Meniscus Tears
What is a meniscus tear?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts like a shock absorber between your thighbone and shinbone. When it tears, it can cause pain, swelling, and instability. Tears can happen during sports or daily activities, especially with sudden twists or turns. Depending on the severity, treatment may include physical therapy, injections, or minimally invasive surgery. Iowa Ortho’s sports medicine specialists are here to help you regain stability and return to your normal routine.
What causes a meniscus tear?
The meniscus can tear in several ways, often due to:
- Twisting or pivoting motions: Especially when the foot is planted and the knee rotates.
- Sudden stops or changes in direction: Common in sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing.
- Degenerative changes: Age-related wear and tear can lead to weakening of the cartilage over time.
- Lifting something heavy or squatting improperly
Older adults may experience tears from relatively minor activities due to the natural aging of the cartilage.
Common symptoms of a meniscus tear
If you’ve torn your meniscus, you might notice:
- A popping sensation at the time of injury
- Knee pain and tenderness
- Swelling that develops over hours or days
- A feeling that your knee is “catching” or “locking”
- Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee
These symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the tear.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a thorough physical exam, checking your range of motion, swelling, and joint stability. Imaging, such as an MRI, may be used to confirm the location and extent of the tear.
Treatment options for a meniscus tear
Treatment depends on your age, activity level, and the type of tear:
Conservative management:
- RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Physical therapy to strengthen the knee and improve mobility
- Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections
Surgical treatment:
- Meniscectomy: Removing the damaged portion of the meniscus
- Meniscus Repair: Suturing the tear, typically for younger patients or athletes
- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive surgery with quicker recovery time
Recovery & rehab
Whether you’re recovering from a meniscus repair or managing the injury non-surgically, physical therapy is key. Rehab focuses on:
- Reducing inflammation
- Regaining strength and stability
- Improving flexibility and balance
- Safely returning to sports or daily activities
Why choose Iowa Ortho?
From diagnosis to rehab, Iowa Ortho offers comprehensive care for knee injuries. Our orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists work together to ensure you regain stability and get the treatment plan that’s right for your lifestyle and goals.