Knee pain is common for people from all walks of life, from athletes to older adults. This is largely because the knee joint is susceptible to wear and tear during daily movements, from walking and running to jumping and pivoting. One significant injury that can lead to lasting knee pain is a torn meniscus.
In this article, we’ll discuss the connection between meniscus tears and knee pain to help you better understand your pain (and receive the relief you deserve).
What is a Meniscus Tear?
Unfortunately, meniscus tears are far from rare: They occur in more than one million Americans each year. The meniscus is a pad of cartilage in the knee that absorbs impact, protecting the joint against damage. Each knee has two menisci—the medial and lateral meniscus—which form a C-shape around the knee.
Meniscus tears often result from twisting the upper leg without moving the foot, and quick direction changes while running. The meniscus also weakens with age, making older patients more prone to tears with minor movements, like standing up in a slightly twisted position.
Knee Pain from a Meniscus Tear
Pain from a torn meniscus usually occurs on the inside, outside, or back of the knee, depending on which meniscus is affected. Along with knee pain, you may experience a locking or catching sensation in the knee, as well as an inability to completely extend your leg.
In the past, patients who wanted to avoid surgery for a torn meniscus had limited options. Aside from pain medications and physical therapy, they had to wait and see if the damaged tissue would regenerate on its own. Now, with advanced, non-surgical treatments like stem cell therapy, we can effectively address meniscus tears and knee pain without resorting to highly invasive methods.
Schedule a free consultation at the Regenerative Orthopedic Institute today to learn more about regenerative treatments for knee pain.