Your knees sustain significant wear and tear on a daily basis. While you walk, run, work, bend, lift and carry out other everyday activities, your knees absorb the shock, weight and stress that would otherwise be inflicted on your legs, back, feet, shoulders and other areas of your body. However, at some point your knees may sustain damages themselves that could bring your everyday routine to a halt. You can get back on your feet by discovering how and for what reasons you may need meniscus repair surgery.
What Is the Meniscus?
The meniscus is a rubber-like disc that cushions your knee. You actually have two menisci that surround each knee cap. When one or both of these discs are torn, you may find it difficult, painful or even impossible to bend, lift, walk, jog or carry out other activities that most take for granted.
You also may experience significant pain that cannot be relieved if you take pain medications like ibuprofen. Your knee may become swollen and difficult to keep straight even while you rest.
Meniscus Tear Causes
A meniscus tear can be caused by a number of different factors. The most common contributors to this type of knee damage include the following:
• twisting or turning quickly while your foot is planted
• playing sports
• heavy lifting
• aging
• being overweight
The most common symptoms of a meniscus tear are:
• moderate to severe pain
• swelling
• stiffness
• difficulty walking
• catch, pop, or locking of the knee
• inability to straighten your knee
• feeling of wobbliness
Depending on the severity of the tear in your knee, our doctor may recommend different treatment options. If the damage and pain are not extensive or severe, you may be told to rest at home and to keep your knee elevated and iced. However, if the meniscus tear is more significant, you may need meniscus repair surgery.
Meniscus Repair Surgery Overview
The process begins by first determining the location and severity of the meniscus tear. Our doctor can perform meniscus repair through surgically repairing it, partially removing the damaged areas or, in severe cases, completely removing it.
After two weeks, our doctor may allow you to progressively put weight on your knee and resume most or all of your normal activities. You should keep all your post-surgery appointments with our surgeon to ensure you are healing properly.
A meniscus tear can bring a lot of discomfort to one’s life, but it can fortunately be remedied with meniscus repair surgery performed by our trusted surgeon at Angelo Mattalino, MD in Phoenix. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out how this procedure can help you.
