SOMA Living August 2022

FROM THE DOCTOR Meniscus tears are a common part of a knee injury. Athletes, particularly those who play contact sports, are at risk for meniscus tears from quick turns or impact. However, anyone at any age can tear the meniscus. Tears are classified by appearance and location. The most common tears include bucket handle, flap, and radial. They are medial (inside) or lateral (outside) the meniscus. The most common symptom of a torn meniscus is feeling and hearing a pop. The pain can be severe. Most people can still walk or play sports with a tear. Over the next 2-3 days pain, stiffness, and swelling can occur. There are other symptoms, such as a catching or locking sensation or the knee feeling like it is going to give out. Often the knee can’t bend or extend through the full range of motion. When patients come into the doctor or therapist’s office with complaints of knee pain a full examination includes a range of motion assessment and strength testing. There are also special tests to put strain on the injured tissues. Most meniscus tears will show up on MRI. Treatment for meniscus tears depends on your age, symptoms, and activity level as well as size and location of the tear. Treatment may be surgical or non-surgical. Many meniscus tears will not need immediate surgery. If your symptoms stop, with no locking or swelling, non-surgical treatment is usually recommended. Take a break from the activity that caused the injury. Your doctor may recommend using crutches to avoid putting weight on your leg. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage. To reduce swelling, recline when you rest, and put your leg up higher than your heart. Your doctor may inject a corticosteroid in your knee joint to eliminate pain and swelling. Physical therapy is also recommended to strengthen the joint and decrease the swelling. What is a Meniscus Tear?

South Orange Rehabilitation & Wellness We provide professional, individualized and effective physical therapy. Our health and wellness interventions promote healthy living and enhanced quality of life for all athletes and patients.

Specializing in: • Post Surgical Knee & Shoulder • Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs • Cold Laser to Increase Healing

SouthOrangeRehab.com (973) 761-0077 177 Valley Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079

WWW.SCALORA.COM 973.313.3912

Dr. Daniel Roig South Orange Rehab Wellness SouthOrangeRehab.com 973-761-0077

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