Patella meniscus. Treatment of joint damage. Folk remedies, ointments, pills, surgery

Patella meniscus is a cartilage lining that is necessary to maintain joint shock absorption. Numerous reasons provoke its damage, destruction, displacement.

In the early stages, treatment is carried out with medications. In severe and emergency situations, surgical intervention is necessary. It is important not to engage in self-treatment, since there is always a risk of worsening the condition.

Why do meniscus problems arise?

The patella meniscus is more likely to be injured, resulting in problems. The victim needs comprehensive diagnostics and specially selected therapy. In some situations, chronic pathological processes in the knee meniscus area provoke joint destruction. Tissues become thinner, thicken, their integrity is easily broken when bruised or during a fall.

The provoking factor is gonarthrosis, rheumatoid and gouty arthritis. The same applies to large physical exertion on the lower extremities, direct impact. People who are involved in ballroom dancing or sports involving heavy lifting are at risk.

Symptoms

The clinical picture with a lesion of the patella meniscus depends on the area of ​​localization of pathological processes and the cause. An orthopedist or traumatologist will help you choose the most effective treatment, taking into account the patient's complaints and existing manifestations.

Name	Symptoms
Damage to meniscus structures	Severe pain syndrome inside the knee joint; there is no mobility of the patella; when the knee joint is strained, shooting pain appears; swelling of soft tissues; when bending the affected limb, the pain spreads along the ligaments of the tibia; the anterior femoral area weakens; the likelihood of developing synovitis is high.
Damage to the outer structure of the meniscus	Painful sensations appear with tension of the lateral lateral ligament of the knee; when turning the lower leg inward, acute pain occurs; the muscles of the front thigh weaken.
Cartilage rupture	Strong painful sensations over the entire surface of the knee; the cellular nutrition of the muscles worsens; when performing any exercises in the knee area, there is pain; the local temperature rises; swelling of soft tissues, due to which the size of the knee increases; when bending the lower limb, a characteristic sound is heard (click); worried about severe discomfort while driving; when pressing on the damaged area, the pain syndrome increases.

Patella meniscus (treatment is selected for the patient after a comprehensive diagnosis based on the results testing), depending on the degree of damage to the cartilage tissue, it suffers from various degenerative changes.

Pathological processes are accompanied by characteristic clinical symptoms. We are talking about microtrauma, tears or complete detachment of the cartilaginous lining. Incorrectly selected therapy or untimely diagnosis of problems will lead to serious complications (atrophy of the muscles of the lower leg and thigh).

Taping rules

Taping is the process of applying special, highly elastic adhesive bandages in a specific sequence. They help stabilize cartilage and bone structures, ligaments and tendons in terms of their physiological location.

Taping prevents injury to the knee joint and reduces painful sensations, while the mobility of the bandage is not severely limited.

Basic rules for taping in case of damage to the meniscus:

• Scratches or lesions on the skin should be covered with aseptic dressings.
• Hair in the place where the tape is applied must be removed with a razor.
• The bandage is applied taut so that it does not squeeze the knee too much.
• The edges of the material must be rounded to prevent them from peeling off.
• Do not apply the bandage directly to the kneecap.
• In case of severe damage to the joint, the lower leg and the femoral part of the lower limb are to be taped.
• Do not stretch the tapes in places where there are blood vessels and nerve endings.
• It is not recommended to reuse the tapes, even if some of the adhesive remains. The effectiveness of treatment in such a situation will be minimal.
• Do not touch the adhesive base with your hands while applying the bandage.
• After taping, it is necessary to be at rest for 30 minutes and limit the movements of the lower limb.

Before applying a bandage, it is imperative to undergo a complete examination in order to identify possible contraindications. Taking into account the results of comprehensive diagnostics and the individual characteristics of the patient's body, the doctor will select the most effective taping method.

Drug therapy

Patella meniscus (treatment cannot be carried out on its own, there is a high likelihood of deterioration in health) in case of damage provides for complex therapy, which the traumatologist selects, taking into account the results of the examination and complaints the patient.

The treatment regimen is drawn up by a specialized specialist, taking into account the provoking factor, against the background of which problems with the joint appeared (orthopedist, surgeon, therapist).

