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.
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“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“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 ”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
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“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“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 was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“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.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“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 ”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“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.”
“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.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.
