Why does medial meniscus tear

This field may be seen by: Everyone. Already have an account? Log in ». Username or Email Address. Remember Me. What is the best mobile phone number for your Certified Athletic Trainer to connect with you via text message? Thank you for contacting us! We are here to help! Medial Meniscus Tears The meniscus consists of two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that sit between the two major bones of the knee joint: the femur thigh bone and the tibia shinbone.

On this page. What causes Medial Meniscus Tears? When to see a doctor If you have an injury to the knee and experience symptoms of a meniscus tear, make an appointment to see an orthopedic specialist. Surgical Treatment If your symptoms do not improve using non-operative treatments, or if the tear cannot be treated using non-operative treatments, you may need surgery to repair or remove the damaged portion of the meniscus.

Recovery The time it takes you to recover from a medial meniscus tear depends on the type of tear, the severity of the tear, and the treatment methods used to repair the damaged tissue. Share this article. Get an account for free. They act as shock absorbers and stabilize the knee.

Meniscus tears can vary widely in size and severity. A meniscus can be split in half, ripped around its circumference in the shape of a C or left hanging by a thread to the knee joint. A barely noticeable tear may resurface years later, triggered by something as simple as tripping over a sidewalk curb. In sports, a meniscus tear usually happens suddenly. Severe pain and swelling may occur up to 24 hours afterward. Walking can become difficult. Additional pain may be felt when flexing or twisting the knee.

A loose piece of cartilage can get stuck in the joint, causing the knee to temporarily lock, preventing full extension of the leg.

Your doctor will generally ask you how the injury occurred, how your knee has been feeling since the injury and whether you have had other knee injuries.

You may be asked about your physical and athletic goals to help your doctor decide on the best treatment for you. Your doctor will hold your heel while you lie on your back and, with your leg bent, straighten your leg with his or her other hand on the outside of your knee as he or she rotates your foot inward.

There may be some pain. It is important to describe your symptoms accurately. The amount of pain and first appearance of swelling can give important clues about where and how bad the injury is.

Tell your doctor of any recurrent swelling or of your knee repeatedly giving way. A magnetic resonance imaging MRI scan is often used to diagnose meniscal injuries.

The meniscus shows up as black on the MRI. Any tears appear as white lines. An MRI is 70 to 90 percent accurate in identifying whether the meniscus has been torn and how badly.

A meniscus can be split in half, ripped around its circumference in the shape of a C, or left hanging by a thread to the knee joint. The quick answer is that a meniscus tear can occur when the knee is suddenly twisted while the foot is planted.

Such has a quick pivot on a basketball court or taking a hard tackle while the leg is planted can cause a meniscus tear. Moving forward, we will be discussing the medial meniscus tear. Thus, when there is a medial knee injury such as a medial meniscus tear, it is essential to repair the tear. If it is not repaired, there will be an increase in the medial compartment load, which ultimately leads to osteoarthritis.

A medial meniscus tear is more common than a lateral meniscus tear because it is firmly attached to the deep medial collateral ligament and the joint capsule. If your MD had diagnosed you with a medial meniscus tear, they might use one of these terms. The quick answer is the diagnosis of a medial meniscus tear begins with a history and physical examination. Help your knee carry its load and avoid meniscus tears by strengthening the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Ease the stress on your knee by:. Our experts might fit you with a knee brace or recommend taping your knee while in recovery or to support it.

Simply walking, climbing stairs, and bending put wear and tear on your knee joints. Over time, the constant friction wears down your menisci, making them more susceptible to tears.

You can help keep your cartilage in shape by nourishing your body with whole foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Stop smoking, which degrades all of your tissues, including your menisci. Increase circulation to your knees and menisci with massage therapy and regular exercise.

If your cartilage is already degraded and at risk for further injury, ask us about regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma PRP and stem cell therapy.