Medicines that are prescribed to the patient:

Drug group	Name	Application
Chondroprotectors	Structum, Teraflex	The medicine is taken orally. The tablets are swallowed whole and washed down with water. The standard adult dosage is 1 capsule 2 times a day, regardless of food intake. The course of treatment lasts 3-6 months. After a break of 2-5 months, therapy can be continued.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs	Diclofenac, Nurofen	Medications reduce pain and inflammation. The tablets should be taken orally with or after meals. The adult daily dosage is 75-150 mg. It should be divided into 2-3 doses.
Ointments, gels, creams	Capsicam, Finalgon	Topical medications that help relieve pain. The ointment is applied to the affected part of the body using an applicator. The dosage of the drug is 1-3 g 2-3 times a day. It is recommended to apply a bandage on top of the leg to enhance the thermal effect.
Selective inhibitors	Meloxicam, Movalis	The tablets are taken 1 time per day with meals. The medicine must be taken with water (250 ml). The dosage of the drug depends on the patient's condition and is 7.5-15 mg once a day.

In severe cases, when acute pain occurs, patients are prescribed glucocorticosteroid blockades (Dexamethasone, Diprospan). Additionally, vitamin complexes are prescribed to improve blood circulation in the affected area.

Folk remedies

The patella meniscus can be treated with folk remedies, but strictly after consulting a specialized doctor. The specialist will take into account the patient's complaints, the results of the study, the person's condition and will help to choose the most effective methods of therapy.

Natural ingredients should not be underestimated, as even harmless herbs can provoke an allergic reaction or individual sensitivity.

Compresses

The use of alternative medicine in case of damage to the meniscus is carried out in a complex manner. Without traditional drugs, folk remedies will not help you get a positive result.

Name	Recipe	Application
Honey	It is necessary to mix natural honey and alcohol in equal proportions.	The resulting mass is spread on the knee and left for 2 hours.
Onion	Peel and wash the small onion beforehand. Grind it on a grater. Add 10 g of sugar.	The finished mass must be laid out on cheesecloth and applied to the sore leg. Wrap well and leave the compress overnight. The course of treatment is carried out within a month.
Lilac, dandelion	The flowers of the selected plant must be filled with alcohol. Insist the resulting mass for 2 weeks in a dark and cool place.	Use the ready-made solution for lotions. Moisten a small piece of gauze with the product and apply to the sore spot. Wrap with warm material, leave overnight.

Compresses help to locally reduce the symptoms of the inflammatory process, eliminate swelling and pain.

Tinctures for internal use

Treatment of a damaged patella meniscus involves the use of not only local remedies, but also for oral administration. It is important to discuss any methods of therapy with a specialized doctor in order to prevent the occurrence of side effects or complications.

Name	Recipe	Application
Horseradish	Grind the root of the plant and fill it with hot water. Insist 20 minutes. and strain.	The finished product is recommended to be consumed inside 1 tbsp. l. 2 times a day for 20 days.
Bay leaves	Pour the leaves (50 g) with cold boiled water. Put the resulting mass on fire and bring to a boil. Cool and drain.	The finished broth must be divided into 4 days. Then cook fresh. The course of treatment lasts 2 months.
Willow	Mix the bark of the plant with parsley root and dried nettles. Fill all components with hot water (150 ml). Insist for 24 hours and strain.	The medicine must be taken orally 70-100 ml every day.

On an empty stomach, it is also recommended to use honey with the addition of butter and aloe juice. It is recommended to mix all components in equal parts. Soak for several days and take 4 tablespoons.

Rubbing

The meniscus of the patella (treatment in each case is selected individually after a complete diagnosis) swells if damaged. Rubbing will help relieve inflammatory symptoms. They also reduce severe pain.

Name	Recipe	Application
Garlic	Chop 2 heads of garlic. Pour the gruel with apple cider vinegar (300-400 ml). The finished mixture must be insisted in a dark place for a week.	It is recommended to rub the affected kneecap with the resulting solution for 20 minutes. every day, preferably at bedtime.
Iodine	Mix iodine and alcohol in equal parts. Insist the resulting mass for a day.	They rub the sore spot with a ready-made product, do not wrap it up.
Potato flowers	Pour the fresh flowers of the plant with alcohol and leave in a cool dark place for 10 days.	The finished rubbing is applied to the sore knee 2 times a day for a month.

To rub the damaged area of ​​the lower limb, you can also use essential oils that increase tissue nutrition and blood circulation (eucalyptus, birch, cedar, sage).

