Meniscus Tears
Also known as: knee tears, torn meniscus.
What are meniscus tears?
Meniscus is the cartilage in the knee that cushions the joint between the thighbone and shinbone. A tear in this cartilage can cause several symptoms and complications and is known as a meniscus tear. It’s one of the most common knee injuries.
What causes meniscus tears?
Most meniscus tears occur due to a direct injury, such as from playing sports. The meniscus can also get weak and thin over time and is more prone to tears as a person ages.
What are the symptoms of meniscus tears?
A meniscus tear can cause swelling, stiffness, pain, trouble moving the knee, or a catching, locking, or “giving way” sensation in the knee.
What are meniscus tear care options?
Minor tears can be treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) and over-the-counter pain relievers. More severe tears may require surgical correction followed by a period of knee rehabilitation.
Reviewed by: Annie L Casta, MD
This page was last updated on: October 15, 2019 10:14 AM
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