A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries our physicians see in our center. Your meniscus is the cartilage in your knee that acts a cushion between your bone and joint. A tear or rupture such as this is generally caused by a sudden rough twist (movement) of the knee.

What are Symptoms of a Meniscal Tear?

• Pain while knee is being moved (twisting, rotating, running, or walking)
• Popping sound as knee is moved
• Knee feels locked which can make it difficult or impossible to move
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Fluid build-up on the knee

How is a Meniscal Tear Treated?

A condition such as meniscal tear generally involves treatment that is focused on physical therapy and medication. However, dealing with a tear such as this requires life-long preventative measures to ensure further complications don’t arise.

Types of medication used for treatment:

• Anti-inflammatory medications are you used to prevent swelling and pain
• Corticosteroids (Cortisone injections) are generally used in severe cases where the joint is extremely inflamed

Types of treatment you can do from home after you’ve visited your doctor:

• Rest
• You should utilize crutches or some other support system to keep pressure off the affected area
• Place an ice pack on the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation/swelling of the area
• Using a bandage to wrap the affected area can also be helpful with inflammation