Meniscus Tears Treated in Arlington, VA

Meniscus Tears Arlington VAMeniscus injuries are a common cause of knee pain. A meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of soft cartilage that stabilizes the knee and provides a layer of shock-absorbing cushion between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Over time, a meniscus can gradually weaken and break down due to repetitive stress. While meniscus tears often occur during sports, these knee injuries are also common during daily activities, such as twisting to get in or out of a car or squatting to pick up an object from the floor.

How Are Meniscus Tears Treated?

Because cartilage tissue has a very limited blood supply, meniscus tears tend to heal very slowly. Even so, the pain associated with degenerative meniscus tears often “settles down” within several weeks. In the meantime, conservative treatment can help reduce painful inflammation. Many people benefit from traditional P.R.I.C.E. therapy, which involves:

  • Protection of the injured knee
  • Rest
  • Ice applications
  • Compression of the injury
  • Elevation of the injured knee

The goal of P.R.I.C.E. therapy is to provide sufficient pain relief to allow for participation in a gentle exercise program and physical therapy which can promote healing and facilitate a gradual return to daily activities.

Surgery may be considered to repair a meniscus tear that causes knee instability or continues to hurt during twisting or pivoting activities. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be the best option for protecting the knee from further damage and future problems.

Consult with an Orthopedic Specialist in Arlington

With advanced training in sports medicine and extensive experience in treating meniscus tears, the team of orthopedic specialists at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, Virginia, can help you find an appropriate treatment plan for your condition and lifestyle. If you elect to proceed with surgery, you’ll be in good hands with the specialized surgeons, who utilize advanced arthroscopic techniques to repair meniscus tears and other joint conditions.

If you would like to have your painful knee evaluated by an orthopedic specialist, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at (703) 525-2200 to schedule an appointment at our office in Arlington, VA.