We can all suffer from acute knee pain at any stage of our lives. If one plays sport this is often as a result of trauma, caused by collision in contact or a twisting movement following an abrupt change in direction.
Cartilage tears (meniscus, floating moon shaped pieces of cartilage that help cushion the knee joint), internal and external ligament strains are often the damaged tissue causing the pain. In middle age, the meniscus is more often than not the problem and can become damaged after excessive periods of time spent with a bent knee (gardening, DIY and activities when one is often bent down, such as dinghy sailing, skiing etc..).
MRI scans will quickly and efficiently reveal the damaged tissue. So what happens post diagnosis? Historically the go to treatment would be an arthroscopy (keyhole surgery performed with a small camera), the offending tear or loose body removed. This involves multiple visits to a GP, physio and then consultant if going through the NHS and long delays for hospital appointments and the subsequent risk associated with surgery.
Recent research has now discovered that meniscus tears are normal degenerative changes that occur within a knee, particularly in active individuals from approximately the age of 30 onwards. Therefore, unless there is a loose body floating around, causing irritation and as a result inflammation, then the meniscus should be left well alone. Removal and shaving of the meniscus can dramatically increase risk of early arthritis and pain resulting in poor knee function and cessation of any strenuous or sporting activity.
Conservative treatment including, RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), a course of anti inflammatory medication (seek advice from a medical professional) manual therapy and appropriate exercise rehabilitation, will have one pain free and back to full function.
Please call or email us at www.lucerneclinic.co.uk ph 020 71682471 if you have any questions or would like to discuss your knee problem.