If you participate in any highly active sports or enjoy running, and you've felt or heard your knee pop resulting in pain, you may have torn your meniscus. Review the information below to learn more about symptoms, how it feels, and if you can walk with a torn meniscus or not. This information can help you determine if you need to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.
What Does a Meniscus Do And What Are the Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus?
First, it is helpful to understand what a meniscus is and what role it plays for your body. A Meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that sits between the shinbone and thighbone, like padding. There are two Menisci in each of your knees, the Medial on the inside and the Lateral on the outside. Either of these Menisci can be torn, though the Medial is more likely.
If you tear your meniscus, you may experience any of the following:
- Popping noise or sensation in your knee
- Swelling
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Knee movement that is impaired or blocked
What Does A Torn Meniscus Feel Like?
If you're experiencing knee pain, it's always recommended to be properly diagnosed by an orthopedic doctor. You may have a torn meniscus, but it could also be another condition. View our blog article, "Why Does My Knee Hurt," to discover what other common causes of knee pain can be.
With a torn meniscus, the pain is persistent, and it becomes more noticeable when you rotate or move your knee. There may be a feeling of the knee giving way or stiffness with a lack of movement.
What is the Treatment for Torn Meniscus?
Depending on the extent of damage, surgery like arthroscopy may be required to fix the tear. If the damage is extensive, you may need a total knee replacement. Sometimes a meniscus tear can heal on its own. All that is required is time, medication to manage the pain, icing of the affected area periodically, ample rest, and a physician's careful guidance.
Can You Walk With a Meniscus Tear?
It is advisable to keep pressure off the knee till it is fully healed. A patient can use crutches to move around. This gives the knee time to rest and recover while allowing the patient to be mobile. Physical therapy is a great option to help develop muscles in the leg and around the knee to regain balance and stability.
Contact Gustavel Orthopedics About Your Knee Pain
We specialize in orthopedics and sports injuries. Learn about our experienced staff on the About Us page. Then, contact Boise Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Gustavel to schedule a consultation. He can diagnose the extent of the damage of your torn meniscus and advise the best course of treatment to get you back to enjoying an active lifestyle.