A meniscus tear can be incredibly painful and make walking and other everyday movements challenging. In some cases, these injuries require surgery to correct. But certain minor tears may heal on their own, and chiropractic treatment could help streamline the process.
Can a chiropractor help a torn meniscus? Learn how chiropractors alleviate pain and promote healing for patients with these injuries.
Going through life with aches and pains may feel normal, but it doesn’t have to be. Our everyday movement patterns, posture, and workload can place strain on the muscles and joints, worsening over time. But seeing a chiropractor regularly is often an effective way to alleviate pain and improve movement patterns long-term.
These professionals use a range of targeted, non-invasive techniques to improve spinal alignment, increase range of motion, and relieve pain in problem areas. If you are tired of being in pain each day, finding a chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale, FL, may be your first step to finding relief.
Meniscus tears can range in severity from mild to intense. They can also differ in their origin.
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee shaped like a crescent. It acts as a shock absorber and provides a smooth surface for your knee to move against. When this cartilage becomes torn, the knee can swell, lock, or feel stiff, and regular movements can become very painful.
Some meniscus tears result from physical trauma, such as injuries while playing a sport. When the knee is suddenly or forcefully rotated while the foot is planted, this cartilage can become damaged.
However, many people are surprised to learn that meniscus tears can also be degenerative. As a person ages, their joints can wear down, placing more strain on cartilage like the meniscus. Studies suggest that a significant portion of individuals aged 65 and older have at least some level of meniscus tear at a given time.
Two areas of the meniscus can become injured: the medial meniscus, located on the inside of the knee, and the lateral meniscus, located on the outside of the knee. The medial meniscus is more likely to become injured, but injuries in both regions can range from simple to complex.
Chiropractic care can promote healing and relieve pain in certain mild to moderate meniscus tears. If your doctor has recommended holding off on surgery and trying non-invasive treatments first, visiting an informed, experienced chiropractor who knows how to safely perform meniscus tear treatment may be helpful.
Chiropractors use several methods to streamline healing in injuries to the meniscus and address their underlying causes, including the following:
Chiropractors know all about knees and their complex inner structures. They personalize treatments to each patient’s specific type of tear and their overall health. In many cases, ongoing chiropractic treatment and focused care help meniscus tears heal without the need for surgical interventions.
Finding out that you have a meniscus tear can feel overwhelming. Your mind may immediately jump to surgery and the pain and limitations that come with it. But if MRIs and clinical evaluations show that your tear is mild to moderate, you may be able to avoid surgery with the help of effective chiropractic treatments.
At ChiroCare of Florida, we have experience treating meniscus tears, helping with back spasms, and providing relief from a range of other injuries and conditions. Can a chiropractor help a torn meniscus? Schedule a consultation and initial appointment at our Fort Lauderdale location today by calling 754-223-8855, and we will help you determine whether chiropractic care could be effective for you.