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MENISCUS TEAR

WHAT IS A MENISCUS TEAR?

A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. The meniscus is a tough, rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Each knee has two menisci (plural of meniscus)-one at the outer edge of the knee and one at the inner edge. The menisci act as shock absorbers keep your knee steady by evenly balancing your weight across the knee. A torn meniscus can prevent your knee from working properly and can lead to accelerated wear of the joint.

Meniscus Tear Knee Pain Symptoms

The symptoms of a torn meniscus vary depending on the size and location of the tear. Since there are no nerve endings to the meniscus, pain is due to swelling and injury to surrounding tissues. The most common symptoms are the following:

Knee Pain usually at the side or center

Pain usually increases with squatting, lifting, or rising from a seated position

Can produce a “wobbly”unstable feeling

Swelling in the Knee

Catching or locking of the knee joint

Range of motion of the knee may be limited

Cause of Meniscus Tears in the Knee

Knee Injury- This usually occurs if there is sudden twisting or turning of the foot while it is planted and the knee is bent. Meniscal tears can also occur with heavy lifting, squatting, or in contact sports. Most likely to fragment.

Degenerative or Arthritic Knees- A meniscal tear may occur in a person over 40 who has dry, thin or weak cartilage. As the cartilage weakens it becomes more brittle and can easily tear. It is not uncommon for an individual with arthritis or degenerative knee joints to tear meniscus simply by getting up from a chair or climbing the stairs.

Meniscus Tear Knee Pain Treatment Options

The treatment for a meniscus tear is determined by the size, location of the tear, and the activity level of the patient. Some people respond well to non-invasive treatments while others have to have surgery. The location of the meniscus tear is one of the most important factors because that will determine how well the tear will heal.


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