Meniscus injuries can be painful and limit your mobility. But did you know that a chiropractor can play a significant role in your recovery? Whether you’re dealing with a lateral meniscus tear or any other meniscus injury, working with a chiropractor is a non-invasive and effective approach to alleviate pain and promote healing.
How Do Meniscus Injuries Happen?
Meniscus injuries, including lateral meniscus tears, can occur due to sudden twists or impacts on the knee joint. It’s true that mild to moderate meniscus tears can heal “on their own”. But this rarely happens with without some form of care because you will keep re-injuring it, making it worse.
If left untreated, as it gets injured again and again, it begins to significantly impact your daily activities and overall quality of life.
Types of Meniscus Injuries
A meniscus is a C-shaped pad made of cartilage on either side of your knee. It works as a shock absorber. There are two main types of meniscus injuries: medial and lateral.
The medial meniscus, located on the inner side of the knee joint, is more commonly injured. The lateral meniscus, positioned on the outer side of the knee joint, is less frequently injured.
Both kinds cause similar meniscal injury symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Limited mobility
- Difficulty straightening or bending the knee
- Popping or clicking sensations during knee movement
- Feeling of instability or giving way
To learn about other knee pain causes, check this out.
Both types of meniscus injuries can range from minor tears to severe and complex tears. The severity and location of the tear within the meniscus play a significant role in determining the appropriate treatment approach.
For the vast majority of injuries, a therapeutic approach, such as chiropractic care is your best option. Only in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or remove the damaged portion of the meniscus. Either way, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for optimal recovery and to prevent further complications.
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How a Chiropractor Helps Meniscus Injuries (3 Steps)
Chiropractors utilize a holistic approach to treat meniscus injuries and address their underlying causes.
1. Chiropractic Assessment
A medial or lateral meniscus tear can cause excruciating pain. So, we share your sense of urgency to stop the pain and restore function. Those are our two primary goals.
To this end, a chiropractor will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the exact nature and extent of your lateral meniscus injury. It involves imaging to look inside and identify where the tear is and how bad it is. It also involves a gentle manual assessment of “where it hurts”. This assessment helps your chiropractor develop a customized treatment plan.
To get to the root cause of this pain and find lasting relief, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive knee evaluation, treatment plan, and an initial adjustment and/or treatment.
Download our Knee on Trac Brochure.
2. Relieving Lateral Meniscus Pain
After the assessment, one of the first things your Truspine chiropractor will want to do—and we think you’ll agree—is to take action to reduce pain levels quickly. We’ll develop a plan to provide quick but short-term relief. This short-term relief gives us a window to start working on therapies that, over time, can improve musculoskeletal alignment, restore functionality, and promote healing for long-term results.
To alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing, we may perform a variety of integrative healing therapies:
- Gentle and specific chiropractic adjustments
- Ultrasound therapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Laser therapy
- Acupuncture
3. Restoring Functionality
When you’re suffering from a meniscus injury, restoring mobility and functionality are crucial. Chiropractors employ various techniques, such as mobilization and soft tissue therapies, to restore joint motion, improve muscle strength, and enhance overall knee function.
Your chiropractor will guide you through corrective exercises during your appointment. We also prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint. These exercises help stabilize the joint, enhance flexibility, and promote long-term recovery.
Be sure to check out other knee pain causes that this comprehensive chiropractic strategy can help.
Natural Healing without Surgery
Chiropractic care provides a non-surgical and drug-free alternative for meniscus injuries. By addressing the underlying causes of the injury and promoting natural healing processes, chiropractors help patients avoid invasive procedures and potential side effects.
If you’re suffering from a lateral meniscus tear or any other meniscus injury, chiropractic care can be a valuable treatment option. With our expertise in musculoskeletal health, we can provide personalized care to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve overall well-being. Don’t let meniscus injuries hold you back—seek the help of a chiropractor to regain control of your life. To get to the root cause of this pain and find lasting relief, schedule an initial consultation, including a full knee evaluation and an adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?
Walking on a torn meniscus can potentially worsen the injury and cause increased pain or further damage.
Will meniscus injuries heal on their own?
A meniscus tear may not heal on its own as the blood supply to the meniscus is limited, and the healing potential depends on the tear type, location, and individual factors.
How long does a meniscus tear take to heal?
The healing time for a meniscus tear can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the tear, treatment approach, and individual healing ability. It can take several weeks to several months.
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
In some cases, a meniscus tear can heal without surgery, particularly for small tears on the outer edge of the meniscus. However, larger tears or tears in the inner part of the meniscus are less likely to heal without surgical intervention.
Can meniscus pain come and go?
Yes, meniscus pain can come and go, particularly if the tear is unstable or if the person engages in activities that aggravate the injury. Symptoms may vary over time.
Which meniscus injuries are more common?
The medial meniscus, located on the inner side of the knee joint, is more commonly injured than the lateral meniscus, which is on the outer side of the knee joint.
Is a torn meniscus a permanent injury?
A torn meniscus can be a permanent injury, especially if it does not heal properly or if surgical intervention is required. However, with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, many individuals can find relief and regain functionality.
Be sure to check out other knee pain causes that this comprehensive chiropractic strategy can help. And You can learn more about how these misalignments contribute to your pain, and what we can do about it when you Schedule an initial consultation for evaluation and first treatment.
