1. Your Healthy Knee
The largest joint in your body, the knee is located at the end of your thigh bone (femur) and connects to the top of the shin bone (tibia) where it rotates. The kneecap (patella) slides in a groove at the end of the femur. Large ligaments connect the bones and help keep the knee in position during abnormal motion to protect the knee from injury. The meniscus is a rubbery substance that is located between the bones of the thigh and shin and is attached to the large ligaments. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber and protects the knee from injury; it helps you bear weight, and keeps the tibia and femur from grinding against each other. When you hear of a torn cartilage knee injury, it's the wedge shaped meniscus that is injured.
2. Your Knee With a Torn Cartilage
Most people with a torn cartilage also have ligament damage, such as a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Injuries can occur from contact sports, sudden injury, pivoting or twisting the knee. The torn knee cartilage can also be from normal wear and tear on the knee. The cartilage thins and weakens with age, making you more susceptible to injury.
3. Pop Goes the Injured Knee
If you feel a "pop," chances are you have a torn cartilage in the knee. Some people can continue to walk temporarily, until the swelling starts. As your knee swells from the injury, it will feel very tight and painful. It may become discolored or bruised. The injured knee will become stiff, tender and fluid may build up. The knee may buckle while walking or lock in a painful position.
4. Treat an Injured Knee Seriously
As soon as you know you've injured your knee, either see your sports medicine doctor immediately, or go to the emergency room for testing and treatment. After you tell the doctor how the injury happened, he will order x-rays and possibly an MRI to determine the extent of injury. You may need arthroscopic surgery to remove any ragged edges or loose floaters to prevent further damage. Your knee will be placed in a cast or brace, with or without surgery.
5. An Injured Knee Has a PRICE
After the initial injury and treatment for the torn meniscus, you'll need to use PRICE to heal. Protect the injured knee, Rest the injured knee, Ice the swollen knee, Compress the injured knee and Elevate the injured knee. Protection, Rest and Elevation help to keep the knee from further injury, while Ice and Compression bandages help to reduce swelling. After the initial PRICE treatment, your doctor will order rehab and physical therapy exercises to gradually improve weight bearing, strength and flexibility.
