Things You Should Know About A Torn Meniscus
A torn meniscus is a type of knee injury that can make walking and playing your favorite sport painful and difficult. However, you could also have this condition and not be aware of its seriousness. Continue reading to learn about how you can tear your meniscus, the symptoms of meniscus damage, and when you may need a knee surgery specialist.
What is the Meniscus?
The meniscus is a pair or cartilage on each side of the knee that cushions the area between the your femur and your tibia. Without the meniscus, your knee would not function effectively, and the two leg bones would rub and wear against each other.
How Does the Meniscus Get Torn?
The most common way for the meniscus to tear is when you make quick, lateral moves, or you put a lot of weight on your knees with deep squats while carrying a heavy load. Continuing to work out after being injured can make the tear worse.
Who is Susceptible to a Torn Meniscus?
You are at higher risk if you participate in sports that require sudden turns and pivots, such as football, tennis, soccer, or competitive weight training. Also, the meniscus naturally thins and breaks down as people age, so you are more likely to acquire an injury later in life.
What Are the Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus?
Most people experience either pain or swelling in the knee area when they tear their meniscus. However, it's possible that you won't notice anything at all except some popping, weakness, and mild stiffness. Your doctor can use an ultrasound or MRI to examine your knee for damage.
How is the Treatment for a Torn Meniscus?
For most people, rest, rehabilitation, and anti-inflammatory medications are all that is needed to help the meniscus heal. However, if you are involved in competitive sports or strenuous work demands, then minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be the best option to get you back to your activity as soon as possible.
Can a Torn Meniscus be Prevented?
To keep your knees working properly, make sure you exercise regularly. When weight training, avoid bending your knee more than 90 degrees as much as possible. Wear the right shoes for your activity. Some sports require shoes that limit or support quick actions that reduce the pressure on the knees. Wear a protective knee brace if possible.
If you are experiencing strange sensations or pain in your knee that is affecting how you walk or play your sport, then see a doctor right away. If your condition cannot be treated by conventional means, then you may need knee surgery to correct the condition. Speak to a knee surgeon to learn more.
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