A torn meniscus is a common knee injury that can result from engaging in activities that cause the joint to twist or rotate while bearing the pressure of the body's weight. Examples include sports that require sudden turns and stops, such as soccer, tennis, and basketball.
While a torn meniscus can cause knee pain, swelling, and stiffness, a prompt diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent it from keeping you from the activities that you enjoy. For patients in the Hampton Roads area, a full range of torn meniscus treatment options is available from the fellowship-trained surgeons and in-house team of physical therapists at Tidewater Orthopaedics.
Tidewater Orthopaedics offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for torn meniscus injuries in Hampton Roads, including both conservative therapies and surgical options. Patients receive education, individualized recommendations, and realistic recovery expectations from fellowship-trained surgeons and in-house physical therapists. Care addresses both traumatic and degenerative tears, which may occur with ACL injuries, and the practice also treats a wide range of other sports and musculoskeletal conditions; call (757) 827-2480 for more information.
The menisci are two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage situated between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) at the point where those bones come together at the knee. These tough and rubbery cushions, which act as shock absorbers for the knee joint, can weaken over time as part of the natural aging process.
A torn meniscus can result from trauma or degeneration, and can occur on its own or along with another knee injury, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear; injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament ACL may occur alongside meniscal damage.
At Tidewater Orthopaedics, we believe in educating our patients about their conditions to help them make more informed treatment decisions. When you consult with one of our physicians about a torn meniscus or other injury, you can expect:
To determine whether you may be able to regain mobility with a regimen of physical therapy or other form of conservative treatment, or if surgery is advised for treating your torn meniscus and relieving knee pain, an experienced physician at Tidewater Orthopaedics will thoroughly evaluate the severity of your condition, along with your overall health and wellness level.
In addition to torn meniscus treatments, Tidewater Orthopaedics offers surgical and non-surgical treatments for a wide variety of other sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions, including ACL tears (anterior cruciate ligament ACL), rotator cuff tears, fractures, ligament sprains, muscle strains, and more. For additional information about our services or to schedule a personal consultation, call us at (757) 827-2480.
Question: What is a torn meniscus and what typically causes it?
Short answer: The menisci are two wedge-shaped, rubbery cartilage cushions between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) that act as shock absorbers for the knee. A torn meniscus can result from twisting or rotating the knee while bearing weight—often during activities with sudden turns and stops, such as soccer, tennis, and basketball. Tears can also occur from age-related degeneration and may happen on their own or alongside other injuries like an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear.
Question: What symptoms might indicate a torn meniscus?
Short answer: Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling, and stiffness. Because these signs can overlap with other knee conditions, a prompt evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
Question: What treatment options does Tidewater Orthopaedics offer for a torn meniscus?
Short answer: Tidewater Orthopaedics provides both conservative and surgical treatments. Depending on the severity of the tear and your overall health, options may include a regimen of physical therapy with the in-house team or surgery performed by fellowship-trained surgeons. Care is tailored to address both traumatic and degenerative meniscal tears.
Question: What can I expect during a consultation at Tidewater Orthopaedics?
Short answer: You’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation and education about your condition, a clear explanation of both non-surgical and surgical options, a personalized recommendation for the best approach, answers to your questions, and a realistic prognosis for recovery.
Question: Where is care available, and how do I schedule an appointment?
Short answer: Torn meniscus treatment is available for patients throughout Hampton Roads, including Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, and Suffolk, VA. Tidewater Orthopaedics also treats other sports and musculoskeletal conditions such as ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, fractures, ligament sprains, and muscle strains. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call (757) 827-2480.