursitis or tendenitis.

These are inflammations of various elements of the knee joint. Due to the fact that all of them are located next to each other in a rather small space, it is difficult to accurately determine the affected area.

.

Since the signs of ailment are very similar to each other, it is better for a person to consult a specialist.

.

An X-ray photograph does not show the presence of inflammatory processes. With the help of the picture, you can only determine if the cartilage itself is intact.

To obtain an accurate result, use other methods:

• ultrasound scanning;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• arthroscopy.

The latter is an examination of the elements of the knee joint from the inside with the help of an arthroscope. The device transmits a detailed image of the meniscus tissue, based on which the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment.

Methods of treatment

You can treat inflammation of the meniscus in several ways:

• the introduction of drugs inside;
• external rubbing;
• physiotherapy.

In an extreme case, when the disease has covered half or all of the meniscus and the process of tissue destruction begins, the only way out is surgical intervention. In this case, the damaged meniscus is removed and replaced with an implant. This is done most often with the help of the method of arthroscopy described above.

After the examination, the doctor prescribes treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs that do not contain any steroids. The latter is important, because tissue growth can complicate the treatment of inflammation. Of the most common drugs we note such as Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Meloxicam and others.

Pain during the acute phase of the disease and analgesics.

Together with drugs prescribe and drugs with collagen additives that contribute to the restoration of cartilage. Vitamins of groups E, C and A are actively taken.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are also appointed by specialists. The most effective in this case will be laser and magnetic therapy. They improve the metabolism, which helps stop the inflammation and normalize tissues.

Folk remedies

Many patients prefer treatment at home. In this case, they resort to the recipes of traditional medicine, based on the postulate "Checked for centuries."

Indeed, laboratory studies have shown that many natural formulations have a clear anti-inflammatory effect. These include mixtures on an alcohol basis.

For example, a compress made of alcohol and natural honey. The mixture in the ratio: applied to a dense tissue and fixed on the knee with the help of elastic bandage. On top, the wrap is wrapped in a woolen cloth. This compress is superimposed for two hours, after which it is removed.

.

On the basis of honey, a lozenge is made: equal parts of flour and honey are mixed so that a soft mass is obtained. It is wrapped in a cabbage leaf, which is prewashed with a rolling pin or other improvised means.

.

A cake in a sheet is laid on the knee for 20 minutes, on top it is covered with cellophane or baking paper and wrapped in a warm scarf.

This removes inflammation and promotes the activation of metabolic processes in the knee joint.

Treatment with folk remedies is also carried out with the help of rubbing on the basis of alcohol and medicinal herbs. Burdock, whose leaves are put on a sore spot for 8 hours, is popular.

Prevention

To minimize the effects of inflammation, doctors recommend regular exercise (running, squats, walking).

By regularly creating small loads on the meniscus, you can help maintain a metabolic system in working order, regularly update cartilaginous tissues, renew lubricants.

.

During the training, experts recommend putting the shields on your knees, locks (like football players) or wrapping this area with an elastic bandage.

.

To avoid the disease will help properly selected shoes. When walking, there will be no additional stress on the knee joints, a reduced risk of falling or twisting the leg.

In order not to provoke inflammation of the meniscus, avoid jumping from a high altitude, and be careful when driving on stairs, especially steep ones.

These simple precautions will help to avoid problems with the meniscus, and you do not have to spend time and money on the treatment of this painful ailment.

A source: https://OrtoCure.ru/travma/menisk/vospalenie.html

Inflammation of the meniscus: causes, symptoms, treatment. Sharp pain in the knee

In modern medical practice, doctors often have to diagnose meniscal inflammation.

And with this problem they are addressed not only by professional dancers or sportsmen, but also by ordinary people.

After reading today's article, you will find out why this disease occurs and how to treat it.

What is a meniscus?

This term means a cartilaginous lining in the knee joint, which has the shape of a crescent. It is located between the hip and shank and functions as a shock absorber. This fibrous cartilaginous formation not only softens the movements, but also protects the bone from damage and friction.

There are two types of meniscus: lateral (external) and medial (internal). They have a similar structure, but differ in form and method of attachment.

Most often modern traumatologists have to diagnose damage to the medial meniscus of the knee joint (treatment of this problem will be discussed below).