Homemade ointments

At home, you can prepare your own ointment to treat the patella meniscus. The main thing is to discuss therapy with a specialized doctor in order to exclude possible complications.

Name	Recipe	Application
Honey ointment	Mix water, mustard powder and salt in equal parts (1 tsp. l.). Add natural honey (100 g). Mix all components well until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.	The finished ointment is rubbed into the affected knee. It relieves pain by warming.
Herbal collection	The dry grass of nettle, St. John's wort and yarrow are mixed in equal parts. Petroleum jelly is added. Mix all components well to obtain a homogeneous consistency.	It is recommended to use the finished ointment before bedtime.
Egg	Chop the eggshells and pour over the vinegar. Leave on for 5 days. Then add 200 ml of vegetable oil. Mix all components well and leave in a warm place for another 2 days.	The resulting product is recommended to lubricate the sore knee. The ointment must be stored in a cool place.

Essential oils are also used to treat the patella meniscus. It is necessary to mix in equal parts the oil of clove, menthol, eucalyptus, camphor and winter lover. Add a small amount of fresh aloe juice. The resulting product must be rubbed into the sore knee 2-3 times a day. Wrap with warm material and leave preferably overnight.

Baths

Additionally, treatment of the patella meniscus in the complex involves the use of water procedures. Various natural components are added to warm water, which also act locally on the focus of the inflammatory process.

In most cases, coniferous baths are recommended for patients. Dry or fresh needles (500-700 g) are poured with boiling water (2 liters). The resulting mass must be put on a small fire, heated for 30 minutes. Insist 20 minutes. and strain. Pour the finished broth into the bathroom with warm water. It is recommended to do water procedures every other day for 20-30 minutes.

It is also recommended to add sea salt to the bathroom with warm water. It soothes and relieves stress.

Gymnastic exercises

The patella meniscus (treatment is prescribed by a specialized doctor, taking into account the cause of the pathological condition) requires complex therapy in case of damage. The orthopedic doctor recommends that patients engage in therapeutic exercises, but if there is no acute pain syndrome. A specialist will help you choose the most effective set of classes.

1. Sitting on a chair, put the sore leg over the healthy limb. In this position, try to unbend it. It is recommended to repeat the exercise 10 times.
2. While walking, slowly roll from heel to toes. Perform the exercise for 3-4 minutes.
3. Lie on a flat surface, straighten your back and legs. In this position, slowly lift the lower limbs up in turn. Hold for a few seconds and return to the starting position. The exercise must be repeated 10 times for each leg.
4. Lie on your stomach, align your arms along the body. In this position, the legs must be lifted up in turn. Linger for 2-3 seconds. and return to the original pose. The exercise should be performed 15 times with each leg.
5. Lie on your side on the side of a healthy limb. Straighten the sore leg and raise it 40 cm from the floor. In this position, you need to stay for 10-15 seconds. and return to the starting position. Repeat the exercise 10 times.

Classes should be performed slowly, gradually increasing the load. If painful sensations appear, immediately stop exercising and consult your doctor.

When is surgery needed?

Surgical intervention is indicated for the patient when drug therapy has not yielded a positive result. The same applies to complications that appeared after damage to the patella meniscus. The decision to carry out the operation is made by the attending physician, taking into account the patient's condition and the results after a comprehensive diagnosis.

Indications for surgical treatment:

• complete destruction of the knee joint meniscus;
• hemorrhage in the joint cavity;
• displacement of the meniscus;
• development of hemarthrosis;
• re-blockade of the knee joint.

Surgical treatment is carried out by the following main methods:

Name	Description
Meniscectomy	Partial or complete removal of the meniscus. The operation is prescribed in case of destruction of cartilage tissue due to pathological processes.
Arthroscopy	A safe and commonly used surgical technique to repair a damaged meniscus.

In some cases, surgery entails serious complications, including the development of chronic arthritis. A patient's recovery depends on numerous factors. On average, the rehabilitation period after surgery takes 3-4 months.

Treatment of the patella meniscus is done more often at home. Hospitalization for a person is necessary in case of serious injury, if surgery is indicated.

The therapy is carried out using complex methods. The patient is prescribed drugs that must be taken according to the instructions or following the doctor's instructions. It is important to give up independent actions, as you can aggravate your health condition.

Knee Meniscus Videos

Damage, rupture of the meniscus: