Meniscus tear

Meniscus Tear

A Meniscus Tear is a common injury to the knee joint, specifically to the meniscus, which is a piece of cartilage that provides a cushion between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).

Causes

Meniscus tears can occur during activities that cause direct contact or pressure from a forced twist or rotation. A sudden pivot or turn, deep squatting, or heavy lifting can lead to injury. Aging also increases the risk of a meniscus tear, as the meniscus weakens and wears thin over time.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a meniscus tear include:

• Pain in the knee
• Swelling
• Difficulty bending and straightening the leg
• A tendency for your knee to get "stuck" or lock up

Diagnosis

A meniscus tear is diagnosed through a physical examination by a doctor, who will look for tenderness along the joint line where the meniscus sits. This may be accompanied by a MRI scan which can help to visualize the damaged meniscus.

Treatment

Treatment for a meniscus tear will depend on its size, type, and location. If the tear is small and on the outer edge of the meniscus, it may be allowed to heal on its own with the help of physical therapy. Larger or more centrally located tears may require surgery.

Prevention

While not all meniscus tears are preventable, you can reduce your risk by:

• Regularly exercising to strengthen the muscles around your knee
• Wearing shoes that fit well and are appropriate for your activity
• Using knee pads during activities that involve knee contact

See Also

• Knee Pain
• Knee Surgery
• Physical Therapy

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