Causes and symptoms of knee meniscus inflammation
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Definition of disease
The menisci of the knee joints are necessary for the normal distribution of the load on the bones of the limbs, for smoothing and reducing the friction of the contacting surfaces of the bones, and perform a stabilizing function. In the anatomy of the knee joint, there are two menisci - the outer (lateral) and the inner (medial).
Causes of inflammation of the knee meniscus
Due to certain difficulties in diagnosis and the similarity of symptoms with other diseases of the knee joint, primary damage to the menisci is not always detected. Standard conservative treatment is carried out as for ordinary bruises or sprains.
Thanks to the imposition of tight bandages or plaster braces, which provide a state of rest to the injured joint, relief and temporary normalization of the condition really come. But if the damage is severe, the improvement will only be apparent.
Symptoms of the knee meniscus inflammation
As a rule, after the end of treatment and stabilization of the condition, the patient returns to his usual way of life. After some time, the load on the damaged joint is carried out in full, and this can cause the development of post-traumatic synovitis if the disease has not been properly treated. Repeated trauma, even a slight or awkward movement, leads to the fact that synovial fluid again accumulates in the joint, its functionality is impaired, or the blockade is repeated. This is called secondary inflammation of the knee meniscus or chronic damage to the meniscus.
The clinical picture consists of a local pain syndrome that occurs during movement. The patient cannot fully extend the leg or sit down, that is, there is a full restriction of movement. It is often very difficult or impossible for the patient to move without assistance. When the block is removed, joint function is usually fully restored.
Since synovial fluid accumulates in the joint, symptoms of re-inflammation or post-traumatic synovitis are present. This disease leads to the fact that the muscle strength of the injured limb gradually weakens, the coordination of the muscles is impaired and their malnutrition is noted. Old inflammation of the meniscus is also dangerous because it can cause post-traumatic arthrosis or the gradual destruction of articular cartilage.
Diagnosis of inflammation of the knee meniscus
To exclude fractures, an X-ray examination is prescribed, which, unfortunately, does not show damage to the menisci, since they consist of cartilaginous tissue that is transparent to X-rays. A detailed collection of anamnesis and especially the mechanism of injury, as well as a physical examination of the patient, plays a decisive role in the diagnosis.
In modern medicine, an informative research method for this disease is magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography.
The most accessible and widespread method is ultrasound.
Inflammatory diseases of the menisci are rarely an independent disease, more often they are accompanied by damage to other components of the knee joint - ligaments, cartilage or the joint capsule itself. The final diagnosis is confirmed at the first stage of arthroscopic surgery, that is, by visual examination of the knee joint cavity using the latest technology.
Treatment of inflammation of the knee meniscus
The choice of treatment method depends on the nature of the injury and the severity of the patient's condition. In severe cases, when the process involves more than half of the meniscus, or when the inflammation is extensive, surgical treatment is indicated. Anesthesia is of paramount importance; in the acute period, even narcotic analgesics are used. Anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that stimulate the connection of cartilage tissue, enhance the metabolism in the connective tissue and intra-articular fluid - chondroxides are mandatory.
Dietary supplements with collagen, which is a constituent of the cartilaginous tissue of the meniscus, are often prescribed to help reduce inflammation. In addition, the intake of vitamins of groups A, C and E also contributes to a speedy recovery. Often, to obtain the maximum result from treatment, a plaster cast is applied for a period of no more than two weeks.
Modern methods of treatment and medications used can cure the disease and avoid possible complications. And systematic sports activities will help to avoid serious injuries of the knee menisci.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".