Causes of the disease

Physicians identify several major factors that can trigger the onset of the inflammatory process. Most often the problem arises from the violation of blood flow in the cartilaginous tissues, which causes pathological changes in them.

Often, inflammation of the meniscus occurs as a result of constant stress on the knee region. This may be due not only to heavy physical labor and the presence of excess weight.

Another cause of the development of the disease is damage to the entire segment of the cartilage or anterior horn of the meniscus, obtained with careless movements or injuries.

The risk group includes professional athletes, people whose work is associated with persistent physical stress, and those who are obese.

Often, inflammation of the meniscus develops in patients who have previously been diagnosed with rheumatism, gout, arthrosis or other serious illness of the musculo-articular apparatus.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the knee is a rather serious disease. When untimely treatment, it can cause a lot of inconvenience and significantly reduce the quality of life of the patient. To begin the correct treatment, you need to understand the signs that this ailment is recognized.

By the nature of the inflammatory process, an acute, subacute and chronic form is isolated. The course of the disease strongly affects the severity of the clinical picture.

.

One of the most characteristic signs is a sharp pain in the knee, which increases with physical exertion. Depending on the severity of the lesion, the patient may be restricted mobility of the joint.

.

In some especially neglected cases, redness, swelling and a local increase in temperature in the knee area are observed.

Diagnostic Methods

It should be remembered that a sharp pain in the knee should be a reason for visiting a doctor. The specialist will assign a series of studies to establish an accurate diagnosis, and correct treatment.

As a rule, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray and ultrasound are used for these purposes.

Only after a complete examination the doctor will be able to correctly diagnose and exclude other health problems.

Despite the fact that the X-ray does not allow you to fully assess the condition of the knee, with the help of a picture you can remove the suspicion of a more serious pathology.

Inflammation of the meniscus: treatment

During the selection of therapy, it is necessary to take into account the causes of the disease, the severity of the symptoms and the nature of the course.

In addition, it is important to have an accurate picture of the state of the cartilage of a particular patient and how the inflammation affected other intraarticular elements.

To date, effective and conservative treatment is being used effectively. In some cases, the patient is recommended both types of therapy.

In such cases, the patient is recommended anti-inflammatory ointments and tablets.

Folk methods

Inflammation of the meniscus is successfully treated not only with the help of medications. To alleviate pain, folk remedies are often used. To enhance the effect, such therapy is desirable to be carried out in parallel with traditional methods and only after preliminary consultation with the doctor.

Not bad proved to be coniferous bath. They have anti-inflammatory effect, relieve muscle tone and improve blood circulation.

Do such procedures preferably in a day, before going to bed.

For this, half a kilo of chopped pine needles is poured into two liters of boiling water and kept for half an hour in a water bath.

.

It relieves inflammation of the honey compress on the knee. For its preparation you will need an equal amount of honey and alcohol. These components are mixed in one bowl and heated to 37 degrees.

.

The resulting warm mass is applied to a sore spot, wrapped in a natural woolen cloth and left for two hours. Repeat this procedure is desirable twice a day for thirty days.

An effective folk remedy is the onion compress on the knee. It can be done at night. To do this, apply a slurry to the sore spot, prepared from a tablespoon of sugar and two crushed bulbs.

Prevention

To date, doctors are not aware of any way to prevent injury. Therefore, they give only general recommendations.

To avoid the inflammation of the meniscus, you must observe the utmost care during jogs and jumps.

Girls often do not want to wear shoes on a platform or high heels.

Professional athletes are advised to protect their knees with special fixation bandages. This will significantly reduce the risk of injury in the process of competition or training.

As a consequence, there is a significant reduction in the risk of a meniscus injury.

Do not forget that the strength of muscles and joints also depends on how correctly and balanced the person feeds.

A source: http://.ru/article/284109/vospalenie-meniska-prichinyi-simptomyi-lechenie-rezkaya-bol-v-kolene

Inflammation of the meniscus: causes, symptoms, what to do?

The knee is one of the largest joints of the human body. Every day it withstands a colossal load, which due to the high activity of everyday life is much greater than the human weight.

The knee device is appropriate. In order to compensate for excessive physical stress, nature has provided for the knee-type meniscus - a special cartilaginous lining.

