The menisci are two disc-shaped pieces of cartilage located between the femur and shinbone within the knee joints. Performing like small but powerful shock absorbers, the menisci assist in dissipating any impact pressuring the knee joint, such as when trainers engage in weight-bearing exercises. Whenever the knee is flexed, portions of a meniscus relieve the joint of absorbing the full stress of running or landing on the knee. Frequently injured during vigorous physical activity involving twisting or abruptly turning the knee, the meniscus suffers tears that produce pain around the knee joint, as well as stiffness and swelling. Depending on the severity of the meniscus tear, using a treadmill may be limited to slow walking to not using it at all.
Diagnosing the Severity of a Torn Meniscus
If you suspect you are suffering from a torn meniscus and want to use a treadmill, initially have your doctor diagnose the injury and then recommend the best kind of physical activity for your recovery. He may take an MRI of the knee to see the extent of the tear and ask if you have experienced any popping or clicking noises while flexing and extending the knee. If your doctor wants a closer looks at the tear, he may order an arthroscopy, which involves surgically implanting a tiny fiber-optic TV camera into the knee joint. This camera allows a specialist to closely inspect the condition of the meniscus disc.
Recovering from a Minimally Torn Meniscus
During the first few weeks of recovering from a meniscus tear, individuals should practice RICE -- rest, ice, compression and elevation -- until pain and swelling subsides. Gradually, non-weight-bearing exercises can be implemented, which are meant to strengthen the cartilage, restore elasticity and facilitate range of motion. Swimming is an excellent recovery exercise for a meniscus tear, as it gently works out the knee joint without applying extreme pressure on the joint itself. Low-impact stretching exercises are also suggested to boost blood flow to the muscles surrounding the knee joint.
Treadmill Exercising
Using a treadmill is applicable when pain has significantly lessened and strength is returning to the knee. Before attempting to walk on a treadmill, perform several warm-up exercises to reduce the risk of reinjuring the meniscus, such as slowly raising and flexing the knee several times in a row or doing leg lifts wearing light ankle weights. Wearing a knee wrap the first few times you use a treadmill after a meniscus tear will keep the knee supported and aligned as well. Walk at a slow to moderate pace, stopping immediately if pain is experienced in the knee. Never start meniscus recovery exercises on a treadmill by jogging or running.
Benefits of Treadmill Exercise on Meniscus Tears
As a form of low-impact exercise, the treadmill offers numerous benefits for trainers recovering from a meniscus tear. Because the treadmill belt is cushioned, shock is absorbed when walking, which reduces pressure on the knees. Walking outside would present more stress that could potentially reinjure the tear. When initially working out on a treadmill, leave 24 to 48 hours in between sessions to allow the injured knee to rest and regain strength. Gradually, if no problems arise, treadmill walking can be increased and time between sessions can be decreased. Avoid trying to do too much before the knee has healed entirely as meniscus tears are vulnerable to retearing.
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