Meniscus Tears
What causes Meniscus Tears?
Also known as a cartilage tear, a torn meniscus is a common knee injury frequently seen in athletes. It’s generally caused by one or more of the following:
- Pivoting
- Sudden stops and turns
- Deep squatting
- Heavy lifting
- Twisting the upper leg while the foot is planted, and the knee is bent
- Stepping on an uneven surface
- Repetitive motions, such as those in sports
- Traumatic impact or injury
- Degenerative changes
Symptoms of Meniscus Tears
Individuals with meniscus tears typically experience the following symptoms in the knee within 24 hours of sustaining the injury:
- A popping sensation
- Swelling or stiffness
- Pain, especially when twisting or rotating the knee
- Difficulty fully straightening the knee
- A locking sensation in the knee
- Knee instability
Diagnosing Meniscus Tears
The Orthohealing Center is committed to providing patients with a conclusive diagnosis of their respective conditions or injuries. To do this, an initial physical and verbal intake will be conducted. During this process, patients are asked how the injury was sustained and about the severity, duration, and frequency of symptoms. The affected region is examined for tender areas / pain, reflexes, strength, and range of motion. Our physicians frequently order advanced imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound to assess baseline status and monitor treatment results.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Meniscus Tears
It’s our goal to reduce pain and inflammation and restore normal sensation, stability, function, and range of motion when treating meniscus tears in the knee. We offer a comprehensive array of nonsurgical approaches to address associated debilitating symptoms. Our physicians may recommend one or a combination of the following therapies including, but not limited to:
