Save the Meniscus – It’s Possible with Regenerative Cell Therapy

 The meniscus is the key distributor of the knee joint. When it is torn, it loses its ring-like structure made up of collagen. Hence, it fails to even protect the tibia bone from the forces exerted by playing sports or doing extensive walking. What happens finally? Pain arises. What if the surgeon eliminates the torn portion of the meniscus? Often the pain gives relief only for a while – till the bone and cartilage beneath the meniscus wear down. So what is the ultimate solution then? Save the Meniscus! And it is possible only with the help of regenerative cell therapy. Know how by reading this article in detail. Let me tell  you my tale of a torn meniscus journey, and how I revived by saving my meniscus through regenerative cell therapy.

Five years ago, I was injured by playing football. My left knee got bridged across another player when the opponent player fell onto the knee, causing it to extend more. Though I knew something was wrong, I was able to complete the season without any therapy.

Later, after 6-7 months since that incident, I was doing some work in my home. I had to climb the steps frequently at that time. That’s when I experienced a sharp pain from the inside of my left knee. It generally hurts a lot while fully bending my left knee or straightening it. Even twisting on the knee by fixing the foot on the ground hurts a lot. Similarly, I started experiencing a locking sensation while kneeling onto my heels and squatting to the floor. The localised pain and locking sensation at this location, followed by the nature of pain, may indicate damage to my meniscus.

During that time, I consulted a physician to find out the underlying cause of my symptoms. He performed several knee assessment tests, which proved to be pain-inducing. 

1. Bounce test – The affected knee will be allowed to hyperextend with the help of the knee weight itself. This test induces pain from the inside of the knee. If you ask me, this test moreover indicates that there is something wrong within the knee joint that evokes pain.

2. McMurray’s test – The affected knee is compressed, bent, and rotated at once and throughout the range of movement. If there is anything wrong with your knee joint, you will experience pain and a locking sensation.

3. Apley’s examination test – By lying on the stomach, the knee will be placed at a 90-degree bend. The examiner will then push down the knee through the heel. He also rotates the leg, and he will be checking for pain, if any.

4. Swipe test – The examiner will make us swipe the knee using our hands. If there is any meniscus problem, there will be swelling in the tear region.

These tests are mostly reliable. However, their negative results do not prove that there is no tear. Especially if the knee pain, swelling, and dysfunction continue, it’s the MRI test that confirms the presence of a meniscus tear. In my case, all these examinations gave positive results. My physician also recommended that surgery is the last resort.

You won’t believe I was reluctant to proceed with surgery at that time. I am scared of surgery, and I am not financially sound to opt for that treatment.

During that time, I came across the Medica Stem Cells clinic website in the UK who offers regenerative treatment that helps improve the pain associated with a meniscus tear. I scheduled an appointment with their medical team, who explained the significance of regenerative cell therapy in detail. That was the moment where I decided why not try this non-surgical treatment. However, I was keen to save my meniscus. And I think that was the best decision I have ever taken in my life. They recommended me to opt for PRP treatment in the UK after assessing my medical condition. PRP treatment in the UK proves to be affordable as it is a daycare procedure. Furthermore, I could see a significant improvement in my knee pain, swelling, and range of motion within 2 weeks of my injection.

Just the initial home treatment modalities like rest, ice therapy, compression, elevation, and regular consumption of painkillers may not work all the time. In my opinion, the pain associated with meniscus tears should be treated with regenerative cell therapy if the initial treatment fails. I am not recommending this treatment just because I underwent it. Usually, treatment modalities such as medications, cortisone shots, and surgery have only temporary relief. They also have side effects as far as I enquired my colleagues. Unlike these treatment methods, regenerative cell therapy can deliver long term relief from the symptoms associated with a meniscus tear. 

Kindly note that this is based on my personal experience to date. I genuinely believe that there will be more research evidence to substantiate this treatment. In my case, I am no more facing any knee pain, swelling, or locking sensation. I can play all the sports, especially my favourite football, without any discomfort. In a nutshell, I have just one suggestion. Don’t just rush to surgery! Try to save the meniscus!