Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is a knee injury in which a piece of the meniscus is torn. The meniscus is a thick, rubbery, wedge-shaped cartilage in the knee. Two menisci are located in each knee. They sit between the upper bone (femur) and lower bone (tibia) that make up the knee joint. Each meniscus acts as a shock absorber for the knee.
A torn meniscus is one of the most common types of knee injuries. This injury can range from mild to severe. Surgery may be needed for a severe tear.
CAUSES
This injury may be caused by any squatting, twisting, or pivoting movement. Sports-related injuries are the most common cause. These often occur from:
• Running and stopping suddenly.
• Changing direction.
• Being tackled or knocked off your feet.
As people get older, their meniscus gets …show more content…
• Feeling for tenderness.
• Listening for a clicking sound.
• Checking if your knee locks or catches.
You may also have tests, such as:
• X-rays.
• MRI.
• A procedure to look inside your knee with a narrow surgical telescope (arthroscopy).
You may be referred to a knee specialist (orthopedic surgeon).
TREATMENT
Treatment for this injury depends on the severity of the tear. Treatment for a mild tear may include:
• Rest.
• Medicine to reduce pain and swelling. This is usually a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
• A knee brace or an elastic sleeve or wrap.
• Using crutches or a walker to keep weight off your knee and to help you walk.
• Exercises to strengthen your knee (physical therapy).
You may need surgery if you have a severe tear or if other treatments are not working.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Managing Pain and Swelling
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If directed, apply ice to the injured area:
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per
A meniscus tear is a knee injury in which a piece of the meniscus is torn. The meniscus is a thick, rubbery, wedge-shaped cartilage in the knee. Two menisci are located in each knee. They sit between the upper bone (femur) and lower bone (tibia) that make up the knee joint. Each meniscus acts as a shock absorber for the knee.
A torn meniscus is one of the most common types of knee injuries. This injury can range from mild to severe. Surgery may be needed for a severe tear.
CAUSES
This injury may be caused by any squatting, twisting, or pivoting movement. Sports-related injuries are the most common cause. These often occur from:
• Running and stopping suddenly.
• Changing direction.
• Being tackled or knocked off your feet.
As people get older, their meniscus gets …show more content…
• Feeling for tenderness.
• Listening for a clicking sound.
• Checking if your knee locks or catches.
You may also have tests, such as:
• X-rays.
• MRI.
• A procedure to look inside your knee with a narrow surgical telescope (arthroscopy).
You may be referred to a knee specialist (orthopedic surgeon).
TREATMENT
Treatment for this injury depends on the severity of the tear. Treatment for a mild tear may include:
• Rest.
• Medicine to reduce pain and swelling. This is usually a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
• A knee brace or an elastic sleeve or wrap.
• Using crutches or a walker to keep weight off your knee and to help you walk.
• Exercises to strengthen your knee (physical therapy).
You may need surgery if you have a severe tear or if other treatments are not working.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Managing Pain and Swelling
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If directed, apply ice to the injured area:
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per