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An injured knee is just about the most painful of injuries. You can’t turn or lie a certain way to lessen the pain. That’s certainly true of a meniscus tear, but at least you might not need knee surgery. What is a meniscus repair? What should you know about it?
Why You Would Need Meniscus Repair
The menisci are two rubbery discs that sit between the thigh bone and the shin bone. If you look at a cross-view, they look a bit like ears. Their purpose is to protect the leg bones from the shock of the body’s weight coming down in a twisting, turning fashion.
These menisci can tear if the body lands in one spot, plants the foot, and twists or turns in order to launch the body in a different direction. Think how such a move in football or soccer looks. When the player is on the ground clutching his knees in agony, chances are good he has a torn meniscus. He’ll be out of the game for a while for knee surgery.
It doesn’t always have to be a sport; kneeling for any reason (think proposals) could do it. Even lifting something heavy at work or doing deep squats can do it. Moreover, age happens. Seniors could tear a meniscus with little to no provocation due to simple aging.
Torn Meniscus Symptoms
No two people feel things the same, so the symptoms will be different for everyone. However, the most common symptoms go like this:
• Pain around the sides and/or back of the kneeling
• Swelling
• A popping or catching of the joint
• Feeling as if the knee is giving way
• Feeling as if the knee is locked
• Feeling unable to bend or completely extend the kneeling
These symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other illnesses, so you’ll need to see your doctor to be sure you have or do not have a torn meniscus.
Requirements For Treatment
Your doctor will formulate the best treatment for the injury dependent upon a few things:
• Your age
• Your medical history and general health
• Your level of toleration for certain therapies, procedures, and medications
• Your healing time
• How bad the injury is
How Is A Meniscus Repair Accomplished?
Based on the above facts and if the tear is mild enough, you might only need bedrest, ice, ibuprofen, and time to heal the wound. You’ll have physical therapy exercises for strengthening the muscles as well.
Knee surgery or knee arthroscopy will be required if the tear is bad enough. In this case, a lighted tube with a camera on it will be inserted into a small incision in the knee. The picture will be shown on a screen, permitting the doctor to cut out the torn portion of the meniscus or simply repair it. Stitches will hold the meniscus together until it’s healed. When it’s healed, strengthening exercises will be necessary to make the knee strong again.
Contact Eminent Medical Center at Any Time
If you’re searching for premier medical treatment in Richardson, Eminent Medical Center wants to deliver for you. Call our genial and qualified staff today to get more information about all of the services we offer. If you have any questions, we’re accessible to chat with you. Contact us today!
