Have you or your loved one ever twisted your knee weirdly while playing sports or just messing around, and then it started feeling kind of off? That uncomfortable feeling might be more than just a simple strain—it could be a meniscus tear.
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint, helping your knee to move smoothly. A tear in this area can hurt and affect how your knee works.
To keep you in the game and on your feet, here’s what you need to know about meniscal tear symptoms and meniscal tear treatment near you.
What is a Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that serves as a cushion between your thigh bone and shin bone. It helps absorb shock and keeps your knee stable.
A meniscus tear can happen when you twist your knee suddenly, often during sports activities.
Three Signs of a Meniscus Tear
Sign #1: Pain in Your Knee
The first sign that you might have a meniscus tear is pretty straightforward—your knee hurts. When you tear your meniscus, you might feel a sharp pain, especially when trying to twist or turn on that leg.
Sometimes, the pain might not be bad and can worsen over a few days. This pain in your knees indicates that something is wrong with the knees.
Sign #2: Swelling or Stiffness
After the injury, you might notice your knee looks bigger than usual or feels tighter when you try to move it. This swelling happens because your body is trying to protect the injured area. Think of it like your knee putting on a big, puffy coat to stay safe.
Along with swelling, your knee might feel stiff, making it hard to bend or straighten completely. This stiffness is another way your body tries to prevent further injury to the knee.
Sign #3: Popping Sensation or Noise
When you injure your knee, you might feel or hear a “pop.” This isn’t the same as the usual pops you might hear when stretching.
It’s a sign that something inside the knee, like the meniscus, has been hurt. Not everyone will experience this popping sensation, but if you do, it’s a hint that you should get your knee checked out.
What to Do If You Suspect a Meniscus Tear
If you think you have a meniscus tear, it’s important to see an orthopedic doctor immediately. Early meniscus tear diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and speed your recovery.
Initial Steps
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured knee.
- Ice: Apply ice by wrapping it in a towel to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Use a brace or bandage to provide support.
- Elevation: Keep your knee raised to reduce swelling.
Finding Help: Meniscal Tear Treatment Near Me
If these signs sound familiar, don’t wait it out. The sooner you get help for the meniscus, the better. Start by looking up “meniscal tear treatment near me” to find a healthcare provider, particularly an orthopedic doctor, specializing in knee injuries.
How an Orthopedic Doctor Can Help?
A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging tests like an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, they can discuss treatment options with you, which may include:
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve its range of motion.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation. An orthopedic doctor can also prescribe some prescription-only pain relievers to ease pain and swelling.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the damaged part of the meniscus. The good news is that many times, surgery for a meniscus tear can be done with just a small incision, making recovery faster.
Meniscus Tear Treatment in San Antonio, TX
Knowing the signs of a meniscus tear is the key to getting your knee back in shape. Pain, swelling or stiffness, and a popping sensation in the knee are big red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.
If you suspect you or your loved one might have a meniscus tear, finding “meniscal tear treatment near me” is the first step toward recovery.
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we specialize in diagnosing and treating meniscus tears, utilizing the latest techniques and technology to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Our team of highly skilled orthopedic surgeons has extensive experience in both non-surgical and surgical meniscus tear treatments. We’re committed to creating personalized treatment plans that cater to your specific needs and lifestyle, ensuring a recovery process that is as smooth and swift as possible.
For more information about us or to schedule a consultation with one of our providers, call us today at (210) 692-7400 or use our appointment form. We look forward to serving you!
