Meniscus pain
Synonyms in a broader sense
Cartilage disc, anterior horn, pars intermedia, posterior horn, inner meniscus, outer meniscus,
English: meniscus
Sports injury or degeneration
Meniscus pain can have several triggers. Most often these are either due to long-term wear and tear (degeneration) or caused by an injury, typically during sports.
In the case of a sports injury, an incorrect, jerky movement, often combined with a twist in the knee joint (often when stopping or when changing direction, for example when playing football or skiing) or direct violence (for example due to a fall or the kick of a teammate) leads to sudden sharp pain in the knee joint. Often this pain is caused by damage to the outer meniscus or, more often, the inner meniscus, usually in the form of a meniscus tear.
Read more on the topic: Meniscus irritation or squeezing
In the case of degenerative changes in the knee joint (usually due to a arthrosis caused by the wear and tear of the Cartilage tissue, from which the menisci arise) the pain develops over a longer period of time and does not appear as acute. Often they are hardly noticed at first, so that the exact beginning of the complaints can no longer be determined afterwards. In the course of this, however, these continue to increase and at some point severely limit the person affected. This form of pain is particularly common elderly patients in front.
Symptoms
Next Pain one observes the damaged meniscus sometimes more symptoms. These also have their origin where the pain occurs, on the knee. Other symptoms are for example one Swelling of the knee joint (Knee effusion) and Restrictions on mobility. The effusion comes about through the tear in the meniscus, which sets inflammatory processes in motion and leads to overproduction where the synovial fluid is formed. The joint and the surrounding tissue swell significantly. It comes to Baker's cyst, in some cases tingling or numb discomfort occur when Nerves pinched as a result have been. These occur where the nerve has its innervation area, i.e. on the Lower leg in front or in the calf. The Restrictions on movementOther symptoms that can appear where a meniscus is torn are a combination of pain, swelling and possible nerve damage.
More severe symptoms occur when parts of the meniscus tear off completely and float freely in the joint. These parts can hinder processes in the joint. One example is extension inhibition, in which it is no longer possible to extend the leg. You can sometimes also hear a click or snap in the joint, where torn off parts lead to blockages. Usually, however, pain is the predominant symptom of a meniscus lesion.
Appointment with a knee specialist?
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Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me live every 6 weeks on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)
The knee joint is one of the most stressful joints.
Therefore, the treatment of the knee joint (e.g. meniscus tear, cartilage damage, cruciate ligament damage, runner's knee, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I treat a wide variety of knee diseases in a conservative way.
The aim of all treatment is treatment without surgery.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
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Localization of the meniscus pain - hollow of the knee
Where a meniscus Causing pain is different.
A meniscus makes pain when, for example injured by a tear or stretch has been. This can cause the pain too in the hollow of the knee occur.Where the pain occurs depends on the person Localization of the injury from. Usually pain occurs laterally in the meniscus, in the hollow of the knee are they mainly noticed when that Posterior horn of the meniscus injured has been.
Walking or running, that too Stand up or stretch the knee not infrequently causes pain in the hollow of the knee. There is also a special phenomenon that is noticeable in the hollow of the knee, the so-called Baker's cyst. These occurs in some cases in addition to damage to the meniscus.
The Knee joint, in which the menisci are located, is of one Synovial membrane surround. When a meniscus is damaged, The inflammation increases the pressure in the joint, to which the surrounding structures have to give in to a certain degree. Then forms through the point where there is the least resistance between two muscles in the hollow of the knee there is a bulge towards the back, one Baker's cyst arises. It comes to one noticeable swelling in the hollow of the kneethat can cause pain. Although other disorders of the joint can bring about this cyst, one is Lesion on the meniscus is a typical risk factor.
The Baker cyst is usually recognized in the MRI of the hollow of the kneewhich is made after persistent pain and swelling in the hollow of the knee.
The therapy is the Treat causes in the joint. The meniscus needs to be cleaned up and the inflammation controlled to bring the pressure back to normal where the cyst originated. Only in an emergency if there is also a pain in addition to the pain Numbness or poor circulation should occur, the Cyst punctured or surgically removed become. However, this does not eliminate the cause, so a recurrence is relatively likely. However, not all pain in the back of the knee is caused by a Baker's cyst Damage to the meniscus alone also often radiates into this region.
Figure meniscus
- Inner meniscus -
Medial meniscus - Inner articular knot
(Shinb.) -
Medial condyle - Transverse ligament of the knee joint -
Lig. Transversum genus - Kneecap ligament -
Patellar ligament - Bursa - Bursa
- Outer meniscus -
Lateral meniscus - External convolutions
(Shinb.) -
Lateral condyle - Anterior cruciate ligament -
Lig. Cruciatum anterius - Posterior cruciate ligament -
Posterior cruciate ligament - Femur - Femur
- Shin - Tibia
- Kneecap - patella
You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations
Pain signals
In either case, however, the pain is not caused by the meniscus itself. The menisci consist of cartilage, a fabric that does not match Blood vessels and Nerve fibers is supplied. This is why the menisci themselves cannot transmit a pain signal to the brain. By Cracks or chipped pieces of cartilage however, the surrounding tissue can be irritated or damaged and a pain signal can be generated. It often comes in addition to one Inflammatory response or one Joint effusionthat both become one swelling or one overheat and Redness of the affected knee.
Meniscus Pain - Especially at Night?
Acute meniscus pain usually occur suddenly and in the form of shooting, stabbing or pulling pains. Chronic pain express themselves similarly, but usually develop continuously and increase in intensity over time.
In the advanced stage there are pains of the meniscus but often also situation-dependent and make up at night when lying down noticeable or occur at rest.
Even if the meniscus is torn unnoticed, the pain is often only noticed after a long period of rest, for example the next morning when you put weight on the knee. Often these pains are then below the Kneecap noticeable, the knee can be swollen and mobility restricted.
Meniscus pain that occurs at night is, for example, caused by Meniscus tears caused by which the meniscus tissue can shift when lying down for a long time and against the Joint capsule can press. The knee joint capsule has a great many annoy solid, irritation leads to severe pain.
In the case of meniscus pain that occurs at night, a detailed diagnostic evaluation by a doctor is recommended. Of nocturnal meniscus pain are so-called morning start-up pain to be distinguished in the knee as it is a sign of a Knee osteoarthritis, a chronic wear and tear of the Cartilage, could be. Often the knee is stiff and painful in the morning, but this improves with movement during the day. A medical examination is recommended.
Meniscus pain when exercising
Some sports carry a high risk of knee discomfort and meniscus pain. It is so often Jumping sports like volleyball or sports with abrupt stops and quick turns like tennis or squash, which cause meniscus pain.
Recreational athletes who go through inappropriate shoes, inadequate training or Obesity challenge improper overload of the menisci.
It is very important for the meniscus and the prevention of pain to be active in sports. Because the meniscus will not well supplied with blood and is only used for movements in the knee joint Synovial fluid nourishes. With a sufficient Warm up Before exercise, the meniscus can better cushion shocks.
In addition, the correct dosage of sports that put stress on the knee, such as jogging, is advisable; beginners in particular should start slowly and gradually increase. Strong leg muscles are required for any sporting activity, as this reduces the strain on the knees by up to 30 percent can be reduced and the risk of injury is reduced. Appropriate footwear During sporting activities, meniscus pain can also be effectively prevented, as the strain on the knees can be reduced.
Meniscus pain after jogging
Lots of runners, especially Hobby runner or beginner, report more or less often about Pain after jogging. It is not uncommon knee affected. After jogging it can be too Overloads in the knee joint come, especially if im rather untrained condition is located. Most of the time they go Pain gone a day or two after jogging, but in some cases the meniscus behind it. You can tell whether the meniscus is responsible for the pain by looking at where the pain occurs.
On the side of the knee is the one characteristic pointwhere the meniscus causes pain. However, it is more likely rarely that a meniscus is acutely damaged while joggingbecause this requires a forceful application of force. This can be done e.g. with Twist happen. If the meniscus is responsible for pain after jogging, it is likely to be degenerative reduction of the cartilage where the meniscus is heavily loaded, what especially the elderly concerns. Even after previous operation a meniscus can cause discomfort after jogging, so the stress should be reduced here.
Meniscus pain after surgery
Was a Surgical damage to the meniscus treated, it can be after surgery Farther to Pain come. As after every operation, the The surgical wound first heals and the meniscus, if not removed, will grow back together and regenerate. This can cause pain.
So should one in the first weeks after surgery pay attention to the Do not put unnecessary strain on the meniscus. But even in the long term, you may not be completely without pain after surgery. Especially for the Meniscus of demanding sports such as soccer or skiing pain can occur again in the knee where the operation took place after a long period of stress. However, these usually disappear again after exercise. This does not have to be a sign of renewed injury to the meniscus, but is usually due to the fact that a Meniscus is often not so resilient after surgery is like a healthy, unoperated meniscus. Therefore you should use the Reduce the intensity of exercise. Nevertheless, there are also many people who no longer complain of pain after an operation.
Relieve meniscus pain
There are some therapy modalities that can help conservative (non-surgical) treatment of meniscus pain can be used. If the meniscus pain occurs acutely, you should put as little weight on the leg as possible. Put up, Protection and cooling counteract swelling and alleviate acute symptoms.
