Radial lateral meniscus tears are a common injury that can occur in the knee joint. These types of tears happen when the meniscus, the C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint, is torn from the outer edge of the meniscus towards the center. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about radial lateral meniscus tears, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What Causes Radial Lateral Meniscus Tears?
The most common cause of radial lateral meniscus tears is trauma to the knee joint. This can happen during sports activities or any other physical activity that puts pressure on the knee joint. Athletes who participate in sports that require jumping, twisting, or sudden stops and starts, such as basketball, soccer, or football, are particularly at risk for this type of injury. However, even everyday activities such as squatting, kneeling, or lifting heavy objects can cause a radial lateral meniscus tear.
As we age, the meniscus becomes more brittle and can tear more easily, even with a minor injury. In some cases, tears can also occur due to degenerative conditions, such as arthritis.
Get an Appointment
Complete The Form Below And We’ll Get Back To You Immediately.
Symptoms of Radial Lateral Meniscus Tears
The symptoms of radial lateral meniscus tears can vary depending on the severity of the tear. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the knee joint, particularly on the outer side
- Swelling and stiffness
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- A popping or clicking sensation when the knee is moved
- Feeling like the knee is going to give out or lock up
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause of your knee pain.
Traditional Treatments for Radial Lateral Meniscus Tears
Traditionally, radial lateral meniscus tears have been treated with non-surgical methods such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. These treatments can help reduce pain and swelling and improve knee function. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the torn meniscus. Surgery is usually done arthroscopically, which is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making small incisions in the knee and using a tiny camera and instruments to perform the surgery.
Typically, these types of procedures can take months to recover from, costs tens of thousands of dollars, and may lead to complications in the future. Depending on the circumstances of your tear, a meniscectomy might be indicated. This involves actually removing the torn tissue – as opposed to repairing or replacing it. While this might alleviate the pain in the short-term, you might be setting yourself up for osteoarthritis in the knee in the longrun. Hence, surgery should be explored as a last resort.
Stem Cell Therapy for Radial Lateral Meniscus Tears
Stem cell therapy is a cutting-edge treatment option for radial lateral meniscus tears. This therapy involves injecting stem cells, which have the ability to transform into various types of cells, into the affected area to promote healing and regeneration of the damaged tissue. The stem cells can help reduce inflammation, stimulate new blood vessel growth, and recruit other cells to the area to aid in healing. This treatment is minimally invasive and has shown promising results in clinical studies.
If you’re interested in learning more about stem cell therapy for radial lateral meniscus tears, check out our Stem Cell Clinic page.
While traditional treatments such as RICE, physical therapy, and surgery have been used to treat this injury, new treatments such as stem cell therapy have shown promising results in promoting the healing and regeneration of damaged tissue. If you’re experiencing knee pain or suspect you may have a radial lateral meniscus tear, don’t wait to seek medical attention. Our team of experts is here to help you find the best treatment options for your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
About GIOSTAR Chicago:
GIOSTAR Chicago is dedicated to developing the most advanced stem cell-based technologies and providing the best regenerative medicine for people who want to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.
