Signs of a Torn Meniscus

Posted on: March 21st, 2023 by Our Team

How many steps do you take everyday? If you have a watch that counts your steps, you know it’s in the thousands! Have you ever considered all the pressure that your knees absorb each time you take a step?

The meniscus of your knee is an amazing shock absorber. Each knee has two menisci that are located between the thigh bone and shin bone. This C-shaped cartilage stabilizes your knee joint and absorbs the shock and pressure of each step you take. As a weight bearing cartilage, the meniscus stands up to a lot in our everyday activities, which makes it vulnerable to injury.

Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries – especially in athletes. These tears can occur suddenly or because of degeneration of the cartilage over time. Whatever the cause, be aware of these common signs of a torn meniscus.

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• A “catching” sensation in the knee
• Inability to fully extend or fully bend the knee joint

Many of these symptoms can occur with other knee injuries; therefore, you should make an appointment with Dr. Patel to have your knee evaluated for a proper diagnosis. Left untreated, a torn meniscus can lead to more serious conditions such as arthritis or part of the torn cartilage moving into the knee joint. Dr. Patel will examine your knee, evaluate your symptoms, and consider your past medical history to make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Each step in our day takes us somewhere. Our knees are an integral part in getting us there.

Dr. Ronak Patel is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon offering a full range of care for all knee and shoulder problems with a special interest in complex knee disorders.