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Specialty Orthopaedics:
Samuel Park, MD

Orthopedic Services

Meniscus Tear Doctor Meniscus Tear Specialist


Knee injuries are very common during sports and at the workplace. Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries. The swelling and stiffness of a meniscus tear can keep you off not just the field, or at work, but hamper your day-to-day activities as well. If you’re in the Hinsdale area of Illinois, Dr. Samuel Park at Specialty Orthopaedics can treat your meniscus tear and get you on the fast track to recovery. Call Dr. Park or book your appointment online today.

Meniscus Tear Q & A

What causes a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear occurs when the cartilage cushion that protects the area between your thighbone and shinbone, called the meniscus, tears away from its usual spot. It can tear in a few ways, such as a flap tear or radial tear.

You’re most likely to tear your meniscus during physical activities involving running or turning. Squatting or twisting your knee or a sudden impact, such as from a tackle, can all cause a tear.

Your meniscus may also tear naturally over time — as we age, the cartilage in our bodies weakens. Once they lose enough strength, even a simple leg twist from a stumble can result in a tear.

What are the symptoms of a meniscus tear?

You might not immediately feel the symptoms of a tear, though some feel a “pop” when the injury first happens. A few days afterward, you’ll likely feel one or several of the following symptoms:

  • Swelling
  • Stiffness or locking of your knee
  • Weakness or the feeling of your knee giving way
  • Pain
  • Reduced range of motion

How is a meniscus tear treated?

Dr. Park recommends particular treatment options depending on the severity of your meniscus injury. He’ll generally provide one of two treatment approaches:

Rest

If your tear is small and located on the outside of the meniscus, Dr. Park might merely recommend plenty of rest. This approach is sometimes known as the RICE protocol after the four activities you should follow:

  • Rest from activities that strain the injury
  • Ice packs applied to the injury site
  • Compression of the injured area to reduce swelling
  • Elevation to further reduce swelling

Surgery

If your injury is severe, Dr. Park performs surgery to repair your meniscus. Dr. Park conducts the procedure arthroscopically, either trimming away damaged meniscus tissue (a partial meniscectomy) or stitching the torn meniscus back together (a full meniscus repair).

If you’re in Hinsdale, Illinois, and recently suffered what you think is a meniscus tear, let Dr. Samuel Park at Specialty Orthopaedics lend his experience with a diagnosis. Call the office to schedule your appointment or book online.

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