3 Essential Steps: What Patients Can Do About a Meniscal Tear in Glen Mills

For a meniscal tear in Glen Mills, turn to Rothman Orthopaedic Institute for help

Although injuries like these are most common among athletes, the reality is that patients can suffer from a meniscal tear in Glen Mills from other activities besides sports. Believe it or not, we’ve seen patients who have torn their meniscus playing with a toddler or bringing in the groceries from the car! All it takes is a twisting motion or a direct impact that is forceful enough to cause the hard fibrocartilage in the knee to rip or tear.

If you have experienced such an injury, it is important to know what to do and where to seek the help you need. At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, our team of knee specialists are here to help you understand this condition and provide you with the help and guidance you need.

Let’s start by reviewing three essential steps to getting on the road to recovery!

Three Essential Steps for Patients Addressing a Meniscal Tear in Glen Mills

1. Recognizing The Symptoms: What to Look For

The symptoms of a meniscal tear may vary based on the severity of the injury. However, most patients who have a torn meniscus experience some of the following symptoms:

• Popping or tearing sensation in the knee at the time of injury

• Swelling of the knee soon after the injury

• Popping or catching sensation in the knee after the injury

• Locking of the knee, preventing full extension or bending

• Pain that persists or decreases over time

There can be great variation between patients’ experiences with these symptoms.  Some severe meniscal tears will be extremely painful and debilitating, while others may become totally asymptomatic for a time. This is one reason that it is so important for patients to seek out a professional diagnosis for a potential meniscal tear in Glen Mills.

2. Diagnosing the Injury: What to Expect

When you make an appointment with a knee specialist, she or he will perform a physical examination to evaluate your symptoms and the severity of the injury.

The meniscus is a hard piece of fibrocartilage that provides cushioning, protection, nourishment, and stability to the knee. Unlike a bone, it does not contain calcium, which means that a meniscal tear will not show up on a plain X-ray. For that reason, a specialized test, such as an MRI scan, may be used to further evaluate the injury.

3. Seeking Treatment in Glen Mills: Where to Go

Once a patient receives a diagnosis of a meniscal tear in Glen Mills, their doctor may recommend they seek out specialized treatment. The type of treatment they’ll receive will depend largely on the severity of the injury, as well as her/his overall health and activity level. Common treatment options include:

• Non-operative treatments, including rest, medication and lifestyle adjustments

• Arthroscopic meniscal repair

• Partial excision of the meniscus

Take Action: You Don’t Have to Live With Pain

Meniscal tears can be painful and debilitating. Especially if you are an active individual, you will want to address your knee injury as soon as possible so that you can get back to the active, healthy life you deserve.

If you’re looking for experienced knee specialists to provide the highest level of care for a meniscal tear in Glen Mills, turn to the team at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. For more information, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.