Knee Pain Treatment in Cologne Worringen

Meniscus, ligaments and operated knee: knee pain in Cologne-Worringen

Two menisci lie like crescent-shaped cushions between the thigh bone and the shin bone. They distribute pressure and stabilize the joint. The knee is guided by ligaments: one collateral ligament on the inside and one on the outside, and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in the middle. If one of these structures tears, the knee hurts, swells or feels unstable.

A meniscus can tear during a twisting movement under load, for example in football or when getting up from a squat. With increasing age, the tissue becomes more brittle; then a minor trigger is sometimes enough. Ligaments mostly tear in an accident: the inner ligament through sideways buckling, the anterior cruciate ligament often on landing or with an abrupt change of direction. Whether surgery is done is decided after a medical examination and MRI.

After an operation – meniscus repair, cruciate ligament reconstruction or knee replacement – the tissue heals at its own pace. How much weight the leg may bear and how far the knee may be bent is set by the clinic's follow-up protocol. Within these limits, physiotherapy works on reducing swelling, regaining extension and getting the muscles to switch on again.

How the meniscus and ligaments get damaged

How to recognize meniscus and ligament injuries

Follow-up treatment and therapy for meniscus and ligament damage

Whether after an operation or with conservative treatment, therapy follows the healing phases. First calm swelling and pain, then bring back mobility and muscle control, and finally build strength and stability. The medical instructions are what counts.

Step by step back to loading

1. 1

   Assessment and instructions

   We measure swelling, extension and flexion, check muscle tension and gait, and read the surgery report and the follow-up protocol.

2. 2

   Interim goals

   Instead of one distant goal, we agree on stages: full extension, walking without crutches, stairs with alternating steps, later work or sport.

3. 3

   Treatment in phases

   First reducing swelling and regaining mobility, then building muscle and stability. What is allowed when is determined by how the tissue heals, not by the calendar alone.

4. 4

   Exercising at home

   Daily exercise is part of it. You get a few exercises that fit the current phase, and we swap them as soon as more is allowed.

5. 5

   Conclusion and clearance

   At the end, we compare mobility and strength with the healthy side. Your surgeon decides about returning to sport that puts load on the knee.

What you can contribute yourself after an injury or operation

Everything below applies only insofar as it does not contradict your medical instructions. If in doubt, ask at the clinic, at your doctor's practice or with us.

Your appointment in Cologne-Worringen – also on crutches

Praxis Pirnay is at Hackhauser Weg 61, 50769 Cologne, in Worringen, the northernmost district of Cologne close to the Rhine. If someone drives you, you can get out directly in front of the practice; the parking spaces are there as well. The route is via the A57, exit Köln-Worringen. The bus stop "Worringen Hackhauser Weg" is a few minutes' walk away.

Along with your prescription and health insurance card, bring the surgery report, the follow-up protocol and any existing MRI or X-ray findings. Shorts or loose trousers make the examination easier; brace and crutches come along, of course. A treatment lasts 20 to 60 minutes depending on the prescription, the first appointment somewhat longer because of the assessment.

You make the appointment by phone or with the appointment form on the website. We treat in German, English and Spanish. If you cannot yet leave your home after the operation, a home visit is possible, provided the prescription states it.

Opening hours: Mon–Tue 7:00–18:00, Wed 7:00–18:20, Thu 8:00–19:30, Fri 8:00–14:00

Questions about meniscus, ligaments and knee surgery