What is a torn meniscus?
The meniscus is a piece of soft cartilage that provides protection, shock absorption, and stability to the knee between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). There are two menisci in the knee: medial and lateral. Problems with the meniscus can take several forms from gradual wear and tear that causes degeneration to a sudden injury that causes a distinct separation in the tissue.
How does this occur?
Aggressive twisting and pivoting activities that cause the knee to forcibly twist or rotate are risk factors for tearing the meniscus. Repetitive activities, direct falls, deep squatting and heavy lifting can also cause injury.
Young tissue often responds to these types of injuries or stress with a distinct tear. However, older tissue may respond to minor or major injuries with a more degenerative tear pattern.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of a torn meniscus are:
- Pain
- Swelling inside the joint (effusion)
- Loss of motion
- Painful knee popping or locking
What are the treatments?
Treatment for a tear in the meniscus depends on the location, the pattern, the health/age of the tissue, and the amount of dysfunction that the tear is causing.
A thorough history and physical exam allows us to determine what diagnostic and treatment options will be most useful. While an ultrasound is able to see some parts of the meniscus, an MRI may be needed if an extensive injury is suspected.
Depending on the characteristics of the tear and the demands put on the knee, we can often begin treatment with conservative measures, including a combination of protected movement and therapeutic exercises, as well as anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory medications.
By tailoring the progression of movements and exercises, we enable you to regain strength, mobility and confidence in a controlled and safe manner.
When further treatment is required, we offer a range of minimally invasive procedures, including steroid injections.
If the nature of the injury is not amenable to a trial of conservative treatment, we work with local surgeons to coordinate surgical intervention and post-surgical care.
What’s Next?
Schedule your free consultation to evaluate your individual circumstances. During this call you’ll speak directly with Dr. Jow, our sports medicine physician. While we can’t give out specific advice until you become a patient, we can discuss your issue and determine if Avid is the best fit for you. If an in-person visit is recommended, we will schedule it right away.