Meniscus tears are common, especially in athletes, but with proper treatment, you can expect a full recovery. The doctors at OrthoCincy Wellington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, with four locations in Cincinnati, a location in West Chester, Ohio, and an office in Highland Heights, Kentucky, specialize in sports injuries and meniscus tears and can provide you with the most effective treatment plan to help your body heal as quickly and safely as possible. Schedule an appointment online or by phone today at the office most convenient for you.
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.
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:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, the experts at OrthoCincy Wellington Orthopaedics and 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.
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:
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 OrthoCincy Wellington Orthopaedics and 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, callOrthoCincy Wellington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.