Meniscal Tears

A meniscal tear is a painful and debilitating injury that's caused by a sudden impact while playing a sport or when lifting a heavy object. At Austin Sports Medicine, serving the community in and around Central and South Austin, as well as Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, the experienced orthopedic surgeons offer comprehensive diagnostics and treatments for patients. If you've suffered a knee injury and are concerned about tearing your meniscal, call the office or make an appointment online today.

What is the meniscus?

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that provides cushioning between the femur and the tibia in the knee. Technically, the meniscus is two pieces or menisci. The meniscus plays a critical role in the knee, absorbing shock and minimizing wear and tear on the articular cartilage, which can help to prevent arthritis. The meniscus also enables you to maintain balance.

Unlike many of your body's tissues, cartilage, including the meniscus, doesn't heal on its own. This means that the meniscus is highly susceptible to degenerative conditions, which can manifest over time due to general wear and tear from normal daily activities. 

What is a meniscal tear?

The most common injury to the meniscus is a tear, which is caused by a variety of injuries and conditions and ranges in severity. The most common form of a meniscal tear is due to an acute injury when the joint is twisted or jerked in an abnormal direction. These injuries are often sustained while playing a sport or when lifting something heavy, although they can also occur if the meniscus is weakened due to natural degeneration.

Meniscal tears are classified by their severity and also by whether the tear is stable or unstable. These categorizations are used to determine whether or not surgery is necessary to repair your knee. 

For example, a severe, unstable tear can result in the meniscus slipping out of place and causing severe pain, swelling, and mobility issues. This kind of injury usually requires surgical repair. However, a mild, stable tear might involve fraying along the edges of the cartilage and may not even cause much pain, let alone need surgical intervention.

If you've injured your knee or are experiencing pain, swelling, or mobility issues, you should make an appointment with your provider to get it checked out. Like with most medical conditions, meniscal tears are more easily treated when caught early.

What does it feel like when the meniscus is damaged?

If you experience an acute meniscal tear, you may hear a popping sound and a pulling sensation in your knee. You may experience some swelling and pain, especially when you walk or put pressure on your knee. 

Degenerative tears are typically less noticeable, and many people can get on with their normal daily activities.

Will my meniscus tear require surgery?

Not necessarily. Your Austin Sports Medicine provider makes treatment suggestions after a thorough exam. In many cases, patients with mild to moderate meniscal tears can return to normal activities with some rest, ice, and a period of immobilization. If the tear is severe, surgery may be needed.

Austin Sports Medicine customizes care for each patient and provides the best medical treatment for each unique situation. If you're concerned about the state of your meniscus, call the nearest office or request an appointment using the online booking feature today.