What is a Meniscal Tear, and what causes it?
The knee is a complex joint made up of four bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. The menisci are thick disks of cartilage in your knee between your thigh bone and your shin bone. Each meniscus acts as a cushion or “shock absorber” for your knee. Meniscus Tears often occur in sports when the knee is twisted or rotated. Degenerative changes in the knee due to age or other injuries may also make you more susceptible to a meniscus tear.
A torn meniscus can cause discomfort and pain in your knee, and our orthopedic specialists at Mirza Orthopedics are determined to get you back on your feet and pain-free as quickly as possible. If you experience pain or swelling in your knee or are unable to move your knee as you wish, book an appointment with Mirza Orthopedics today.
What are the Symptoms?
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Popping sensation during the injury
- Difficulty extending your knee
What you can expect if you have a Meniscal Tear:
Diagnosis
The first step to treating a torn meniscus is determining that the meniscus is actually torn. This will include having your physician first give you a physical exam. If a meniscal tear is suspected, your physician will most likely order a combination of diagnostic imaging tests, including an X-Ray and an MRI of your knee. If a meniscal tear is still suspected after an X-Ray and an MRI, then arthroscopy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Arthroscopy involves using a small camera attached to a light source to look inside the knee joint.
Treatment
Treatment often depends on the location and size of the tear and will be determined by the physician specifically for you. At first, your doctor will most likely use nonsurgical treatments such as rest, ice, and medication. Physical therapy can also be prescribed in order to strengthen the muscles in your leg surrounding your knee.
More serious meniscal tears cannot effectively be treated with nonsurgical options, and you may be admitted to our outpatient surgery center for a meniscectomy. A meniscectomy is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure that involves either the partial or complete removal of the meniscus. We perform meniscectomies in an outpatient setting. Therefore you can return home the same day as the surgery and are not required to stay overnight in a hospital. If you are currently suffering from knee pain or suspect that you may have torn your meniscus, book a consultation at Mirza Orthopedics today!
There are many things that can contribute to knee problems and create knee pain, and it’s critical that you seek an evaluation from an experienced orthopedic knee specialist to get to the bottom of your particular symptoms and learn about your treatment options. Contact our office on Long Island today to schedule an appointment with our expert knee doctors and surgeons, Dr. Ather Mirza or Dr. Justin Mirza at Mirza Orthopedics. We can help you achieve shoulder pain relief today.