Meniscus pain

What is

The menisci are pieces of cartilage that help the cushioning of loads between the bones that are part of the knee joint. In each knee we have two menisci, the medial one that is located in the internal part and the lateral one that is located in the external part of the joint. Each one is formed by three parts, which can be injured separately or as a whole. At the moment that an injury occurs it can produce a picture that produces pain, inflammation and effusion of the joint and limitation for the mobility.

Causes

Sudden movements when playing sports.
Osteoarthritis: degeneration of the knee “wear and tear” due to age or hereditary factors.

Type

Injuries in young patients and athletes

It is usually produced by a movement of abrupt turn an extensive lesion of the meniscus takes place and generally it comes accompanied of lesions the ligaments (anterior cruciate ligament or internal lateral ligament). In them the meniscus is injured in an important way and it is usually accompanied of blockades of the articulation.

Injuries in older patients with osteoarthritis

They are breaks of small size that generate edges that irritate the cartilage and produce great sensation of pain. It is generally caused by wear and tear of the joint.

Symptoms

The most common is pain, swelling and joint effusion when they occur, which usually come and go. We usually notice it in everyday movements such as going up and down stairs or we can even feel how the knee locks or gets stuck.

Approach protocol

Diagnosis and assessment

A correct medical evaluation will be necessary by means of a good anamnesis, physical examination and, if necessary, support of imaging tests, focusing especially on detecting which are the factors that have led to the inflammation of this pad. We will observe whether these factors are purely related to the activities performed by the patient or if there is any anatomical alteration that favors it. The multidisciplinary vision is essential for a comprehensive approach, personalized and focused on achieving a prolonged relief of pain depending on the phase in which it is so it is possible that we have the intervention of professionals in biomechanics, podiatry and physiotherapy.

Complementary tests

X-ray and/or MRI.

Treatment

The treatment of this pathology will depend to a great extent on the patient’s condition, age and symptoms and the condition of the meniscus. We will try in the first instance to avoid surgery whenever possible and when the lesion size and location of the treatment allows it.

Interventional medical treatments:
- Treatments such as regenerative medicine:
  - Platelet-rich plasma: the compound extracted from the patient’s own blood has a concentrate of anti-inflammatory factors and cytokines that make it very useful for this pathology.
  - Cytokine-rich serum: this is a different process to platelet-rich plasma in which a compound rich in anti-inflammatory cytokines is also obtained from the blood.
  - Stem cells: originating from the patient’s bone or fat, they have a regenerative and anti-inflammatory power that makes them a unique treatment for pain relief.
- Treatments with hyaluronic acid: as well as regenerative medicine, it reduces pain and favors meniscus recovery.

Physiotherapy: methodology based on knowledge and clinical reasoning in which we combine a series of techniques and treatments both manual therapy and invasive techniques, always associated or complementing them with cutting-edge technology that allows us to accelerate the recovery process. Among other high-tech devices include Magnetolith, SIS, focal shock waves, Indiba, among others. This therapeutic combination allows us to activate the patient early to begin with a routine and a process of specific therapeutic exercises that allow us to enhance and strengthen the lost functional patterns.

Here begins your life without pain

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Carolina Rudski

9 hours ago

Acudí al Dr. Algarra por mis problemas de espalda y me ha ayudado mucho, especialmente a entender la causa de mi dolor. Me escuchó con atención, me explicó todo con claridad y resolvió mis dudas, transmitiéndome mucha tranquilidad. Agradezco su cercanía y el tiempo que dedica a entender lo que le pasa al paciente. También quiero destacar a su secretaria, Raquel, que es encantadora, muy atenta y resolutiva. Da gusto encontrarse con profesionales así. Muy buena experiencia con los dos.

María Jesús González Diaz

10 hours ago

con esta reseña quiero agradecer la amabilidad, la humanidad. el buen trato. la rapidez, la profesionalidad de todo el grupo, tanto del Doctor especialistas como enfermeras y asistentes. muchísimas gracias por el trato recibido. es un placer estar en manos de seres humanos como ustedes.

Sandra Sánchez

1 day ago

maris fran

2 days ago

Equipo excepcional y muy humano gracias por ayudarme sin duda lo recomiendo.

María Soler Schneider

2 days ago

Parece que los seres humanos estamos programados para quejarnos y muchas veces se ve lo que esta bien con normalidad. En este caso quiero reconocer la siempre buena atención en mostrador del MIVI Fuengirola, así como la Jose. el profesor de pilates, por la excelencia en su trabajo, su paciencia, su trato siempre amable, recordando siempre los problemas y preferencias de cada una. Gracias

María José A. B.

4 days ago

Después de muchos años padeciendo fuertes dolores y tras someterme en otros centros a otras pruebas e intervenciones , el Dr. Rubén Algarra ha conseguido que a día de hoy viva sin dolor. Desde el primer día que me vio ya acertó con el diagnóstico .Gran profesional al que le estaré eternamente agradecida. Y a la señorita Raquel por su amabilidad y su gran ayuda al darme las citas.