The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of strong, rubbery cartilage that is located on top of the shinbone, the inner and the larger of the two bones of the lower leg. The meniscus essentially acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone and the shinbone.
Like any other part of the knee, the meniscus is also susceptible to injuries—particularly tears. The meniscus can be torn during physical activities that involve repetitive knee movements or sudden or aggressive pivots.
If you’ve torn a meniscus in either knee, your orthopedic specialist will do a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment. For mild to moderate cases, your orthopedic specialist will likely recommend physical therapy, either as a standalone treatment or as an adjunct to other treatment methods.
Your physical therapy program may incorporate the following exercises, which are aimed at helping you regain your balance, ambulation, and normal knee function as well as addressing your symptoms.
Heel Slides
Lie on your back with your legs flat on the floor, then slowly bend your affected leg. Hold it back toward your buttocks as far as possible. Then, slowly straighten your leg. Do this up to ten times.
Prone Hang
Lie flat on your stomach with your affected leg hanging off the end of your bed, at your knee. Slowly straighten the leg, hold for 30 seconds, and then bend it. Repeat three times.
Quad Sets
Lie flat on your back, then put a small rolled towel under your affected knee. Gradually tighten your quadriceps (the large, fleshy muscles that cover the front and sides of your thigh). Hold for five seconds, and release it slowly. Do this up to five times.
Straight-Leg Raises
Lie flat on your back, then straighten your legs. Tighten your quadriceps, and raise your affected leg straight up from your hip. Hold it for five seconds, and then slowly lower it. Repeat up to fifteen times.
Single-Leg Stance
Stand with both feet on the floor, then slowly raise and bend your affected leg. Hold your leg at the bent position for five to ten seconds, and then slowly lower it. Aim for good balance with no wobbling.
Where Can I Find Physical Therapy Near Me?
For first-rate physical therapy services in Clinton Township in Michigan, visit us at Movement Orthopedics. We offer on-site physical therapy services to help our patients effectively manage their orthopedic conditions and injuries.
To get a referral to see one of our licensed physical therapists, schedule an appointment with our board-certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Carroll by calling us at (586) 426-3785. You may also request an appointment online.