.

Its functions are similar to the functions of intervertebral discs: damping, reducing the intensity of mechanical factors on the cartilaginous tissue. However, this anatomical structure is also imperfect.

.

Inflammation of the meniscus is diagnosed almost the most often when it comes to knee joints.

Etiology of the disease

Factors for the development of meniscal inflammation are manifold. In general, the whole system of causes can be represented as follows:

• Excess weight.The higher the mass of the body, the greater the burden on the locomotor apparatus, in particular, on the meniscus. In this case, the lesion has a physiological nature: the anatomical pad simply wears out before the due date.
• Constant physical activity.In a special group of risk athletes, persons professionally engaged in manual labor. The reason - a permanent mechanical effect on the joints of high intensity.
• Long standing in an upright position.Again, it often has a professional background. Most often suffer cooks, builders and others.
• The presence of systemic genetic diseases, leading to destruction of the musculoskeletal system.
• Endocrine pathologiesof different genesis. First of all, these are diseases caused by excessive cortisol production (Isenko-Cushing syndrome). This syndrome is "glorious" in that within a short time the skeleton literally falls apart under its own weight.
• Presence of diseases of knee jointsin the anamnesis. Arthritis, arthrosis also affects menisci, involving them in the secondary pathological process.
• Disturbance of blood circulationin the field of knee joints. Due to all the same factors: excessive load, long-term stay in an upright position.
• Injuries, injuries.

Rarely when one has to speak about one active factor. Often, when a pathological cause occurs, others follow after it. For example, obesity leads to a violation of blood circulation and the development of secondary arthrosis, etc. Thus, the etiology of the disease is complex.

Clinical picture

Symptom complex is quite specific. The manifestations of the disease are so vivid that it is simply impossible to leave them without attention.

• Pain syndrome.It is characterized by high intensity. Localized by defeat. Strengthens with physical exertion, attempts to lean on the affected leg. It develops in two ways. In the first case, discomfort arises abruptly, characterized by extremely high strength. The patient is unable even to stand. Gradually, after a few days discomfort weakens, but does not completely go away. This is often the case with injuries. In the second case, the pain syndrome is formed gradually, increasing with the passage of time. In this case, the process can develop gradually for months, and sometimes even for years.
• Decreased motor activity of the joint.Occurs even at early stages of pathology formation. The amplitude of flexion and extension movements in the knee joint decreases, a person loses the ability to walk normally.
• Hyperemia of the knee.In other words - redness. Caused by a local increase in temperature and blood flow due to the inflammatory process.
• Often, trauma doctors and orthopedists deal with such a complication of meniscal inflammation as hisrupture (more often traumatic nature). In this case, the joint completely loses its functions. It is developing its blockade with subsequent immobility.
• If you look from the outside,the knee joint increases in size.
• Puffiness observedanatomical structure.
• With flexion-extension of the jointthere is a crunch. This is explained by the secondary inadequacy of the production of natural lubrication.
• Feeling of heaviness in the knee.The patient may feel as if there is a foreign object in the joint.
• Finally, there is a so-called.symptom of overflow.It is characterized by a false sensation, as if the heads of bones roll during the movement.

Often, the described complex of manifestations develops within a short period of time (which is distinguished by the meniscus lesion from arthritis and arthrosis). However, the symptoms are not specific enough. For the statement and verification of the diagnosis, a series of instrumental and laboratory studies is required.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnostics and treatment of problems with the musculoskeletal system are handled by orthopedic doctors. In the traumatic nature of the lesion, additional consultation of a traumatologist is indicated. Diagnosis begins with a patient interview.

The task of the patient is to state as much as possible the complaints about health. So the doctor can put a primary clinical picture in his head. Next, a history of life is collected (which illnesses the patient has previously suffered). An important diagnostic value is the fact of a recent injury.

It is also necessary to find out the specific features of a person's labor activity.

