Torn Meniscus Doctor in Westchester County

What is a meniscus tear?

A meniscus, which is the piece of cartilage that absorbs shock and protects the end of each of your leg bones, can tear when it is twisted incorrectly, when the joint is hyperextended, or when age causes degenerative damage to it. While this kind of injury can affect anyone, it’s common among athletes and those who are active. On occasion, this kind of injury might occur at the same time as an ACL injury, which is another type of knee injury affecting one of your knee’s ligaments.

Normal Meniscus vs. Torn Meniscus

What causes a meniscus tear?

Most commonly, meniscus injuries happen during sports and other physical activities. Surprisingly though, they can also occur as the result of minor movements, especially in those who are older in age. Below are the most common causes for a meniscus tear:

• Changing directions suddenly
• Twisting the knee suddenly
• Playing sports, especially those involving sudden direction changes
• Lifting weights

What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?

Symptoms of a meniscus tear that may warrant a visit to Specialty Orthopaedics include the following:

• Knee pain
  • Pain in the side of the knee
  • Pain in the center of the knee
  • Recurring knee pain / pain that comes and goes
• Clicking feeling or sound in the knee
• Knee stiffness
• Immobility / inability to walk
• Inability to straighten the knee
• Knee instability or “knee giving out”

How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?

Our team has many years of training in treating all kinds of knee injuries, including meniscus tears. You can trust that you’re in excellent hands when it comes to evaluating and diagnosing your knee condition. Our doctors make sure to go over any of your relevant medical history as well as discuss your knee concerns thoroughly before making a diagnosis. We might also conduct an imaging test to further evaluate your condition and get to the bottom of your knee problem. Imaging tests may include:

• X-rays
• MRI scans
• CAT scans

How is a meniscus tear treated?

Meniscus injuries are sometimes treated with conservative options, including:

• Rest
• Ice
• Elevation
• Compression
• Strength exercises
• Physical therapy

When needed, our doctors are able to provide innovative approaches to meniscus repair surgery, including knee arthroscopy. One of our experienced orthopedic surgeons will discuss all of your options with you during a consultation.

VIDEO: Knee Arthroscopy for Meniscal Repair

Please explore our meniscus repair video below.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a meniscus tear, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of orthopedic specialty areas. We offer comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere. Give us a call at 914.686.0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.