A sports ointment with an analgesic effect and an elastic bandage or sports bandage can also counteract meniscus pain.
By acupuncture or special injection procedures into the joint can also provide relief from pain. With drugs that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects (e.g. anti-inflammatory drugs such as Diclofenac, Voltaren®) the pain can be effectively relieved.
It is advisable to reduce obesity because the higher the person's body weight, the greater the risk that the knee joint will be damaged.
In some cases, the regulation of orthopedic shoes or insoles possible misalignments and the resulting painful incorrect loading of the meniscus are compensated.
Other ways to relieve meniscus pain are water and bath therapy procedures, electrotherapy, Ultrasound therapy or physical therapy procedures. Basically, we recommend an in-depth Muscle training to be completed in order to strengthen and build up the muscles around the knee. This can often relieve pain symptoms.
If a direct accident event is responsible for the meniscus pain and the symptoms last longer than one to two days, a doctor should be consulted so that correct therapy can be initiated.
Diagnosis of meniscus damage
If you experience pain in your knee joint, you should either directly Orthopedic surgeons or his Family doctor choose who, after a medical history is taken and a basic diagnosis is made, if there is still a suspicion of pain emanating from the meniscus, a referral to an orthopedic doctor.
The orthopedic surgeon will eventually perform some clinical tests called meniscus tests to see if the pain is actually from the meniscus.
In many cases this also involves making one X-ray image and usually also performing one Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) makes sense.
Meniscus damage cannot be shown by either the meniscus tests or an x-ray. Only through an MRI can the cause of the pain be shown through imaging.
Treatment / what to do
The menisci compensate for incongruences (inequalities) between the articular surfaces of the bones involved in the knee joint. They lie like small, crescent-shaped, uneven disks between the thigh bone (femur) and the so-called tibial plateau of the shin (tibia). Pain that is caused by damage to the menisci manifests itself as knee pain and cannot always be differentiated from other causes such as a torn ligament. Often athletes are affected by meniscus injuries or workers, such as tilers, who put a lot of stress on their knees.
A distinction is made between different injuries or causes of meniscus pain, the most important of which are the Mensikus bruise, the Meniscal tear or one degenerative Change, say one arthrosis, are. Meniscus injuries, such as a meniscus tear, are often symptom-free and do not hurt that much. If there are symptoms, however, it is characterized by a lack of extension and flexion, more or less severe pain in the hollow of the knee and on the sides above the injured meniscus. These pains extend into the shinbone.
If you feel pain in the knee, for example immediately after an injury while exercising, it is advisable to start with the knee no longer to burden and good too cool. To do this, you can wrap cold and damp cloths around the affected knee. However, cooling elements should never be placed directly on the affected area. Furthermore you can elastic bandages or Knee bandages Initially alleviate the symptoms. Such bandages are usually available in pharmacies. There you can also search for a Painkiller or an ointment that relieves pain and inflammation, which will improve the symptoms. However, if the pain is very severe, the knee is swollen or red and mobility is severely restricted hours or about a day later, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will examine the knee joint thoroughly.
Whether and how the knee is then treated further depends on the severity and type of injury and the patient's level of training. With slight degenerative changes or injuries and a good level of training of the patient can physiotherapy Exercise is enough to make the pain go away. However, if the meniscus is torn or severely damaged, a surgery may be necessary, in which the torn parts of the meniscus are partially resected by means of knee joint arthroscopy (arthroscopy). As a basic therapy, however, physiotherapy is usually prescribed first. Before an operation is performed, an MRI must confirm that this is really necessary. In the case of a very serious injury and a very advanced degenerative change, a artificial meniscus be transplanted.
homeopathy
One can also try pain from an injured person meniscus With homeopathy To become master. A number of homeopathic remedies have been around for a long time Joint discomfort used to the Relieve pain and stop inflammatory processes. It must be clearly stated that no tear or similar damage to the meniscus healed with homeopathy alone Can be homeopathic or herbal remedies, however supportive can be used in addition to conventional medical treatment to alleviate symptoms.
In the Acute phase will the Alleviate the pain probably too weak using homeopathy. After an operation or as part of conservative therapy, these remedies make more sense. The therapy for pain on the meniscus, on the other hand, always includes one Orthopedic surgeonswho did the damage objectively assessed and appropriate therapy can initiate.
The use of homeopathy should also be used by one for this trained specialist to be accompanied. In homeopathy, substances such as Aconitum napellus used against inflammation, for example Acidum nitricum help. There are also preparations for the swelling, which can cause pain, such as Apisinum. At best, it will Homeopathic remedies combined with conventional medicine, on Self-medication should be waived because of possible interactions between the funds.