After determining the survey strategy, the doctor appoints the following activities:

• Radiography of the knee.It is necessary to identify all pathologies of bone and cartilaginous tissue. It is distinguished by its simplicity, availability and sufficient informativeness, which is why it is appointed first.
• Ultrasound of the joint.It makes it possible to evaluate the structure of the meniscus, its size, the presence or absence of pronounced lesions.
• Arthroscopy.Invasive endoscopy. It is carried out in extreme cases, when it is not possible to establish the exact nature of the pathology. It consists in the introduction of a flexible endoscope into the joint cavity. The doctor can see the joint cavity and the condition of the cartilaginous tissue with his own eyes.
• MRI.It is shown somewhat less frequently, since it is inaccessible to the general population. The study is able to replace radiography and is highly informative.

Laboratory diagnostic methods are less common, as specifics do not add. However, they allow us to assess the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. This is a general and biochemical analysis of blood.

Tactics of treatment

The tactics of treatment depend on the severity of the lesion and the nature of the process. In case of non-traumatic lesion of the structure, conservative treatment is indicated at early stages. It consists of taking medications:

• Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal origin.Ketorolac, Naise, Ibuprofen and others. In the form of ointments and tablets. Help to remove the inflammation.
• Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.They are injected directly into the joint cavity. Prednisolone, Dexamethasone. They help to quickly and effectively remove inflammation.
• Chondroprotectors.Slow down the pathological process, not allowing the meniscus to collapse. Reception is carried out for a long time.

In cases of traumatic nature of the meniscus lesion, or a degenerative process that is far advanced, the operation is shown. The nature and extent of the intervention also depends on the severity of the lesion.

With partial destruction of the structure, it is shown that the reconstructive operation is designed to restore the functions of the meniscus.

When there is nothing to restore it is shown prosthetics (replacement of a meniscus).

Preventive actions

Inflammation of the meniscus refers to diseases that are easier to prevent than to treat later. Fortunately, no special effort is required. It is enough to follow several tips:

• The body weight should be kept within the limits of the norm. Obesity is the enemy of healthy joints, in particular the knee.
• You can not overcool. Inflammation can also begin due to the effects of cold on the knee area.
• When the physical nature of the work should be regularly arranged breaks for 10-15 minutes.

Inflammation of the meniscus is a formidable pathology that can make a healthy person an invalid. To avoid such an unenviable fate, it is recommended that you regularly undergo preventive examinations and at the first signs of knee problems consult a doctor.

A source: http://zdorovue-systavi.ru/koleni/vospalenie-meniska-prichiny-chto-delat/

Inflammation of the meniscus: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Knee joints are one of the most "loaded" in the body, in addition, they are largely at risk of injury. Therefore, it is quite natural that inflammation of the meniscus is a fairly common pathology.

Meniscus of the knee joint (in fact, in the knee joint there are two of them - the inner and the outer) - this is a cartilaginous tissue, performing cushioning and stabilizing functions, and therefore in diseases or injuries of the meniscus, the whole joint.

At risk are:

• athletes, especially skiers, skaters, jumpers, runners;
• people doing hard physical work;
• people who are obese;
• people with chronic diseases, in which the metabolism and normal blood circulation are disturbed.

Causes of inflammation

Possible causes of inflammation of the knee menisci:

• damage to the meniscus caused by uncoordinated movements or injuries during unsuccessful jumps and squats;
• persistent heavy loads on the legs and knees associated with heavy physical labor, playing sports or because of obesity;
• violation of the blood supply of cartilaginous tissue, which causes degenerative changes in it.

The cause of number 1 are still injuries. With any injuries of the knee joint, the meniscus suffers first of all.

Symptoms

With inflammation of the meniscus, the following symptoms are most often observed:

• Pain in the knee joint, first sharp, then it becomes familiar. Pain syndrome can also develop and increasing, if the inflammation is caused by blood circulation disorders or prolonged high loads.
• Restriction of movements.
• When the meniscus ruptures, the joint is blocked.
• Increased joint volume, with further development of inflammation - edema of adjacent soft tissues.
• The appearance of a click during movement and the symptom of rolling - the patient feels that the heads of bones in the joint are "rolling".
• The feeling of a foreign object in the knee.

In the acute period, the main symptoms (pain and limitation of movements) are clearly expressed, but they can be confused with a knee injury or sprain.

A few days after the injury, the pain is localized in the projection of the meniscus (along the joint space).

As a rule, during this period the patient can clearly indicate the most painful point.

In the transition of inflammation to the chronic form of the patient, uneasy joint pains during descent and climbing the stairs, the feeling of a foreign object inside the knee and, sometimes, clicks.

In the photo - a tear of the meniscus

Diagnostic Methods

Because the symptoms of inflammation are nonspecific - it can be confused with other injuries and knee diseases, sofor the diagnosis is necessary to conduct a thorough examination. In addition to orthopedic examination, the methods of instrumental and instrumental diagnostics are used:

1. X-ray examination. It is worth saying that the X-ray image of meniscus lesions is not visible - their cartilaginous tissue for X-ray radiation is transparent. But the x-ray allows you to exclude other diseases or joint injuries.

2. Ultrasound.

3. Computer or magnetic resonance imaging.

Only after carrying out of corresponding researches it is possible to assert with confidence, that at the patient an inflammation of a meniscus.

Treatment

Treatment for inflammation of the meniscus will depend on the cause that caused the disease (as well as the nature and location of the injury, if the inflammation developed as a consequence of it). What treatment options exist?

• First aid in case of trauma is to remove the blockade of the joint (if any) and to eliminate the consequences of the injury (removal excess synovial fluid and blood from the joint bag), anesthesia, limb immobilization for up to 4 weeks.
• With conservative therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed in the form of ointments, creams or gels, sometimes NSAIDs are taken orally (orally). After removal of the immobilizing bandage, physiotherapy and exercise therapy are prescribed.
• Surgery. To date, most often used arthroscopy - a surgical operation (with a minimal incision and interference with the body) to remove a part of the meniscus or to sew up torn edges if this appears possible.

Folk remedies for this pathology are ineffective.

Timely diagnosis and treatment give good results, allowing to fully restore the work of the knee joint.

Therefore, with the slightest suspicion of inflammation, you should consult your doctor.

And people at risk should carefully monitor their health, because any disease is much easier to prevent than to treat later.

A source: http://SustavZdorov.ru/koleni/vospalenie-meniska.html

Useful information about inflammation of the knee joint meniscus: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods

Meniscus is a special cartilaginous layer of the knee joint. In fact, the meniscus distributes the load on the knee joint, and also protects the articular cartilage. If the knee joint is damaged, meniscus inflammation develops and there is a threat of full wear.

By what signs and symptoms can you determine the inflammation of the meniscus?

In most cases, the symptoms of inflammation begin to appear after an injury.

However, there are elderly people in the risk zone, as well as those whose professional activities are associated with regular loads on their legs.

To avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to see a doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms regularly:

• Sharp shooting pains when bending the knee, squatting
• Constant aching pain in the knee
• Abnormal sounds during ordinary walking (clicks in the knee, crunching, creaking)
• Swelling, swelling of the diseased knee
• Physical displacement of the knee

To prevent the development of inflammation can be by regularly wearing special elastic knee pads.

The most common and effective primary diagnostic measure is the McMurray test. For a healthy person, the test is absolutely painless, but in a patient with a damaged knee joint meniscus this simple exercise causes severe pain.

For the test, the patient lies on her back, lifts the knee bent in the knee and the therapist tries to unbend it as much as possible.

If, after this procedure, the knee looks swollen in a completely bent position, and severe pain is observed, then the meniscus is damaged.In rare cases, after the test, asymmetric pain occurs in the medial meniscus.

But after a simple compress, all the painful symptoms go away. For the appointment of treatment, the therapist is also required to conduct an X-ray examination.

Methods of treating meniscal inflammation

Most meniscus ruptures are cured without surgery.

But if conservative treatment (use of compresses, ointments, total refusal of exercise) is not allows the patient to return to normal life, surgical treatment of inflammation is prescribed meniscus.

Surgical intervention is recommended for those who suffer from regular edema of the knee, as the fluid accumulated in the tissues can damage articular cartilage, and as a result, arthritis will arise. The type of operation is determined depending on the individual characteristics of each patient.

An experienced surgeon will try to keep, or "repair" the meniscus. If you consult a doctor at the initial stages of inflammation, you can do away with the removal of damaged sections of the meniscus, while retaining the healthy cartilage as much as possible.

