What is a meniscus?

Menisci are two semi-circular wedge-shaped fibrocartilaginous structures in between the femur (bone at the top of the knee joint) and the tibia (bone at the bottom of the knee joint). There are two menisci in each knee joint.

What is the function of the meniscus?

Menisci act as shock absorbers between the femur bone (bone at the top) and the tibia bone (bone at the bottom). The menisci help to transmit weight from one bone to another and play an important role in knee stability.

What is a meniscus tear/rupture?

The meniscus can tear from acute trauma or as the result of degenerative changes that happen over time. 

What are the causes of meniscus tear/rupture?

Acute meniscus tears often happen during sports mostly during twisting and pivoting.  With aging menisci likely have degenerative tears. Worn tissue is more prone to tears.

What are the common symptoms of meniscus tear/rupture?

One or more symptoms can be seen after a meniscus injury.

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Tenderness
• Lack of stability
• Catching or locking of knee
• The feeling of the knee giving away
• Discomfort while walking, stair climbing, jogging, jumping.

What is the impact of meniscus injury on daily activities?

• Meniscus injury can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
• Activities such as walking, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, and getting up from a seated position to sitting on the ground, jumping, jogging or running can become difficult.
• It can also affect participation in sports and exercise.

What are the risk factors for developing meniscus injury?

• Obesity (increased body weight)
• Joint injuries
• Joint overuse
• Lack of proper strength and conditioning exercises
• Ageing
• Certain occupations involve repetitive knee stress.

What treatment can be offered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Based on the examination, reports, and medical and surgical history doctor will prescribe home-based exercises. Home-based exercise prescription contains diagrams, figures and detailed instructions.
• If needed few sessions of specific exercises can be conducted at the BILD Exercise Clinic.

What types of exercises are covered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

 As needed one or more of the following exercises are prescribed and administered.

• Exercises for strength
• Mobilization exercises
• Exercises for stability
• Exercises for balancing
• Exercises for endurance
• Exercises for Impact and load-bearing

What are the goals of the exercise treatment at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Decrease joint pain and stiffness.
• Improve joint stability and muscle strength.
• Delay or reverse the further progression of symptoms.
• Improve joint mobility and function.
• Improve the quality of life with respect to the knee joint.

As with any medical or exercise intervention the outcome varies from patient to patient.

Which technology might be used (as per the need) at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Strength training equipment (MATRIX, USA and others)
• Anti-gravity treadmill (NASA, USA)
• Robotic Isokinetic Strength Training machine (KINEO, ITALY)
• Balance stimulating equipment
• Resistance bands
• Weight sled
• Cardio equipment such as cycle, elliptical, versa climber, Jacobs ladder etc.

The selection of technology and exercise protocol is determined by the doctor.

What kind of treatment is NOT offered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Painkillers or Anti-inflammatory medications
• Vitamin supplements
• Ointments and creams of any kind
• Any other pharmacological/drug treatment
• Hormonal Therapy or injectables of any kind
• Intra-joint injections of any kind
• Surgery of any kind

What happens during consultation at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• The doctor will examine the patient.
• A detailed history regarding the onset and progression of the disease will be noted.
• A record of previous treatments tried will be noted.
• Strength differences of different muscles around the knee joint will be analysed.
• Previous reports such as MRI, X rays will also be seen and discussed.

Is it necessary to have any investigations done before or after the consultation?

• It is NOT compulsory to have any investigations done before consultation.
• Blood tests and MRIs are NOT asked for.

What questions to expect from your doctor

The doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• Where exactly does it hurt?
• Since when have you had this problem?
• What was the trigger or nature of injury (if applicable) for the beginning of pain
• How would you describe the pain — dull, sharp, burning?
• What are the previous treatment modalities tried by you?
• What makes the pain worse? What makes the pain better?
• How does the pain affect your sleep and life?

How to prepare for your consultation with the doctor?

• Wear comfortable clothes. Preferably wear pants or shorts that can be pulled slightly above the knees to help examination of knee joints.
• Don’t consume painkillers (at least 12 hours before) while coming for consultation. Painkillers mask the symptoms and interfere with understanding of symptoms.
• Bring all the previous reports, investigations, and medication prescriptions. It is NOT necessary to have investigations or tests to be done before.
• Write down all your questions on paper or on a mobile phone that you want to ask the doctor.
• It is always useful to bring a companion with you during consultation.

How to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital?

• Reach the Super Speciality Building (SS building/new building) lobby/main entrance before time. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby and parking for needy patients. Click here for the Google map location of BILD Exercise Clinic.
• Parking is available based on availability. You can prefer public transport such as bus, auto-rickshaw, cab or taxi.
• If you are not registered as a patient and appearing for the first time as a patient at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital then try to come at least 15 minutes before the appointment time to complete the simple registration process at the ground floor reception of the super specialty building.
• Get an OPD entry pass (for patients) and an attendant pass at the ground-floor reception.
• Choose appropriate lifts (life no.1,2,3 ) at the ground floor to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD on the 11th floor.
• Depending upon patient numbers some waiting period is expected. Comfortable sitting, clean drinking water, a book reading section, clean toilets, changing rooms, and a cafeteria (on the ground floor and seventh floor) are available at your service.