MENISCUS TEAR

Overview & Facts

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury usually caused by twisting or turning quickly while the knee is bent. The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee and keeps it steady by balancing the weight across it. A torn meniscus can prevent your knee from working properly.

Types & Symptoms

There are three types of meniscus tears. Each has its own set of symptoms.

Minor Tear

  • Slight pain and swelling that usually goes away in 2 or 3 weeks.

Moderate Tear

  • Pain at the side or center of your knee.
  • Swelling slowly gets worse over 2 or 3 days.
  • Sharp pain when you twist your knee or squat.
  • Symptoms may go away in 1 or 2 weeks but can come back if you twist or overuse your knee.

Severe Tear

  • Pieces of the torn meniscus can move into the joint space.
  • The knees catch, pop or lock.
  • The knees may not be able to straighten it
  • Wobbly feeling
  • Swelling and stiffness right after the injury or within 2 or 3 days.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose meniscus tear, your doctor will ask about a little background and your past injuries. A physical exam will help your doctor determine if a torn meniscus is the cause of your pain. He or she will check the tenderness, range of motion and stability of your knees.

An Orthopedic surgeon might suggest imaging tests like x-ray or MRI, for a clearer diagnosis of your injury and how severe it is.

 

TREATMENT

Treatment varies to the type of tear you have. Your age and how active you are may also affect your choices for treatment.

Treatment may include:

  • Home Remedy- Rest, Ice, Wrapping the Knee with an Elastic Bandage, and Propping Up the Leg on Pillows
  • Physical Therapy
  • Surgery to Repair the Meniscus
  • Surgery to Remove Part of the Meniscus

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