Your joints experience a lot of abuse from working, running errands, and having fun on the weekends. Your knees are one of the largest joints in your body, and they can take on a large portion of this physical abuse. A torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries. If you are dealing with a torn meniscus in Oklahoma City, Olsen Orthopedics can help you get back on your feet, active, and doing the things you love to do again.
In order to understand this injury, you have to understand what it is that is actually injured. The human knee has two menisci. These menisci are C-shaped discs of cartilage that provide cushioning for the knee. They are located between the shin and thigh bones so that these two bones do not rub together. The menisci help to protect the joint from the stress and pressure that it experiences during running, walking, climbing, and playing with the kids.
What are the Symptoms?
A torn meniscus can happen to anyone, and there are some telltale signs that you are dealing with a torn meniscus in Oklahoma City. These include:
- Stiffness and pain in the knee
- Swelling around the injured area
- Difficulty straightening the injured knee
- Your knee may feel like it is locking up when you are trying to straighten it out
- A popping sensation and a feeling of instability in the knee
Causes of a Torn Meniscus
There are a lot of different things that can cause a torn meniscus in Oklahoma City. Physical activity that requires pivoting, deep squats while lifting, or sudden stops and starts can put you at risk for a torn meniscus in Oklahoma City. There can be added risk for older adults who may be dealing with degenerating conditions in their bones and joints.
How Can We Diagnose and Treat a Torn Meniscus?
The diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam. The doctor will start by going over your history and what you were doing at the time of the injury. At the time of the physical exam, the doctor may move your knee around in different ways to pinpoint where the injury is located.
The doctor will also likely ask you to do certain movements. He may ask you to walk and squat in different ways. This exam will give him an idea of the severity of the injury and where it is on the meniscus. Sometimes, medical imaging may be required in order to properly diagnose the injury.
Like with most joint or muscle injuries, treatment will start with rest, ice, and medications. It may also involve physical therapy in order to strengthen the area around the injury. In time, the torn meniscus may heal on its own after given the proper amount of time. In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
If you think you could have a torn meniscus, reach out to Olsen Orthopedics in Midwest City in order to get some help with this injury. It may take time, but we can help you get back to your old self again. Contact us today to book your consultation.
