What Is a Meniscus Tear in the Knee?
A meniscus tear is a type of injury that occurs in the knee. The menisci are discs that serve to cushion the knee and balance weight across the knee. There are two menisci in each knee: one is on the outer edge, and one is on the inner edge. A meniscus tear typically happens as a result of a physical injury (when the knee is rotated too quickly while it’s bearing weight), but they can also occur due to normal wear and tear as you age.
A meniscus tear is particularly common among athletes, but they can also occur from heavy lifting, sudden turns, or squatting. Some sports have a higher risk for a meniscus tear than others, including tennis, soccer, football, and basketball.
Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of a mild meniscus tear typically include pain and immediate swelling. On the other hand, a moderate or severe tear may include immediate or delayed swelling, intense pain that worsens, stiffness, a popping sound, limited motion, and the feeling that your knee is weak or locking up. Symptoms for mild to moderate tears may go away after a couple of weeks, but can return if the knee is overused.
Treatment for a Meniscus Tear
To determine treatment for a meniscus tear, your doctor will examine your knee to determine the type and severity of the tear. Depending on the situation, you’ll likely start with more conservative treatment options, such as physical therapy, elevated rest, and icing your knee. In more severe cases, however, you may need surgery to repair or remove pieces of the torn meniscus.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are currently experiencing symptoms or believe you’ve torn your meniscus, contact us at Performance Orthopaedics to schedule an appointment for an examination and to discuss treatment options.