What Is A Meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of fibrocartilage located in the knee. The cartilage sits on top of the tibia and cushions the tibia and femur. Menisci also support the weight of the upper body, particularly when moving. As a result, meniscus tears are common, particularly with athletes. The resulting knee pain can restrict movement and will need immediate treatment.
Causes and types of tears
Athletes involved with sudden twisting or blow to the leg can experience an acute tear. These are the most common forms of meniscus tears. Older men and women can also experience tears due to wear and tear. Over time, the cartilage can dehydrate and break down. The menisci can tear in different ways. Tears can happen on the outside edge, inside, or through the center of the ligament. The injury could be hard to diagnose, so look for these 3 signs and see a doctor immediately.
1. A sudden pop
Most meniscus tears happen after a collision or sudden move in sports. Athletes often report a short, sudden pop heard in the knee. The pop is quickly followed by swelling on the outside or inside of the knee. The pain can feel intense and needs immediate attention.
2. You can’t bend the knee
With a meniscus tear, bending the knee becomes difficult. The swelling causes pain, stiffness and reduction in range of motion. In addition, the damaged cartilage can rise from the tibia and cause a catching feeling in the knee. That catching or locking feeling with stiffness is a flap tear and sign that the meniscus may be in trouble.
3. Tenderness and discomfort
If left untreated, the knee begins to swell and becomes tender. Fluid starts to build up at the location. The swollen knee feels tender to the touch. This can happen immediately after a collision or gradually in older patients.
Treating your torn meniscus
The doctor will turn to image tests to confirm that a patient has a meniscus tear. The degree of the injury then determines the next steps. There are some cases where a meniscus tear can be treated non-surgically. A combination of ice, rest, physical therapy, and bracing for a few weeks can help. In severe cases, the medical team can turn to biological therapies or surgery. The surgeon will remove damaged cartilage with meniscus surgery and leave the healthy meniscus in place. For some tears, the surgeon will stitch the torn ligament together. Today, surgeons use minimally invasive techniques for the best results.
Don’t wait
A torn meniscus can happen in different ways and is very painful. The injury restricts movement and must be addressed immediately. Look for these symptoms to help determine if the issue is more than a knee sprain. If a surgeon confirms the meniscus is torn, non-surgical and surgical options are available. Consulting with an orthopedic surgeon will determine which treatment options are best.
Recent Posts
Sciatica Relief: Is Minimally Invasive Outpatient Microdiscectomy Surgery Your Pain Solution?
Sciatica can create pervasive nerve pain throughout the back and lower body. For some, surgery may be the only solution.
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
Recent Posts
Sciatica Relief: Is Minimally Invasive Outpatient Microdiscectomy Surgery Your Pain Solution?
Sciatica can create pervasive nerve pain throughout the back and lower body. For some, surgery may be the only solution.
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
