A Meniscus Injury is a prevalent condition that can significantly affect an individual’s knee function and mobility. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides a cushion between your femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). Injuries to the meniscus can cause pain, swelling, and problems with knee function.
At Alliance Orthopedics, we recognize the impact such injuries can have on your daily life and activities. Our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive care to help patients recover from meniscus injuries and regain their normal knee function and mobility.
Causes of Meniscus Injuries
Meniscus injuries often occur during movements that forcefully rotate the knee while bearing weight. A sudden pivot or turn, deep squatting, or heavy lifting can lead to a tear in the meniscus. While athletes involved in contact sports are particularly at risk, anyone at any age can experience a meniscus injury.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase an individual’s likelihood of experiencing a meniscus injury, including:
- Participation in sports that involve aggressive pivoting and sudden stops and turns, such as football, basketball, and tennis
- Age as the meniscus weakens and wears thin over time
- Previous knee injuries
Symptoms of a Meniscus Injury
The symptoms of a meniscus injury can vary depending on the severity and location of the tear. However, common symptoms often include:=
- Pain in the knee
- Swelling
- Difficulty moving the knee or limited range of motion
- Feeling of the knee giving way
- Sensation of “locking” or “catching” in the knee
Diagnosing a Meniscus Injury
Diagnosing a meniscus injury involves a thorough evaluation. At Alliance Orthopedics, our team starts by understanding your symptoms, the circumstances leading to the injury, and your overall health history. This is followed by a physical examination, where our specialists assess your knee for signs of swelling, pain, and limited mobility.
To confirm the diagnosis and visualize the extent of the injury, we may also recommend imaging tests. These can include X-rays to rule out other conditions and an MRI scan to provide a detailed view of the knee’s structures.
Treatment Options
The treatment for a meniscus injury is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and lifestyle demands. For some, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy or rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may be sufficient. However, in cases of more severe or complex tears, surgical intervention may be necessary. Regardless of the treatment path chosen, the primary goal is to alleviate symptoms, restore knee function, and prevent long-term complications.
At Alliance Orthopedics, our commitment is to provide world-class care for your meniscus injury, helping you return to your active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.
