The knee joint provides cushioning and flexibility to play sports and to perform many different types of activities. The cartilage of the knee, the meniscus, is found between the bones of the upper and lower legs and the kneecap as they intersect at the knee joint. The meniscus provides support for weight-bearing activities, but it may become torn during strenuous exercise or if the cartilage in your knee is weakened due to age. Meniscal tears cause pain and swelling and diminish movement of the knee. You may need physical therapy as part of a treatment regimen for this type of injury in order to regain full function.
Non-Surgical Treatment
If your meniscal tear is small, you may not need surgery to correct it. Your doctor may recommend an initial period of rest and care of your knee followed by physical therapy exercises to reduce stiffness and swelling. If your injury occurred due to sports, you will need to stop playing until you have recovered. You may need to use crutches or other devices to take the weight off of your knee. Your physical therapist may help you with some types of treatments such as by applying cold packs to the injury. He may also teach you how to apply a compression bandage to wrap your knee, which will lessen blood loss or swelling.
Post-Surgery Physical Therapy
If your meniscal tear is significant, you may need surgery to repair the damage or to remove part of the cartilage. Following surgery, your doctor may recommend that you immobilize your knee for a specified period of time to allow for healing. You may also need to wear a knee brace or to use crutches for a designated time period. Once initial healing has occurred, you may start physical therapy exercises to improve the range of motion in your knee and to promote muscle strength. Your physical therapist will prescribe exercises that will benefit your particular condition and which will work the muscles surrounding your knee to help you regain function and strength.
Types of Exercises
Physical therapy after a meniscal tear focuses on strengthening the muscles of your upper leg, calf and hip, which all work to support the knee. Your physical therapist may have you perform knee bends, which involve standing with the feet shoulder-width apart. Bending at the knees, lower yourself about 6 inches and then straighten to a standing position. This works the muscles on the front of the thigh. For the hamstring muscles, or those on the back of the thigh, you may do floor exercises. Lying prone on the floor, bend at the knee and lift your foot up and toward your back. Slowly lower your leg and repeat as directed. Another type of exercise that your physical therapist may help you with is to stand with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart and slowly raise yourself up onto your heels. This exercise works the calf muscles in the back of your lower leg, below the affected knee joint.
Resuming Activity
Follow the recommendations of your doctor before returning to regular activity. You may continue to practice physical therapy exercises at home to build strength in your injured leg, but stop the exercises if you begin to feel pain or a popping sensation in your knee. According to Timberlane Physical Therapy, a return to regular activities after a meniscal tear typically occurs after about six to eight weeks of physical therapy. You may eventually return to weight bearing exercises, such as regular walking, running or aerobics when you have successfully completed your treatment regimen and your doctor gives you permission.
