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A meniscus tear is a common sports knee injury. If you’ve injured your knee and are concerned that you may have torn the meniscus, it’s time to make an appointment with your orthopedist. At the office of Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we treat a wide range of injuries and conditions affecting the knee and are well equipped to diagnose and provide appropriate care for a torn meniscus.
Located between the thighbone and the shinbone, each knee contains two menisci whose function it is to cushion the joint, balance the forces on the knee, and allow it to move smoothly. When a meniscus becomes torn or damaged its ability to cushion the joint is compromised. This often happens as the result of trauma involving the compression and twisting of the knee as is often seen in many sports. Furthermore, it can happen when lifting something heavy, kneeling, squatting, as well as during less strenuous activities. For older individuals, degenerative changes that have weakened the meniscus can also cause it to tear more easily.
As skilled and experienced providers of care we’ll evaluate your injury and develop a treatment plan to restore knee health and function. Of course, the exact treatment depends on the type of tear, its size, as well as location. Initially the RICE formula (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) may be recommended as well as medication to reduce pain and swelling. Physical therapy may also be recommended at some point in time, to help alleviate the symptoms, strengthen the muscles around the joint and increase knee mobility and stability. If the knee fully recovers there may be no need for further treatment. However, if there are still problems and the knee remains painful, stiff, or locked, then surgery to trim or repair the damaged meniscus tissue may be recommended. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, patients often return to their pre-injury abilities rather quickly and optimally.
At the office of Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care. For more information on our office and the many services we provide, give us a call today.
By Woodworth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
September 3, 2019
