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Townsville Lower Limb Clinic
Meniscus Tear of the Knee A meniscus tear is a knee injury affecting the shock absorbing cartilage between the knee bones. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that cushions and stabilizes the joint and protects the bones from wear and tear. Each knee has two meniscus - one at the outer edge of the knee and one at the inner edge. The meniscus keep your knee steady by balancing your weight across the knee.
Meniscus Tear Causes
A meniscus tear is usually caused by twisting or turning quickly, often with the foot planted while the knee is bent. Meniscus tears can occur when you lift something heavy or play sports. As you get older, your meniscus gets worn. This can make it tear more easily.
Symptoms of Meniscus Tear:• • • • • •
The most common problem caused by a torn meniscus is pain. Swelling in the knee. A popping sensation during the injury. Difficulty bending and straightening the leg. A tendency for your knee to get "stuck" or lock up. As you get older the meniscus loses its elasticity and becomes brittle and thus easily tears.
Treatment for Meniscus Tear
Ice your knee to reduce pain and swelling.
Don't put weight on knee
Treatment also includes surgical repair for the more unstable types of tears
Raise your knee on a pillow when you're sitting or lying down.
Wear a knee brace to protect your knee from getting re-injured.
Practice stretching and strengthening exercises
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Expert Advice 1. In case these non operative measures fail then surgical repair is an option for acute tears.
2. These acute tears causing mechanical symptoms of locking , catching , giving way needs an expert review. 3. If symptoms persist please ask you doctor to refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon.
Dr. Kaushik Hazratwala – Orthopaedic Surgeon Knee & Hip Specialist Surgeon
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Townsville Lower Limb Clinic
Contact Address of Townsville Lower Limb Clinic
Townsville Lower Limb Clinic Address: 21-37 Fullham Road Pimlico, Townsville, Queensland 4812 Australia Phone: +61 07 4727 4111 Email: reception@tsvllc.com.au Website: www.tsvllc.com.au
www.tsvllc.com
Townsville Lower Limb Clinic