Meniscus Tear Injuries
By Nikki Clayton PT
Meniscus Tear Injuries
A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries reported by patients. A meniscus is a c-shaped disk in the knee that acts as the shock absorption to the stress placed on the knee. Each knee has two menisci- one along the outer edge and one along the inside of the knee. It is commonly torn due to an activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate on the knee, especially when the foot is planted and the full body weight is placed on the leg. In older adults, degenerative changes to the joint can result in a meniscus tear, as well.
Meniscus tears are very common among athletes
Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
Symptoms of a meniscus tear can vary depending on the type and location of the tear. The most common symptoms include, pain, swelling and stiffness. You can also experience locking, catching and clicking in the knee. Some patients will also complain of difficulty in achieving full straightening of the knee. Another symptom is pain or the inability to squat down or to squat at all.
knee ligaments with labels
Treatment of a Meniscus Tear
Treatment for a meniscus tear often begins with conservative treatment. Rest, ice and anti-inflammatories are usually the first steps to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with the tear. In addition, physical therapy is a great option to help strengthen the muscles around the knee to help support the joint. This results in less stress on the knee and the area of the tear. Surgery may be consulted if the knee continues to be painful or locking. Your orthopedic doctor will advise you on the appropriate options for your knee.
If you can relate to the signs and symptoms of a meniscus tear, call Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute to quickly get back on the road to recovery.
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