EXERCÍCIOS PROIBIDOS PARA QUEM TEM LESÃO NO MENISCO

Summary

Dr. Adriano Leonardi, an orthopedic specialist in knee injuries, discusses meniscus tears, focusing on the types of injuries, their causes, and treatment options. He explains how meniscus tears can result from trauma or degenerative aging, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical activity during recovery to avoid further health complications. Dr. Leonardi outlines appropriate exercises and activities for meniscus injury rehabilitation, advising against movements that could worsen symptoms, such as deep knee flexion or rotation. He also stresses the significance of professional guidance in physical activity and rehabilitation for optimal recovery.

Takeaways

• 😀 Meniscus injuries can be traumatic (acute) or degenerative (age-related), each requiring different treatment approaches.
• 😀 The meniscus plays a vital role in stabilizing the knee joint, absorbing shock, and aiding in proprioception (awareness of joint position).
• 😀 Common symptoms of meniscus injuries include pain during movement, joint swelling, muscle atrophy, and a sensation of instability or locking.
• 😀 For meniscus injuries, the most important treatment is maintaining physical activity to prevent the negative effects of sedentary behavior.
• 😀 Sedentarism after a meniscus injury can lead to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and accelerated joint degeneration.
• 😀 It is essential to avoid activities that cause deep knee flexion (over 90º) and excessive rotational movements, as they can worsen the meniscus injury.
• 😀 Low-impact exercises like swimming (using a flotation device if necessary), cycling with an open knee angle, and walking are recommended for meniscus injury recovery.
• 😀 A physical rehabilitation phase is crucial before engaging in gym-based workouts, ensuring the proper activation of muscles and avoiding exacerbation of the injury.
• 😀 Surgical intervention is not always necessary for degenerative meniscus tears, and non-surgical treatments like injections (e.g., hyaluronic acid) and physiotherapy are often effective.
• 😀 It’s important to consult with both a physician and a qualified physical therapist before engaging in any physical activity after a meniscus injury to ensure safety and efficacy.
• 😀 Properly prescribed physical activity can help prevent the rapid deterioration of cartilage and the increased release of inflammatory enzymes associated with joint immobility.

Q & A

What is the role of the meniscus in the knee joint?

The meniscus absorbs shock, stabilizes the knee joint, and helps with proprioception, which is the awareness of joint position in space. It also helps distribute weight evenly across the knee during movement.

What are the two main types of meniscal injuries?

The two main types of meniscal injuries are acute traumatic injuries, typically caused by sudden twists or impacts, and degenerative injuries, which are often seen in people over 40 years old due to wear and tear over time.

What is the difference between traumatic and degenerative meniscal injuries?

Traumatic meniscal injuries usually occur due to a sudden impact, such as during sports, and may require surgery. Degenerative injuries are more common in older individuals and result from gradual wear and tear on the meniscus. These are often treated with non-surgical methods.

What are the common symptoms of a meniscal injury?

Common symptoms include pain during movement, swelling, weakness or instability in the knee, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, and a sensation of the knee locking or catching.

Why is it important to stay active even with a meniscal injury?

Staying active helps prevent the rapid loss of cartilage, reduces inflammation, and minimizes the risk of other health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, which can worsen in a sedentary state.

What types of physical activities are recommended for people with meniscal injuries?

Recommended activities include cycling with a wide range of motion, swimming, upper body strength training, and walking. These exercises help maintain fitness without placing excessive strain on the knee.

What movements should be avoided for people with meniscal injuries?

Movements that should be avoided include deep knee flexion (bending the knee beyond 90º) and rotational movements. These actions can increase pressure on the meniscus and exacerbate the injury.

How can a person with a meniscal injury ensure their exercise routine is safe?

A person should work with a physical therapist to ensure proper rehabilitation before starting an exercise regimen. Any exercise should be performed under medical supervision to avoid aggravating the injury.

What role does rehabilitation play in recovering from a meniscal injury?

Rehabilitation helps strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve joint flexibility, and restore proper function. It’s essential to undergo a structured rehab program before engaging in more intensive physical activity.

Is surgery always necessary for treating meniscal injuries?

Surgery is generally recommended for acute traumatic injuries, especially if they involve significant damage to the meniscus. However, for degenerative injuries, surgery is often not required, and non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and injections are preferred.