Summer Baseball is Almost Here: Let's Get Your Shoulder Ready
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Knee Pain? It Could be a Meniscus Tear
Did your knee pain begin after a sudden pivot, heavy lift, or awkward squat? Or has it gradually worsened over time without a clear injury? The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that stabilizes your knee during rotation and acts as a natural shock absorber.
As a result, this piece of cartilage can be damaged by injuries that destabilize the knee and by wear and tear, such as aging or high-intensity knee activities. It can also be inadvertently with a deep squat or crouch doing something as simple as household chores.
If you are experiencing knee pain but aren’t sure whether the meniscus is the cause or what to do next, our expert, Dr. Thomas Kane III, explains the signs of a meniscus tear.
Persistent swelling and stiffness
Within 24 to 48 hours of the injury, you may notice swelling. You may also experience limited mobility and difficulty bending or straightening the knee. Stiffness often occurs as a protective mechanism to guard the damaged cartilage and is usually a sign of a deeper injury, not a simple strain.
Popping and locking sensations
If you heard a pop at the time of the injury, followed by instability as you walk, it could be a sign that the cartilage has torn and is now interfering with the hinge motion of the joint. If your knee feels like it is catching or locking, the meniscus may be involved.
Pain during pivoting or squatting
The meniscus stabilizes the knee during rotation, so if pain is most noticeable when twisting or squatting to pick something up, it may indicate that the meniscus is no longer properly stabilizing your knee and that its shock-absorbing function has been compromised.
Treatment options for a torn meniscus
The diagnosis is made by a combination of injury history, expert physical exam, and an MRI. Depending on the size and location of the tear, as well as your symptoms and activity level, a torn meniscus can initially be treated with rest, ice, bracing, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, protect the meniscus, and improve overall stability.
If symptoms persist, corticosteroid injections may be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
For more severe tears involving ongoing pain, catching, or locking, minimally invasive surgery using small incisions may be recommended to repair or resect the tear and restore mobility. Recovery usually is quite rapid.
If you are experiencing symptoms and are unsure what to do next, contact us to schedule a consultation at our office in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our expert will help determine the cause of your discomfort, assess the extent of the damage, and recommend a treatment to help you return to your normal activities as soon as possible.
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