Why You Should Not Ignore a Meniscus Injury

Among the most common knee problems is a meniscus injury. Though a torn meniscus can be painful, many victims ignore it and avoid visiting the doctor. 

Menisci tears are common among athletes, especially those who engage in sports that involve a lot of knee twisting, changing positions, and squatting. During contact sports, like rugby or football, the force and extent of knee twisting can tear some meniscus that offers cushioning in the knee.

Signs of a Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear can be due to an acute injury or can develop over time. Signs of a torn meniscus include:

• Feeling like your knee is giving out
• Increasing stiffness
• Knee pain
• Loss of range of motion
• Swelling in your knee
• Catching or Locking in your knee

Why You Need To Pay Attention To Meniscus Injuries 

There are various kinds of menisci tears. Some injuries are caused by a sudden event, while others result from degenerative or weakened cartilage. A meniscus tear can occur during regular day-to-day activities, but they often happen during sports.

It is possible to walk with a torn meniscus, making many people avoid visiting a doctor. However, the knee might become swollen, stiff, and painful after a few days. Since the knee is a complex joint, any unattended knee injury could lead to severe knee problems. Part of a torn meniscus might break off and get lodged in the knee joint, sometimes leading to severe knee pain and mobility issues requiring extensive surgery. Moreover, an untreated meniscus tear can lead to long-term problems, such as early osteoarthritis development in the knee.

Can a Meniscus Injury Heal Without Surgery?

A torn meniscus is a common injury and may not necessarily need surgery. Nonetheless, there is no way to have an appropriate diagnosis and treatment without seeing an experienced physician. 

Once a torn meniscus has been diagnosed, physical therapy is the first line of approach, which normally runs for 4 to 6 weeks. However, some menisci tears will not improve after surgery, so it is important to see a specialist who can advise accordingly. 

Can a Knee Brace Assist in Treating Meniscus Injuries?

Bracing is a conservative method often applied after a meniscus tear. A knee brace aims to protect against further injury by offering stability and stopping you from overstretching it past a certain range of motion. This reduces the load on the meniscus. Furthermore, through compression, a brace can encourage circulation, thereby aiding in healing. 

Conservative treatments might not be effective for all meniscus injuries. If a tear happens on the outside of the meniscus, it might heal minus surgery, since adequate blood flow to this area can assist the cartilage in self-repair. A deeper meniscus tear, however, might need surgery.

Are you having a torn meniscus and looking for an expert surgeon? Since 2006 Bernard Ong, M.D. has been providing high-quality patient care. With extensive experience and expertise, Bernard Ong, M.D. is the leading orthopedic surgeon in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our services include sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, arthroscopy, ACL surgery, knee replacement, meniscus surgery, and more. For more information, call (702) 796-7979.

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