Signs Of A Torn Meniscus And When You Should See An Orthopedic Physician
A torn meniscus occurs when you twist or move wrong and the meniscus inside the knee tears. The meniscus acts as a cartilage between the knee and the shin bone, so when it tears, you could feel pain in or around the knee and in your legs as well. It can make walking difficult and even small movements difficult to handle. Read on for a few signs that you have a torn meniscus and when it's time to see a physician.
Signs Of A Torn Meniscus
You may have torn your meniscus without actually knowing what caused it. It may have happened when you stood up or rolled over in bed. It could have happened while running or playing a sport, and you may have heard a popping sound, or nothing at all. A couple of signs include:
- Swelling in or around the knee.
- Pain or irritation in the knee, or shins, as well as in the hips if you are beginning to walk differently.
- Popping in the knee when you try to move it.
- An inability to straighten the knee completely.
When To See A Physician
If you are experiencing pain that is lasting longer than a couple of days, swelling and irritation, you should visit your physician or head straight to an orthopedic physician if your insurance allows it. If you are having a hard time walking, straightening your knee, or your knee pain is giving you a trouble doing everyday tasks, you should see the physician for help.
Your physician will most likely give you an MRI to check out your knee and be sure it is in fact a torn meniscus. Depending on the type of tear, your physician may schedule you for physical therapy, or try a few different things first including wearing a knee brace. Arthroscopy surgery may be scheduled if necessary. After surgery, you will need physical therapy and help around for a little while. Taking care of your small children and other things may be difficult to handle after your surgery, so be sure you have someone to help you out.
If you have a torn meniscus, you are going to feel pain in the knee, although you may have no idea how it happened. Be sure you stretch before doing any type of physical exercise or playing any sport to prevent injury. Seek help from an orthopedic physician if you are feeling pain in the knee.
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