Now Offering Florida OrthoCare Telemedicine Virtual Visits

Treating Meniscal Tears

Meniscus Tear and Knee Pain 

Meniscus Tear Injuries

Understanding What is a Meniscus Tear and Knee Pain

There are 2 cushiony pieces of the cartilage connecting the femur and the tibia of each leg. This cartilage is called a meniscus (plural: menisci), and it is present in a pair in each knee joint. A meniscal tear occurs when the knee joint experiences a sudden, sharp movement.  At Florida OrthoCare it is important that patients we treat have a clear understanding of how its best for treating meniscal tears.

Because of the pressure and weight placed in the knee, the meniscus becomes progressively weaker, the older you get.

Meniscus tears are particularly common among sportsmen and women, sports that involve constant ‘stop-and-go’ movement being the most affected- American Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and Tennis, some of the main culprits.

Lifting heavy objects, dancing, anything that places pressure on your knee joints can cause a meniscus tear. Mundane acts like jumping up in excitement and landing awkwardly on one leg can cause a meniscus tear. Over half a million meniscus tears occur in the USA every year.

Signs of a Meniscus Tear

A meniscus tear is diagnosed by a doctor combining physical exams, a knee X-ray, an MRI, and an Ultrasound. In complex cases your orthopedic doctor may perform a minimally invasive test, an arthroscopy to examine your knee joints more closely.

Treating Meniscal Tears at Florida OrthoCare

Conventional Treatment

Meniscal tears can be treated conventionally with the RICE routine and pain management therapy. The RICE routine is:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed to combat the pain and help reduce the swelling and inflammation around the joint.

Surgery

Having an arthroscopic surgery may be the way to go if the tear of the meniscus is complicated, or the pain does not reduce after conventional treatment. The surgical procedure involves only a tiny incision on your knee, from which the orthopedic surgeon will attempt to repair your damaged meniscus. The surgical procedure generally lasts around an hour. And most patients are discharged on the same day.

Recovery

After surgery, you will be fitted with either a brace or crutches for up to 6 weeks, to avoid placing weight on the healing cartilages. It is recommended that you start physical therapy within a week of having surgery. The average recovery period for a meniscus tear is between 6-8 weeks. however, this is also influenced on your individual condition.

How We Can Help You?

Cortisone Shots vs. Knee Surgery: Exploring Treatment Options Picture

Cortisone Shots vs. Knee Surgery: Exploring Treatment Options

Dealing with Knee Pain Knee pain can be debilitating and significantly impact one’s quality of life. When faced with knee pain, individuals …

Rotator Cuff Injuries Picture

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator Cuff Injuries & Symptoms The rotator cuff is a group of muscles on each side of the shoulders that are responsible …

Orthopedic Care for Stress Fractures and Growth Plate Injuries Picture

Orthopedic Care for Stress Fractures and Growth Plate Injuries

Stress fractures and growth plate injuries are common issues that require specialized care, especially in young athletes and active individuals. An orthopedic doctor is often the first choice for diagnosing and treating these types of injuries due to their expertise in musculoskeletal health.

View All

South Florida’s Top Orthopaedic Specialists and Surgeons

Copyright ® 2024 www.florthocare.com. Designed by Accountable Web Designs. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Sitemap