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Knee

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between your thighbone and shinbone. Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries, occurring in athletes and older adults alike.

⏱️
Typical Recovery Time
Minor tears: 4-8 weeks. Surgical repair: 3-6 months

🔍 Symptoms

  • Pain in the knee, especially when twisting
  • Swelling that develops over 24-48 hours
  • Stiffness and limited range of motion
  • Feeling of the knee locking or giving way
  • Difficulty straightening the knee fully

⚡ Common Causes

  • Sudden twisting or rotating of the knee
  • Deep squatting or kneeling
  • Direct contact or tackle
  • Age-related degeneration of cartilage
  • Repetitive stress on the knee joint

💊 Treatment Options

1RICE method in the acute phase
2Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
3Anti-inflammatory medications
4Corticosteroid injection for pain relief
5Arthroscopic surgery for tears that do not heal

🚨 When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if your knee locks, you cannot bear weight, or swelling does not improve within a few days.

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