Your knee hurts. Is it a meniscus tear? Meniscus tears are a common orthopedic injury, especially in athletes. However, as you age, you’re also at risk for a meniscus tear simply because your cartilage is getting older and suffers from normal wear and tear. You may sustain a meniscus tear from an everyday motion such as getting out of a chair.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Shults, with Coastal Empire Orthopedics in Savannah, Georgia, treats meniscus tears for many patients. Meniscus tears range in severity from a minor injury that heals with rest to one that requires surgery.
Your meniscus is the tough cartilage in your knee that acts as a cushion between your thigh bone and your shin bone. Each knee has two pieces of meniscus, each shaped like the letter C — one on the inside and another on the outside of your knee. Your meniscus helps stabilize your knee and distribute loads evenly.
You may have any of the following symptoms with a meniscus tear:
Your injured knee needs rest. If you suspect a meniscus tear, use the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Use ice packs on and off for 15-20 minutes at a time during the day. Wrap the knee in an elastic bandage to lessen swelling. Keep your leg propped up on pillows or an ottoman when you can. In addition, use over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to reduce any discomfort.
It’s best to make an appointment with Dr. Shults if you experience sudden knee pain and any of the symptoms listed above. Dr. Shults takes an X-ray to rule out any broken bones.
If you try to manage your injury at home, but it doesn’t get better within a few days, it’s time to seek medical attention. Call our office for an appointment if you experience the following:
Dr. Shults performs physical tests to determine if a meniscus tear is the reason for your pain. For the McMurray test, you lie on a table; Dr. Shults gently tries to bend your knee 90 degrees so that it’s perpendicular to your body. Then he slowly rotates your knee inward and outward. You tell Dr. Shults when and how much pain you have during the test. Dr. Shults may order an MRI to determine whether your knee has sustained other types of damage in addition to a meniscus tear.
Dr. Shults may prescribe physical therapy if your knee pain doesn’t get better in a week or so. Your therapist starts with gentle massage and other passive modalities. As your inflammation subsides, your therapist guides you in exercises to strengthen your quadriceps and hamstrings.
In addition, Dr. Shults may discuss the option of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to aid your healing. PRP helps many, but not all, patients suffering from soft tissue injuries.
If your knee pain is still intense after a course of physical therapy or if physical therapy isn’t helping you, Dr. Shults may need to perform arthroscopic surgery to trim away loose cartilage.
Surgery for a meniscus tear depends on a variety of factors, including your age and level of physical activity; the location, size, and reason for the tear; and whether your knee buckles or locks.
Call Coastal Empire Orthopedics or book an appointment online today if you’re experiencing knee pain of any kind.
