Does Meniscal Cyst Cause knee pain when squatting?

A relatively uncommon occurrence that may result in pain and disability in the knee is known as a Meniscal Cyst. It is widely believed that they are secondary to fluid extrusion from a meniscus tear.

Typically, diagnosis of a meniscal cyst typically requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to delineate the cyst and any associated injuries

Signs and symptoms of a Meniscal Cyst:

Common symptoms include:

•  Asymptomatic knee.
•  Weakness or disability in the knee.
• Knee Pain When Squatting.
• Particularly when standing on the affected leg.
• Stiffness along the joint of the knee.

What is the Function of a Meniscal Cyst?

The meniscus is a cartilage pad that serves as a shock absorber, provides stress, and facilitates nutrition to the knee. When the meniscus is torn, a small cyst can form adjacent to the tear. This cyst is thought to develop as part of the body’s healing response. Alone, a cyst is of little consequence and is present only secondary to the meniscus tear.

However, the cyst itself can cause discomfort and maybe noticeable over the joint line where the meniscus is torn.

What are the Common Causes of a Meniscal Cyst?

Most meniscal cysts are meniscal cysts, which are created by the extravasation of synovial fluid through the meniscal tear into the adjacent soft tissue. In contrast, intradiscal cysts in which the fluid collects in the meniscus are very rare.

However, other causes of Meniscal Cyst include:

• Trauma.
• Hemorrhage.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Chronic infection.
• Mucoid degeneration.
• Expulsion of synovial fluid.

Meniscal cyst diagnosis:

Diagnosis is usually readily apparent by inspection and palpation of a discrete mass directly over a tender medial or lateral joint line. Diagnosis is confirmed by MRI, which shows both the cyst and the associated meniscus tear. When the knee becomes swollen for any reason, fluid can expand this space and form a cyst.

• MRI can confirm the diagnosis and establish the size and location of the cyst
• Ultrasound can also help to visualize the cyst and guide aspiration.

What is the Nonoperative Treatment of meniscal cyst?

If incidental or minimally symptomatic, treatment may require rest, icing, and/or anti-inflammatory medicine.

Aspiration and steroid injection:

The cyst may be aspirated using a local anesthetic and a small needle to remove the cysts’ contents. Some authors advocate instilling a small number of steroids into the cyst. Ultrasound-guided needle placement increases the accuracy of the procedure.

How do I Exercise to heal my Meniscal Cyst?

For most tears, some simple exercises can help maintain muscle strength in the front of the thigh (quadriceps), back of the thigh (hamstrings), calf, and hip. All of these areas are important for your overall leg function while your knee heals after an injury or after surgery.

However, Some of the most commonly preferred exercises are as under:

Straight-leg raises to the front

These straight-leg raises help you strengthen the muscles on top of your thigh and around your hip. Do 8 to 12 repetitions.

• Lie on your back with your good knee bent so that your foot rests flat on the floor. Your injured leg should be straight.
• Tighten the thigh muscles in the injured leg by pressing the back of your knee flat down to the floor. Hold your knee straight.
• Keeping the thigh muscles tight, lift your injured leg up so that your heel is about 12 in. (30 cm) off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, then lower slowly.

Straight-leg raises to the back

These straight-leg raises help you strengthen the muscles in your buttocks and in the back of your thigh. Do 8 to 12 repetitions.

• Lie on your stomach, and lift your leg straight behind you
• Lift your toes about 6 in. (15 cm) off the floor, hold for 5 seconds, then lower slowly.

Hamstring curls

Hamstring curls strengthen the muscles in the back of the thigh. Do 8 to 12 repetitions.

• Lie on your stomach with your knees straight. If your kneecap is uncomfortable, roll up a washcloth and put it under your leg just above your kneecap.
• Lift the foot of your injured leg by bending the knee so that you bring the foot up toward your buttocks. If this motion hurts, try it without bending your knee quite as far, in order to avoid any painful motion.

Surgery for a Meniscal Cyst:

If incidental or minimally symptomatic, treatment may require occasional icing and/or anti-inflammatory medicine. However, this is usually only temporarily effective, and the fluid returns. Some physicians may advocate instilling a small amount of cortisone into the cyst.

What is the Healing Time for a Meniscal Cyst?

Cysts heal on their own, with treatment measures relieving pain and inflammation. But healing doesn’t happen overnight.

However, Inflammation and pain may take two to six months to heal a Meniscal Cyst. Although there is no clear-cut answer as to when you will be free of this pain and associated cyst, taking proper care of your legs and knees helps.

How to Prevent a Meniscal cyst?

Exercise or other interventions such as bracing can prevent us from the meniscal cyst. Practices that can help keep your knees strong include:

• Regular exercise- to help strengthen the muscles that support your knees.
• Staying physically active-to prepare your body for the demands of a sport or strenuous activity.
• Avoid twisting or turning quickly while on the ground, to help prevent stress to the knee that can cause a meniscal tear.
• Manual therapy: Your physical therapist may apply manual therapy hands-on treatment that may include massage, stretching, or joint mobilization to help reduce swelling and stiffness and restore muscle function around the knee.
• NMES: Your physical therapist may use a treatment called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). NMES uses electrical current to gently stimulate/contract the muscles around your knee to help improve their strength.
• Assistive devices: It may be necessary to use assistive devices such as crutches, a cane, or a walker in the short term.
• Strengthening exercises: Your physical therapist will design exercises to build and maintain your strength during recovery and help restore full movement to the knee.

However, If you already have knee problems, your physical therapist can help you develop a fitness program that takes your knees into account. Some exercises are better than others for those with a history of knee pain.