Signs Your Shoulder Pain Needs Help
Shoulder pain isn’t uncommon, but how do you know when to see your doctor? Here’s what you need to know.
Your knee is a reasonably strong joint that can handle a lot of weight, twists, turns, and impact. However, it can’t always withstand the pressure.
Whether you hurt your knee as an athlete while playing high-impact sports or turn your knee the wrong way during your everyday activities, these actions can result in a meniscus tear.
At Crescent City Orthopedics, our team of meniscus tears specialists understands the causes and symptoms and can provide the care you need.
You have two menisci — the medial meniscus on the inner part of your knee and a lateral meniscus on the outer part of your knee.
A normally functioning meniscus absorbs any stress or force put on the knee. This crescent-shaped wedge of cartilage acts as a shock absorber between the bones in your knee and lubricates the joint.
When the meniscus becomes compromised, you might hear a popping sound in your knee and experience several different symptoms, such as:
Tears in your meniscus can lead to an increased risk of arthritis. That’s why it’s best to see your orthopedic surgeon if you hurt your knee.
If you tear your meniscus, you might assume that it can heal on its own if you wait a while. But, will it?
Pushing through your pain may seem like a tough thing to do, but you could very well have a tear that won’t heal unless treated.
Several factors play into your healing, including:
If your tear occurs on the inner two-thirds of your meniscus, it can’t repair itself because of a limited blood supply in that area. We might need to trim your tear or remove it surgically.
But, if your tear is on the outer one-third of your meniscus, where you have a rich blood supply, your blood cells can regenerate and possibly heal the tear on their own.
Immediately after your injury, you should use the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method. You can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to keep the swelling down and reduce your pain.
If your pain persists, even if your symptoms seem mild, we recommend that you see our orthopedic specialists for an accurate diagnosis. If you have a meniscus tear, we have the advanced technology to determine the location and severity of your injury.
Once diagnosed, we can offer a personalized treatment plan to get you back on your feet comfortably again. We provide many methods of treatment to preserve your meniscus by repairing or removing the damaged part.
If you have a meniscus tear, don’t delay making an appointment with our team. Call us or book your appointment online at the office nearest you in Metairie, Chalmette, or Covington, Louisiana.
