What You Should Know about a Torn Meniscus

What You Should Know about a Torn Meniscus

What You Should Know about a Torn Meniscus

Knee injuries are extremely common in those that play high-impact sports or perform rigorous exercise routines. When you injure your knee, you may feel sharp pain, limited mobility, or the inability to move at all. As an orthopedic surgeon in Orange City, we treat many knee injuries. Many of these knee injuries end up being torn meniscuses. Although most injuries occur by traumatic force or twisting of the knee, a torn meniscus is actually a degenerative tear. There are a few things you should know about a torn meniscus.

What is the meniscus?

The meniscus is cartilage in your knee that holds your bones together. Everyone has two of these crescent-shaped cartilage pieces in their knees, on both sides of the knee. When the meniscus is healthy, it will provide shock-absorption during movements like walking, jumping, and running. This is meant to protect the bones underneath and stabilize your knee joint.

What causes meniscus pain?

Over time, the cartilage around your knee becomes weak and wears down. When the cartilage is so thin, it can cause the meniscus to tear. This is often a result of arthritis. However, acute injuries can also cause meniscus tears. Athletes may get this injury when they suddenly twist their knee joint, typically in movements like tacking or getting hit while playing their sports.

Do I have a tear in my meniscus?

Meniscus tears cause a locking of the knee, making it difficult to move or bend. These tears also include other symptoms, such as:

  • Feeling like your knee is going to give out
  • Pain, stiffness, or swelling of the knee area
  • Inability to bend or straighten the knee

When you notice any or all of these symptoms, you will want to get evaluated by a professional.

How is a torn meniscus diagnosed?

When you visit an orthopedic surgeon, they will ask questions about your injury or pain in your knee. They will also perform a thorough evaluation of the knee area, testing for range of motion and looking for swelling.

What is the typical treatment for a torn meniscus?

The first type of treatment for meniscus tears includes rest, ice, and compression. However, the extent of the injury and age of the patient will determine the full course of treatment. Physical therapy may be recommended to repair the knee and control pain over time. If the pain continues, your surgeon may also suggest arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the torn meniscus. This can help to promote knee stability.

By understanding more about a torn meniscus injury, you can get the medical treatment you need to treat the pain and fix the issue. If you have recently sustained a knee injury or you suffer from chronic knee-related pain, you want to trust a reputable orthopedic surgeon in Orange City.

Contact Florida Bone and Joint to hear about our specialties today!