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	Systemic
	Health
	Treatments
	Exercise
	For Physicians

Select an Article:

• Quadriceps Muscle Strains
• Meniscal Tears
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tear
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Tears
• Anterior Knee Pain
• Patello-femoral Pain (Commonly Called Chondromalacia Patella)
• Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee)
• Knee Osteoarthritis
• Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBS)
• Knee Replacement

• Overview
• Treatments
• Goals
• Resources

Meniscal Tears

The menisci (plural for meniscus) are cartilage pads, which function to cushion the compressive loads in the knee. One or both of these pads can be torn which often occurs when the lower leg is forcefully bent and twisted. Signs and symptoms include joint line pain, locking and swelling of the knee. The tear often has a bucket handle or parrot beak shape. Treatment should consist of rest, ice, compression and elevation. Arthroscopic surgery is indicated for a large tear.

Possible Treatments

• Aerobic/Endurance Exercise 
• Core Strengthening 
• Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy 
• Electrotherapeutic Modalities
• Gait or Walking Training 
• Isotonics 
• Isometric Exercise 
• Knee Active Range of Motion 
• Knee Joint Mobilization 
• Knee Passive Range of Motion 
• Knee Resistive Range of Motion 
• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation 
• Plyometrics 
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) 
• Proprioception Exercises 
• Physical Agents
• Soft Tissue Mobilization 
• Stretching/Flexibility Exercise 
• Walking Training (called Gait Training)

Possible Treatment Goals

• Improve Balance
• Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
• Improve Fitness
• Improve Function
• Improve Muscle Strength and Power
• Increase Oxygen to Tissues
• Improve Proprioception
• Improve Range of Motion
• Self-care of Symptoms
• Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities
• Improve Wound Healing

Additional Resources

• 3d Anatomy of the Knee
• Knee Info from Medline Plus
• Meniscus Injuries

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