Home > Knee Pain Injections > Meniscal Injuries

Meniscal Injuries

Meniscal injuries are among the most common knee injuries, affecting individuals of all ages, particularly athletes or those involved in activities that require sudden twists, turns, or impacts on the knee. At RAD Clinics, we offer advanced meniscal tear treatment options, including ultrasound-guided cortisone injections, to help manage pain and inflammation associated with a meniscal injury of the knee, allowing you to recover and regain function.

A person holding their knee in pain on a sports track, possibly experiencing a meniscal injury.

Causes of Meniscal Injuries

Effective treatment of meniscal injury starts with understanding its causes, which include:

  • Trauma or Twisting Motions: Sudden twisting of the knee, especially during sports or physical activities, can cause a tear.
  • Degeneration: With age, the menisci become thinner and less flexible, making them more susceptible to injury.
  • Direct Impact: Falls, tackles, or accidents can lead to meniscal tears.

Symptoms of Meniscal Injuries

Symptoms that may indicate the need for meniscal tear treatment include:

  • Pain: Localised pain in the knee, especially when twisting or rotating the leg.
  • Swelling: The knee may become swollen within the first 24-48 hours after the injury.
  • Stiffness: Difficulty moving the knee or bending it fully.
  • Locking Sensation: In severe cases, the knee may feel like it’s catching or locking.
  • Instability: A sensation that the knee is unstable or may give way.

Anatomy of the Knee and the Menisci

The knee joint consists of bones (femur, tibia, patella), ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Between the femur and tibia lie the menisci—two C-shaped cartilage structures called the medial and lateral meniscus. These act as shock absorbers and distribute body weight across the joint. When damaged, these tissues can impair knee function, requiring accurate treatment of meniscal injury to restore mobility.

 

Diagnosis of Meniscal Injuries

Accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the appropriate meniscal tear treatment. Our approach includes:

  • Physical Examination: A healthcare professional will assess the knee for signs of swelling, tenderness, and instability.
  • Imaging Tests: MRI is commonly used to confirm a meniscal injury of the knee.
  • Ultrasound: In some cases, ultrasound imaging may be used to assess soft tissue damage.
A healthcare professional performing an ultrasound examination on a patient's knee, possibly assessing a meniscal injury.

Cortisone Injections for Meniscal Injuries

At RAD Clinics, we offer ultrasound-guided cortisone injections as a non-surgical meniscal tear treatment. This approach delivers targeted relief from inflammation and pain, promoting healing in the affected joint.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections

  • Precision: Ultrasound guidance ensures the cortisone is delivered exactly where it’s needed, maximising effectiveness.
  • Minimal Discomfort: This technique minimises discomfort during the injection, as the needle placement is guided accurately.
  • Reduced Inflammation: Cortisone injections reduce swelling in the affected meniscus, providing significant relief.
  • Faster Recovery: By controlling inflammation, cortisone allows the knee joint to recover quicker, restoring mobility and function.

What to Expect During the Procedure

  • Preparation: You will be comfortably positioned, and the area around the knee will be cleaned and prepared.
  • Ultrasound Guidance: The clinician will use an ultrasound machine to visualise the knee and guide the needle placement.
  • Injection: A small needle will be inserted into the knee joint, and the cortisone will be administered. The ultrasound ensures precise delivery to the affected area.
  • Post-Procedure: After the injection, you may experience some initial relief, and the full effects of the cortisone will become evident in the following days.

When to Seek Treatment

Seek professional treatment of meniscal injury if you experience:

  • Persistent Pain: If the pain in your knee does not improve after rest and home remedies, consult a specialist.
  • Swelling and Stiffness: Chronic swelling or stiffness in the knee may indicate a more serious injury.
  • Locking or Instability: Difficulty moving or bearing weight on the knee may suggest a meniscal injury of the knee.

At RAD Clinics, we specialise in diagnosing and treating meniscal injuries with advanced, minimally invasive techniques like ultrasound-guided cortisone injections, providing relief and helping you return to your daily activities.

A person holding their knee in pain, possibly due to a meniscal injury, while sitting on a couch.

Exceptional Efficient Service Recommended By Google

Exceptional professional service, highly recommended for quick, efficient, and friendly ultrasound scans and injections. Instant relief, thorough analysis, and personalized treatment at reasonable prices.

DISCLAIMER

We do not accept insurance coverage. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.

ACCREDITATIONS AND PARTNERS

Care Quality Commission Logo
Health & Care Professions Council Logo
The Society of Radiographers Logo
Charted Society of Physiotherapy Logo
Nursing & Midwifery Council Logo
General Medical Council Logo
Royal College of Podiatry Logo