What is it?
Medial Meniscal, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), and / or Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tears.
Causes:
Medial Meniscal, ACL and MCL tears are usually caused by significant contact knee injury, usually through sport or twisting when weight-bearing.
Signs & Symptoms:
Moderate to severe pain in the knee, immediate swelling, reduced weight-bearing and movement, often associated with instability and “popping”.
Treatment:
Assessment via a GP or Physiotherapist combined with scans to confirm early diagnosis. Immediate treatment options are PRICE – Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to minimise damage to surrounding tissue. Initial bracing, splinting and crutches for immobilisation may assist swelling reduction. With full-thickness tears surgery may be necessary.
Prognosis:
Anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months of treatment may be required for Medial Meniscal, ACL and MCL tears, consisting of regaining range of movement, restoring muscle strength, and gradual return to normal daily activities.