Shoulder Arthroscopy: Our Top Tips for an Optimal Recovery
Are you scheduled to have a shoulder arthroscopy soon? Recovery can be a process — read on to find out our top tips to make it as fast and effective as possible.
Signs of a Torn Meniscus
Whether you play sports or are very active in general, you could be at risk of a torn meniscus. The meniscus is part of the knee. It’s made of C-shaped cartilage that cushions your knee and helps absorb the shock from walking, jumping, running, and playing sports.
This common injury ranges from mild to severe, and severe cases usually need surgery. Dr. Steven E. Nolan in our Sugar Land, Texas, office, is an experienced and trusted knee surgeon who gets our patients back on their feet as soon as possible. Here’s what you need to know about a torn meniscus.
Causes of a torn meniscus
Here are some causes of a torn meniscus:
- Twisting or rotating the knee while playing sports
- A sudden stop or turn while doing everyday activities
- Lifting heavy objects
- Age — older people have degenerative changes that make it easier to damage the knee
Signs of a torn meniscus
Some people with a torn meniscus don’t even realize they have a problem. Signs of a more serious injury or a tear include:
- A popping sound or sensation in the knee when the injury occurs
- A feeling like your knee buckles or gives way
- Trouble walking
- Hard to bend or straighten your knee
- Severe pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
You could develop painful arthritis of the knee down the road if you ignore a knee injury, so, it’s always a good idea to get checked out by a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatments
If your injury is mild, rest your leg, ice and elevate your knee, and take over-the-counter pain relievers. That may be all you need to feel better. Other times, physical therapy may help. If you’re in a lot of pain and it’s hard to walk, give us a call as soon as possible.
When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Nolan examines your knee and checks for range of motion. He may also order X-rays or an MRI to get a better view inside your knee. Once he knows the extent of your injury, he discusses your treatment options. For example, he may be able to repair your knee injury with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. With this type of surgery, there’s less recovery time, which means you can get back to activities you enjoy sooner.
Don’t take knee pain lying down. Book an appointment with Dr. Nolan online or call 281-720-6910 today.
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