Summer Tips for People With Arthritis
Arthritis flare-ups can follow summery changes in the weather, with pain and swelling worsening when it’s hot and humid. How can you better manage your arthritis this summer? Keep reading for some pro tips.
Every Soccer Player Should Know This About Their Meniscus
When it comes to sports, healthy knees make for strong and successful players. That’s especially true for high-intensity contact sports like soccer.
Playing soccer puts a lot of demand on your knees, between kicking, moving with speed, and changing direction rapidly. And, as a result, knee injuries like meniscus tears are some of the most commonly experienced sports injuries for soccer players.
At the Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, located in Tomball, Kingwood, and Conroe, Texas, Dr. Michael Blackwell helps you prevent sports injuries, as well as support you through treatment and recovery if you do get hurt. In this blog, he provides the information that every soccer player needs to know about the knee meniscus and how to protect it.
What is your knee meniscus?
In each of your knees, there are two menisci made of cartilage that cushion and protect the joint. Each meniscus is C-shaped, connecting your femur, or thigh bone, and your tibia, or shin bone. Your medial menisci are found on the inner side of your knees, while your lateral menisci are located on the outer side of each of your knees.
The meniscus functions as a shock absorber, friction reducer, and movement stabilizer. You need this part of your knee to stay strong and intact so that you can move smoothly, easily, and without a risk of falling.
How can you injure a knee meniscus?
Soccer players have a heightened risk of knee meniscus injuries, including meniscus tears, because they’re moving quickly with their knees under pressure.
You’re most likely to injure a meniscus when landing, tackling, or suddenly launching into motion. Your meniscus twists and compresses, and, if pushed too far, can even tear apart. Your risk factors go up with overuse, poor playing equipment, or an uneven playing surface.
You might not notice the symptoms of a meniscus injury right away. But, after a short time, the symptoms become undeniable, a problem that has to be dealt with before you can continue to play.
Recovery after a meniscus injury
A hurt knee leaves you coping with pain, swelling, and limitations in your movement. Your knee may seem to stick in one position, and you may struggle with twisting and crouching motions in particular. Once you realize you have a knee injury, stop playing right away and focus on care and treatment.
For soccer players, what’s needed for a full recovery after a meniscus tear? This may depend on the type of meniscus injury you’ve suffered. The most common type, a radial tear, often requires surgery to stabilize. Other degrees of meniscus injury may be treatable without surgery.
Dr. Blackwell examines your injured knee, using imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or an X-ray to learn more about the location and degree of your sports injury. Then, he discusses your treatment options with you. Minor tears can heal in 4-6 weeks of rest and physical therapy.
As with any sports injury, it’s essential to recover with the care of a medical expert. Dr. Blackwell ensures that you heal completely and correctly, and recover in steady stages that leave your knees strong and ready to stand up to high-intensity activity.
For support with a meniscus injury or personalized advice on avoiding meniscus tears as a soccer player, contact the Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine online or over the phone today and schedule your appointment.
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