Meniscus Tear Specialist

What is a meniscus tear?

Two c-shaped pieces of cartilage called menisci cushion your knee joint between your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). These tough and rubbery pads absorb shock and help stabilize your knee. 

A meniscus can tear during any activity that involves twisting your knee while your foot is planted, such as a pivot motion. Meniscus tears are common sports injuries, but they can also result from degenerative damage as your cartilage wears down over time. 

Meniscus tears that occur suddenly during sports are likely to involve other knee injuries, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.

What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?

You might feel a pop in your knee when you tear a meniscus. Other common signs and symptoms of a torn meniscus include:

• Knee pain that may worsen when you twist your knee
• Stiffness and swelling
• Feeling like your knee is giving out
• Decreased range of motion

Many athletes continue to play with a torn meniscus, and most people can walk on the injured knee. However, it’s important to seek treatment at Throgs Neck Multi Care, P.C. as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your knee.

How are meniscus tears diagnosed and treated?

First, your Throgs Neck Multi Care, P.C. provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. 

They may move your knee in different ways to check for pain and a clicking noise that indicates a meniscus tear. They may confirm your diagnosis with imaging tests, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Then, they create an individualized treatment plan. Small tears located on the outer edge of the meniscus may only require non-surgical treatment, like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). The inner part of the meniscus won’t heal without surgery because it lacks a blood supply.

The team at Throgs Neck Multi Care, P.C. typically uses minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery to treat meniscus tears. 

After your procedure, they prescribe rehabilitation exercises to help restore knee strength and mobility. This may involve physical therapy or exercises to perform at home.

For professional diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of meniscus tears, call Throgs Neck Multi Care, P.C., or book an appointment online today.