Protect Your Knees: A Look At The Three Most Meniscus Injury Causes
/Meniscus tears can be a painful and debilitating injury that may limit a person’s mobility and quality of life. Fortunately, physical therapy and chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option, especially when combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment. Meniscus tears will present different symptoms for each person, and having a healthcare professional assess your injury will help determine the treatment plan.
Here at HealthFit Physical Therapy and Chiropractic, our experts will work with you to begin restoring strength and flexibility to the affected area through targeted exercises and stretches. Whatever your ultimate goal is, we will help improve range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and increase overall strength and mobility. We also provide specific therapies that can help with the alignment of the affected joint and improve overall function. By improving alignment and joint mobility, we can also reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and prevent further injury to the joint.
When it comes to suffering from a meniscus tear, there are a number of factors that can impact the severity of the injury. The Top 3 Common Reasons for meniscus tears that are seen at HealthFit are related to Sports Injuries, Traumatic Injuries, Age & Wear and Tear.
1) Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are a common cause of meniscus tears, especially in activities that involve explosive changes of direction, jumping, or high impact. Athletes, of all ages, who participate in sports such as football, basketball, and soccer are at higher risk for meniscus tears because of the demand on the body from the sport. These activities put a great deal of pressure on the knee joints, which can cause the meniscus to tear or become damaged.
The different types of tears that can occur in the meniscus depends on the activity. For example, a tear that occurs from a twisting motion may result in a different type of tear than one that occurs from direct impact to the knee. In some cases, athletes may not even realize they have suffered a meniscus tear until later on, as the pain and swelling may not develop immediately. When left untreated, meniscus tears can worsen over time, leading to even more serious complications and potentially requiring surgery. It’s important for anyone who deals with reoccurring knee pain to seek medical attention if they suspect they have suffered a meniscus tear. With proper assessment from a health professional, you can make sure that the right treatment plan is catered to your specific recovery goals.
2) Age, Wear & Tear
With aging, the wear and tear on our bodies can cause degenerative changes in our joints, especially in the knees. Over time, the meniscus can become weakened and more prone to tearing. Additionally, certain occupations and sports that involve a lot of squatting, twisting, kneeling, running, and jumping can also contribute to the development of meniscus tears due to repetitive stress on the knee joints.
Another factor that can contribute to meniscus tears is being overweight or obese. The added weight places additional pressure on the knee joints, which increases the risk of injury and discomfort. In some cases, a meniscus tear may occur with no specific injury or incident, but rather as a result of the accumulated damage and stress over time. While meniscus tears may be more common in older individuals, they can occur at any age and in people with varying levels of physical activity. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect a meniscus tear, in order to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
3) Traumatic Injuries
Traumatic injuries are a common cause of meniscus tears, particularly in athletes or those who engage in high-impact activities. These injuries can occur due to sudden change in direction or twists of the knee joint that may occur during sports like basketball, soccer, or football. Traumatic injuries can also occur from falls or other accidents that place stress on the knee joint. Regardless of the specific cause, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience a traumatic injury to the knee, in order to prevent further damage and receive appropriate treatment for any injuries sustained.
When traumatic injuries occurs, the force exerted on the knee joint can cause the meniscus to tear or damage. For some people, the tear may be partial, while in others, it may be a complete tear that requires surgery to repair. Additionally, traumatic injuries may lead to other types of knee issues, such as ligament sprains or strains, that can further impact the stability of the joint and increase the risk of future meniscus tears.
If you or someone you know has been dealing with knee issues that could be related to meniscus tears CLICK HERE to fill out an Initial Evaluation Form to meet with one of our health professionals today! Whether you’re suffering from swelling, pain, or uncomfortable clicking in your knees, HealthFit’s experts can help you get back to doing the things you love while being pain free.
Struggling with a hamstring injury and eager to return to your usual activities? You're in the right place! In this blog, I'll discuss how combining Physical Therapy with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can expedite your recovery from hamstring injuries, a common plight among athletes and physically active individuals. These injuries often occur during high-speed activities like sprinting, jumping, or abrupt directional changes—challenges I frequently encountered while working in professional soccer.
Recovering from a hamstring injury can be a slow and frustrating process, significantly impacting your ability to walk, run, and perform daily tasks. This is where HBOT comes in. By sitting in a pressurized chamber and breathing enriched oxygen, your body can absorb more oxygen, promoting faster healing and enhancing your overall health. At HealthFit, our state-of-the-art hyperbaric chambers are designed to help you recover more quickly and effectively. Join me as we explore how this powerful combination of therapies cannot only heal current injuries but also prevent future ones, getting you back on track to doing what you love.