What is the Meniscus?
Your menisci are two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that separate your thigh bone from your shinbone and act as a shock absorber between these two bones. Due to their location and function, your menisci are susceptible to injury.
Your meniscus can tear in a number of different ways, and the tears are classified based on how it looks. Types of meniscus tears include:
A tear can occur at any time. Athletes often injure their meniscus during a squat or twisting motion. Older adults are also at risk of meniscus tears due to cartilage degeneration.
What are the Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear?
Many people report a popping sensation when they initially tear their meniscus. However, you may still be able to walk. In fact, athletes often continue to play after they’ve torn their meniscus.
However, over the next few days, you may begin to develop other symptoms such as:
- Pain in your knee
- Stiffness and swelling
- Limited knee mobility
- Clicking or locking of your knee
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, the experts at Wellington Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine can evaluate your knee and determine if you’ve suffered a meniscus tear. An X-ray or MRI may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.
How is a Meniscus Tear Treated?
Treatment for your meniscus tear depends on its location, as well as the degree and type of the tear. The outside portion of your meniscus has access to regular blood flow, which aids in healing and may not require a lot of intervention. Nonsurgical treatment for a meniscus tear includes:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
- Anti-inflammatories
However, if your tear is in the inner portion of your meniscus, healing can be delayed due to the lack of blood supply, and you may require arthroscopic surgery. Your surgeon at Wellington Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine may be able to repair your meniscus or trim away the torn portion to support the healing process and restore function.
Whether you need surgery or not, most people are able to fully recover from a meniscus tear.
For expert care if you’ve suffered a knee injury, call Wellington Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.