If the focus of inflammation is measured in millimeters, the surgeon will make tiny holes in the surface of the cartilage to stimulate blood flow, thereby accelerating the healing of the rupture. After arthroscopy, patients undergo accelerated rehabilitation. Also after arthroscopic surgery, the restoration of the medial meniscus occurs several times faster than after partial excision.

But, unfortunately, most patients get on the surgical table when the meniscus is already completely demolished and can not be restored.

Gaps greater than 1 cm wide and 50% deep in the cartilaginous tissue are not amenable to arthroscopic treatment. In such cases, a partial meniskectomy is prescribed.

.

The essence of partial meniscactomy lies in the mechanical smoothing of the lacerated edges of the cartilaginous tissue.

.

During the operation, the damaged cartilage tissue is removed, and healthy tissues are sutured so as to cover the largest possible area of ​​the knee joint.

Partial meniscectomy is recommended for the diagnosis of a foci of inflammation in the vascular region of the knee (red or red-white zone). Healthy ligaments of the knee joint are important for the successful outcome of surgery on the meniscus. Therefore, before performing a meniscetomy, the doctor should rule out any symptoms of sprains in the knee.

If the inflammation has reappeared after the operation, a full meniscectomy with transplantation of the prosthesis is prescribed. Synthetic prosthesis is used mainly to eliminate damage to the medial and lateral menisci.

The porous nature of the spongy prosthesis created in the laboratory allows small blood vessels to germinate directly into foreign tissue. The growth of blood vessels in synthetic tissue provokes the growth of a new cartilage.

After the cartilage expands to the size necessary for the normal functioning of the knee, a special liquid is introduced into the artificial meniscus and it simply dissolves.

More common and cheaper operation: transplanting the meniscus from the donor. It is extremely important to determine the exact size and position of the damaged meniscus.

The main risk is that the waiting period for a suitable donor can drag on for many months.

Fortunately, cartilage implanted from donors is not rejected by the body, while there is such a risk when transplanting a synthetic prosthesis.

.

If at least some small healthy areas of cartilage are found on the joint, an implantation of autologous chondrocytes is prescribed.

.

This is a complex and very expensive two-step procedure in which healthy cartilage tissues are completely removed and used to grow new cells.

New, healthy cells are implanted on the knee joint during an open surgical operation.

The knee should remain stationary approximately 2 weeks after the operation. The minimum movement of the knee can be allowed only in case of emergency for the patient.

If the knee is restored in accordance with an exemplary surgeon schedule, 9 weeks after the operation, it will be possible to resume daily activities. But the restoration of the normal function of the knee does not end there.

The patient is transferred under the supervision of the physiotherapist, and for several months will have to avoid the loads on the operated knee, as well as perform special exercises.

When performing exercises, it is worth emphasizing the strengthening of the muscles that support the injured knee joint (leg muscles), gradually increasing the load.

.

Very good effect for restoring the functions of the knee joint, has a ride on an exercise bike. To begin the exercise, you need to raise the seat to the maximum level (so that the legs are almost straight).

.

After about 5 sessions, you can start to slowly lower the seat. After several weeks of therapy on a bicycle, you can try to practice on the orbitrek, setting a minimum level of load. With the permission of the physiotherapist, you can enroll in the swimming pool.

Begin with 10-15 minutes of aqua aerobics, gradually adding to the session for several minutes of active swimming. At the same time you need to work your feet like a frog. Swimming is an excellent habit for people who are overweight, who suffer from meniscal inflammation. Regular swimming exercises help to lose weight and strengthen muscles, thereby helping to reduce the burden on knee joints and ankles.

How to avoid re-inflammation of the meniscus?

Increased attention to the diseased knee joint will easily help to avoid re-injury. It is necessary to wear an elastic bandage or knee bandage regularly to support the knee.

Even after complete rehabilitation, symptoms of inflammation may occur, so it is necessary to continue the execution of prescribed exercises aimed at strengthening all target muscles, as well as ligaments and tendons around the knee.

If you have little idea of ​​what a meniscus is, how it is arranged and how its injuries occur, then it is highly recommended that you watch this video. So clearly does not tell anyone.

Click on the button of your favorite social network and recovery will come sooner!

A source: http://Sustaolena.ru/bolezni/poleznaya-informaciya-o-vospalenii-meniska-kolennogo-sustava-simptomy-diagnostika-metody-lecheniya.html