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A sudden pulling when bending, a cracking in the knee and afterwards a diffuse pain when climbing stairs or squatting \u2013 meniscus injury is one of the most common knee problems, both in sports accidents and in older age due to normal wear and tear. At Physiotherapie Waidfuss in Z\u00fcrich Wipkingen we help you restore your knee to be stable, pain-free and able to bear weight \u2013 both conservatively and after an operation.<\/p>\n
The meniscus is a semi-moon-shaped cartilage disc in the knee joint that lies between the thigh and shin bones. Each knee has two menisci: the inner meniscus and the outer meniscus. They act like shock absorbers, distributing the load evenly in the joint and stabilizing the knee during rotational and flexion movements. If the meniscus tears, this buffering function is lost at the affected site \u2013 the knee joint is subject to more localized strain and reacts sensitively to certain movements.<\/p>\n
Basically, there are two types of meniscus injuries. The first type is called a Acute rupture<\/strong> It usually occurs due to a sudden twisting of the knee when the foot is fixed \u2013 typical in skiing, football, or other sports that involve a lot of direction changes. Since such injury mechanisms often also affect the anterior cruciate ligament, we always investigate both structures in case of suspected combined injury; more about the cruciate ligament can be found in our post on ACL tear rehab<\/a>. The . degenerative crack<\/strong> Conversely, it develops gradually through the natural wear and tear of the tissue with age, often without a single, memorable trigger.<\/p>\n Whether a meniscus injury is treated conservatively (without surgery) or surgically depends on the shape, location, and size of the tear, as well as the age and activity level of the affected person \u2013 this decision is made by the treating physician. In both cases, physical therapy is a central component: conservatively, to relieve and stabilize the knee through targeted training, and after surgery (partial resection or suturing), to restore mobility, strength, and resilience.<\/p>\n If sudden, severe pain, significant swelling, or a noticeable feeling of blockage in the knee occurs after twisting, you should have this checked by a doctor as soon as possible \u2013 especially to rule out a concomitant ligament injury. In cases of gradually increasing pain without a clear trigger, a physical therapy evaluation is also worthwhile to intervene early before the symptoms worsen.<\/p>\n More on the topic: Physiotherapy after an accident<\/a> and Physical therapy after surgery<\/a>.<\/p>\n Whether caused by an acute sports injury or through gradual wear and tear \u2013 a meniscus injury does not have to be a reason for permanent limitations. With targeted diagnostics, modern equipment such as our Vario ergometer and Kinvent force measurement, and an individual training plan, we can get your knee back on track at Physiotherapie Waidfuss in Z\u00fcrich Wipkingen. Contact us or Arrange an appointment online<\/a> \u2013 we are happy to accompany you on the journey back to your daily routine and sports activities.<\/p>\nConservative or operative?<\/h2>\n
Treatment at Physiotherapie Waidfuss<\/h2>\n
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Self-help: What you can do yourself<\/h2>\n
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When should you see a doctor or go to physical therapy?<\/h2>\n
Final thought<\/h2>\n