I can definitely provide you with a detailed answer about whether you can make a meniscus injury worse. So here we go!
Firstly, it’s important to understand that a meniscus injury is a tear in the cartilage of your knee joint. This cartilage acts as a cushion and helps to stabilize the knee. When this cartilage gets torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Now, let’s talk about why a meniscus injury won’t heal on its own. The meniscus has a poor blood supply, especially in its inner area, which means it doesn’t receive a good amount of nutrients and oxygen to aid in the healing process. Additionally, the constant movement and weight-bearing on the knee can prevent the torn edges of the meniscus from coming together and healing properly.
If left untreated, a meniscus injury can worsen over time. For example, a partial tear may continue to worsen until it becomes a complete tear. This can happen due to the ongoing stress placed on the already damaged meniscus while walking, running, or participating in physical activities.
Continuing to walk on the affected leg can aggravate your symptoms and potentially make the injury worse. Within just a few days, you may experience increased pain and stiffness. This is because the torn edges of the meniscus can get further irritated and inflamed, leading to more discomfort.
It’s important to note that every individual and injury is unique, and the severity of a meniscus injury can vary. Some people may be able to tolerate walking or other activities without worsening their symptoms, while others may find that even minimal activity causes an increase in pain and further damage to the meniscus.
To prevent making a meniscus injury worse, it is crucial to seek proper care and treatment. This may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) in the initial stages, as well as physical therapy exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve joint stability. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or trim the torn meniscus.
A meniscus injury won’t heal on its own due to poor blood supply and ongoing stress on the knee joint. Continuing to walk on the affected leg can aggravate symptoms and potentially worsen the injury. Seeking appropriate care and treatment is essential to prevent further damage and promote healing. Remember, everyone’s experience may differ, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.