How to treat a grade 2 meniscus injury
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
A grade II meniscus injury may be caused by improper exercise posture, overuse of the joint, muscle strength imbalance, arthritis, etc. It can generally be treated through adequate rest, rehabilitation exercises, physical therapy, medication, or surgical treatment. During exercise, sudden stops, abrupt turns, or incorrect posture during squats can lead to wear and damage of the meniscus.
Grade II meniscus injury may be caused by improper exercise posture, overuse of the joint, muscle strength imbalance, trauma, arthritis, etc., and is generally treatable through adequate rest, rehabilitation exercises, physical therapy, medication, or surgical treatment. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Improper exercise posture: During exercise, sudden stops, sharp turns, or incorrect posture during squats may cause uneven pressure on the meniscus, leading to wear and injury. Patients should rest adequately, avoid excessive activity, and allow the injured knee joint to rest fully, thus creating a stable environment for self-repair of the meniscus.
2. Overuse of the joint: Long-term engagement in work or sports requiring repeated knee flexion and extension, such as prolonged mountain climbing or cycling, can cause gradual meniscal wear, which may progress to grade II injury. It is recommended to perform isometric contraction exercises of the quadriceps, such as straight leg raises. Once the pain subsides, gradually begin range-of-motion exercises for knee flexion and extension.
3. Muscle strength imbalance: Imbalanced muscle strength around the knee joint—for example, when the quadriceps are overly strong while the hamstrings are relatively weak—can make the meniscus more susceptible to injury and cause pain under such unstable conditions. During the acute phase of injury, cold compresses may be applied initially to reduce swelling and pain. During the recovery phase, warm towel compresses may be used to promote blood circulation and accelerate tissue repair.
4. Trauma: Previous knee injuries, such as sprains or bruises, that were not treated promptly may gradually worsen, leading to grade II meniscus injury. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen tablets or celecoxib capsules as directed by a physician; these medications have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and can help alleviate pain caused by meniscus injury.
5. Arthritis: Arthritis may be caused by wear and tear, immune factors, etc., and can lead to degeneration and wear of the articular cartilage. When the articular cartilage is worn away, the pressure on the meniscus significantly increases, leading to injury. Conservative treatments such as medication and physical therapy are generally recommended. If conservative treatment proves ineffective and symptoms severely affect daily life, patients may follow medical advice to undergo surgery, such as arthroscopic meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy.
In daily life, patients should cultivate healthy habits and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods, such as pepper, chili, garlic, etc., as these may hinder recovery.
