Residents of Palm County Florida with injuries to the meniscus can seek assessment and treatment with Dr. Van Sice. Dr. Van Sice assesses and treats patients with knee injuries at Jupiter Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, located in Jupiter, FL.
The meniscus is a rubbery cushion in the knee. The meniscus consists of two menisci one at the center and one at the outer edge of the knee. They protect the joint and keep the knee steady by balancing weight across the joint.
The meniscus is most often damaged by a tear when the knee is suddenly jerked or twisted in an abnormal direction. This occurs when a person is lifting something heavy or playing a sport when they squat or twist the knee. Injury can also occur during tackles in contact sports. Tears can also happen if the meniscus has become weakened or thin due to the natural degeneration that occurs with aging. Meniscus tears are classified as minor, moderate and severe. In a minor tear, the patient will experience slight pain and swelling, but the injury usually heals on its own in 2-3 weeks. Moderate tears cause pain on the side or center of the knee, with the swelling and discomfort increasing over 2-3 days. The swelling and pain may affect the patient’s ability to walk, but with rest, the symptoms will subside on their own. However, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment to make sure the meniscus heals properly, and the injury doesn’t reoccur. When a patient has a severe tear in the meniscus, the torn pieces of meniscus move into the joint, causing locking, catching, or popping. The patient may not be able to straighten the knee and may feel wobbly. When the meniscus is torn severely, it is important to seek assessment and treatment immediately.
Most patients report a “popping” sound and/or sensation when the meniscus is damaged. There is usually discomfort ranging from a minor ache to a much stronger pain. The knee typically swells and the patient may experience difficulty in walking.
Dr. Van Sice will try less invasive treatments if possible, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation. He may prescribe NSAID anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy may be advised. In the case of a severe injury, the meniscus can be repaired with surgery. Dr. Van Sice will perform an arthroscopic knee surgery if possible to keep the incision small and the recovery time as short as possible.
At Jupiter Orthopedic we accept most major insurances. Please see the full list of plans. If you do not see your insurance listed, please call our office to see how we can help. Patient financing available through CareCredit. We accept Health Savings Account (HSA) credit cards, American Express, Mastercard and Visa as methods of payments. **Self-pay packages are available.