A torn meniscus is a common knee injury. Aging also causes some deterioration of the meniscus that causes it to tear easily as well. Pieces of a torn meniscus can get caught in between your knee joint bones and cause pain, stiffness and limited range of motion and movement. Rehabilitation exercises are often recommended after initial swelling and pain of a torn meniscus have subsided.
Description
The meniscus is cartilage found in the knee joint. Your knee has a lateral and a medial meniscus, and each acts like a cushion or shock absorber that prevents the lower end of your femur, the upper end of the tibia and the kneecap from rubbing against each other when you walk, run or jump. If rest and rehabilitative exercises don't help reduce pain and increase mobility, or if the tear is severe and the ends of the meniscus have separated, surgery may be recommended.
Therapy
Your doctor and a physical therapist will determine a course of rehabilitative exercises and treatments that best meet your individual needs and goals. Rehabilitative therapy is effective in restoring strength and functions to the injured knee joint and may be done at an outpatient rehab center, your gym or your home. Different types of therapy are available, including heat therapy, hydrotherapy, and manual therapy. Careful supervision and guidance is essential to begin your program so that you perform exercises and stretches properly. For surgical patients, therapy usually begins 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
Front Leg Raise
A front leg raise helps strengthen the knee joint and increase endurance in knee, thigh and hip following a short period of inactivity or after surgery. Do this exercise by lying on the floor on your back. Your injured knee is extended; the other knee is bent. Contract the muscles in the thigh of the injured leg and then lift the leg off the floor, toes pointed toward the ceiling. Lift your foot as far as you can without discomfort, but no more than 12 inches off the floor. Hold the peak contraction for 5 to 10 seconds, and then slowly lower your foot to the starting position. Repeat as directed by your therapist.
Shallow Knee Bend
Gradually strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the healing knee joint and promote healing and blood flow to the meniscus by performing a very shallow knee bend. You can do this exercise by standing behind a chair or table. Place your feet shoulder-distance apart, and then very slowly bend your knees. Your knees should always remain behind your toes as you lower your torso 5 or 6 inches. Using your knee and thigh muscles, return to your starting position.
Member Comments