ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and the meniscus are both parts of the Knee joint. Both are two different parts of the knee having two different functions to be performed in the Knee. The ACL is the ligament or a band of tissues that run through the middle of the Knee joint providing it with structural support during actions like twisting and intense activities and this ligament also connects the thigh bone with the shin bone. Whereas the Meniscus is the cartilage that provides a cushion between the two major bones connected to the Knee joint, the shinbone and the thigh bone.
Knee being the largest joint in our body also makes it prone to a lot of injuries and most of the injuries are caused during sports, heaving lifting or even in daily activities. An ACL tear or Meniscus tear is the major type of injury occurring in comparison to other injuries to the knee. Even though the structures are different and function completely different from each other, the ACL and Meniscus could get injured at the same time in activities like twisting and could be afflicted by sprains, strains, partial or complete tears.
Sprain, strain and tear are different types of injuries and need to be treated accordingly by a proper medical practitioner like Dr. Manish Maheshwari, the Best orthopedic surgeon in Indore.
Let us look into symptoms of a meniscus tear and an ACL tear.
Meniscus symptoms are a pain in daily activity as squatting or kneeling, tenderness inside or outside the joint, catching or locking or feeling of instability in the knee coupled with stiffness and swelling on the knee joint.
ACL tears will have symptoms of weakness in the knee or shifting in the knee when the foot is planted. You could probably hear a popping sound or feel when the injury occurs. Tenderness and pain along the joint line, swelling within 24 hours and difficulty in walking or weight-bearing.
These can be easily differentiated by an expert in Knee injury like Dr. Manish Maheshwari and proper treatment could be started by him.
Treatments could range from prompt first aid, medicine, fomentation, physiotherapy or may also need surgical intervention depending on the severity, nature and location of the injury. The RICE model of self-care can be a very good way of reducing pain and swelling after a knee injury, wherein rest, ice, compression and elevation process is used. Meniscus and ACL tears need full evaluation for deciding on the mode of treatment and it is of vital importance to see a knee surgeon like Dr. Manish Maheswari evaluate and rectify the injury. A sports medicine specialist like Dr. Manish Maheshwari would be the perfect physician to look into the diagnosis and treating of a meniscus or ACL injury.
Nonsurgical options for these types of injuries could include immobilization through braces or cast, physical therapy to strengthen the leg muscles that support the knee and medicines to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgical options are also there when the tear is severe, the location of the tear or injury is not in a place where it could self heal and if your knee is in pain even after nonsurgical therapies. The surgery for the knee has seen a lot of development in recent times and has become more accurate, minimally invasive and needing a lesser rehabilitation period. Dr. Manish Maheshwari is an expert surgeon for knee injuries who can suggest the best surgery option available for your type of injury. Every surgery will be followed up with an appropriate rehabilitation process to put you back on your feet. Rehabilitation and recovery will also depend on the severity of your injury and the level of activity you will need to get back to after the surgery. Getting back to heavier activities like heavy weight lifting and sports activities would need more time. Meniscus injury would ideally take around three months to resolve and ACL injuries will be more time taking in recovery. ACL may take around 6-12 months to recover fully.
Proper form and technique while playing or proper posture while doing your daily routine could surely prevent a lot of injuries to your body and especially the injury-prone knee joint. Keeping your muscles around your knee strong and flexible could be another way of preventing Knee injuries. Recognition of symptoms and early detection of the problem can reduce the chances of complication and increase the chances of early recovery from the injury.
Keep your muscles strong, keep a good posture and play with all caution is the keep to minimize injuries to your body.
Dr. Manish Maheshwari not only does the best Shoulder rotator cuff surgeries in Indore but also does the best Frozen shoulder surgery in Indore. If you are looking for the top surgeon for successful Rotator cuff orthopedic surgery in Indore, MP then consult Dr. Manish Maheshwari at the earliest. Book an appointment today call now us at 9826252228 and online visit for more information.