What Is a Torn Meniscus and When to See Any Doctor in West Chester?

One most common knee ailment is a torn meniscus. A meniscus tear in West Chester can be caused by any activity that may result in twisting or spinning your knee forcefully, especially when you put full weight on your knee.

Between your shinbone and the thigh bone, your knees have two C-shaped cartilage pieces that act as a cushion (menisci). Pain, edema, and stiffness are all symptoms of a torn meniscus. You may also notice a restriction in knee motion and difficulty in fully extending your knee.

What Exactly Is a Meniscus?

A piece of cartilage known as the meniscus in your knee is prone to injury. Each knee has two menisci, which act as stress absorbers between your thigh bone and the shinbones.

The menisci are made up of rubbery fibrocartilage, which makes them resistant to the daily stresses of walking, standing, and sprinting. They can, however, tear as a result of certain rapid movements, or they can get weaker and worn out with time.

What Is a Meniscus Tear?

When one of the menisci in the knee is torn then a meniscus tear occurs. Acute meniscus tears occur rapidly and usually occur while engaging in some form of physical activity or playing sports.

Degenerative meniscus rips become more common as you get older. These might happen suddenly and easily, such as when you get out of the car or squat down to pick up anything you’ve dropped.

Cause

Acute meniscus tears are very common in sports. These can happen as a result of a contact or non-contact injury, such as pivoting or cutting.

Degenerative meniscus tears are more common as people get older. Tears are more likely in older, damaged tissue. A simple twist while getting out of a chair could be enough to rupture an aged meniscus.

Symptoms

When you tear the meniscus, you may hear a “pop.” The majority of people can walk on their wounded knee, and many athletes can continue to play with a tear. The knee, on the other hand, will stiffen and swell during the next two to three days.

The following are the most prevalent signs of a torn meniscus:

• Pain.
• Swelling and stiffness.  
• Locking or catching of your knee.
• You will get the sensation in your knee as if it is “giving way”.
• Your inability to move the knee through its complete range of motion.

When to See Any Doctor in West Chester?

If your knee is painful/swollen, or if you cannot move it in the usual ways, then you must see your doctor.

Jennifer Eonflux