Meniscus Tear

Meniscus Tear : Not Just a Jock's Injury! This is my personal experience with a meniscus tear to my left knee. In the knee, it is a common site of injury! Yes, a meniscus tear is not just a jock's injury! It is a common site of injury which is often seen in contact sports but it also affects the common man. Like you and me!

A meniscus is either of two specific parts of cartilage of the knee. The knee contains a lateral meniscus and a medial meniscus.

Did you know that the medial meniscus is more commonly affected than the lateral meniscus?

Have you had knee pain? Do you think you have a meniscus tear? How do you know if you have such a tear?

P.S. It is pretty cool to see that the picture of my knee post-arthroscopy has been featured on page 1 of both Google web searches and image searches -- thanks for the love, Google! I think Google rocks!

Photo Credit: Meniscus tear repair surgery on JaguarJulie Ann Brady left knee.

Cast your vote on Meniscus Tear!
Have you ever experienced this painful condition? Have you had a meniscus tear?

1. Yes -- I had surgery
2. Yes -- no treatment
3. Maybe, don't know yet
4. Nope -- I'm lucky, I guess!

Post-op 6 months after Meniscus Tear surgery ~ Left knee

I had arthroscopy in July 2007 to repair a torn medial meniscus. These may run in the family ... It appears as though the tendency to have these tears may indeed be in the genes. My mother has experienced similar issues, but actually had her meniscus removed!

Post-op 6 months after Meniscus Tear surgery ~ Left knee

Symptoms of Meniscus Tear

1. Knee pain.
2. Swelling of the knee.
3. Tenderness when pressing on the meniscus.
4. Popping or clicking within the knee.
5. Limited motion of the knee joint.

Diagnosing a Meniscus Tear

The pain is quite specific! In osteoarthritis, the meniscus is either torn or worn away from overuse, age, or injury. The joint will be in pain when in use, but when there is no load, the pain goes away.

A torn meniscus can be repaired through some surgery and the body's ability to heal itself. In addition, there are techniques under research which involve sutures and biological glues to enable healing. If the tear is far away from the meniscus' blood supply (the meniscus becomes avascular towards the unattached, thin interior edge), then repair is unlikely.

Capsule of right knee-joint (distended) Posterior aspect -- Grays Anatomy

In these cases arthroscopic surgery allows for a meniscectomy, removing the torn tissue and allowing the knee to function with some of the meniscus missing. Usually younger patients are more resilient and react well to this treatment, while older, more sedentary patients do not have such rejuvenating ability.

In situations where the meniscus is torn beyond repair or partial removal, a total menisectomy and meniscus replacement may be the only option before a total knee replacement.

In sports and orthopedics, people will sometimes speak of "meniscus surgery" and a "torn meniscus" and be referring to an injury to one of the menisci. Tears in the meniscus may be assessed and measured via a minimally invasive test called meniscometry.

Diagnosis

1. X-rays and MRIs are the two tests commonly used in patients who have meniscus tears.
2. An x-ray can be used to determine if there is evidence of degenerative or arthritic changes to the knee joint.
3. The MRI is helpful at actually visualizing the meniscus.

Meniscus Repair FAQs

1. In order for the meniscus repair to heal, the tear must be near this outer edge in an area of good blood supply.
2. Arthroscopically placed tacks can be used, or the torn edges can be sutured or sometimes trimmed.
3. Both procedures function by reapproximating the torn edges of the meniscus to allow them to heal in their proper place.

Meniscus Tear Physical Rehabilitation
My PT involved 4 weeks of 3 visits per week. Although PT was scheduled for the following week after arthroscopy, I waited an additional week to get started.

Managing My Knee Pain

I have found that my knee pain has been a lot more manageable than the shoulder and hip pain that I have experienced throughout my life.

I've gotten to know a lot about heat patches and my Tens Unit. I've surely used more than one person's share of ThermaCare Lower Back & Hip Heat Wraps throughout my life.

For the most part, ice packs weren't all that friendly to my body parts. I'd experience a lot of muscle cramps, particularly with my shoulder injury.

Thanks for visiting!
Have you or someone you know torn a meniscus? Had or contemplating surgery? I'd love to hear from you.

History: Meniscus Tear : Not Just a Jock's Injury was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on December 25, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #62 overall. This was a top lens with 14 days on the Top 100 list. Lens #222 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.

Achilles Tendon Ruptured or Torn

Achilles Tendon Ruptured or Torn? Did you know that the Achilles Tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body? Imagine a rupture or a tear!

Well, I sure didn't know that the Achilles Tendon, my Achilles Tendon, is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body ... well, not until I began my research into this tendon. And, you could really fool me about it being the strongest! You see, I was doing some chores around the house ... specifically standing on my tippy toes and doing a lot of reaching to wipe the huge bathroom mirror over the his and hers sinks.

As I reached for the very top of the mirror, I HEARD and FELT a loud snap in the back of my left ankle! It was the strangest sound; rather 'reedy.' "Oh no! I can't believe I tore my Achilles Tendon!" Can you believe that? "Oh no!" I thought, "I'm just recovering from surgery for excision of a Morton's Neuroma in my right foot!" I surely don't need to have a torn Achilles Tendon in my other foot! You know?

P.S. We opted today to feature a creative and artsy picture of a pair of ankles with a cute bunny. You see, there isn't much to see on the outside of one's ankle [like mine] to show you a torn Achilles Tendon. It's the surgery that gets pretty graphic. We've not yet had surgery. Just been wearing the boot off and on.

Photo Credit: Ooooops by Helena Marroqui.

The Achilles Tendon Poll
Please be sure to answer our poll question! Have you ever suffered from an injury to your Achilles Tendon?

1. Achilles tendon rupture -- complete
2. Achilles tendon rupture -- partial
3. Achilles tendinitis
4. Achilles tendinosis
5. None of the above

This book covers the treatment and rehabilitation of Achilles tendon injuries. It is intended as a comprehensive guide to managing adult patients with Achilles tendon problems. All medical professionals caring for adult with foot and ankle problems are the intended audience. Additionally, orthopedic residents and fellows, as well as podiatry trainees, can learn how to correctly care for the Achilles tendon.

This techniques-oriented text is a comprehensive guide to managing Achilles tendon problems. Readers learn the latest less invasive and nonoperative treatment approaches, in addition to traditional treatments, from internationally renowned contributors. Introductory chapters provide essential background on basic anatomy, physiology, and pathomechanics.

Subsequent sections cover the spectrum of Achilles tendon injuries. Acute and chronic conditions are addressed, as well as problems specific to both adolescents and adults. The book also takes a practical approach to sports training in relation to the role of the Achilles. Rehabilitation is highlighted with an emphasis on quicker return to play. Case studies tie the book together and aid with the ready application of concepts to daily practice. ~ The Achilles Tendon: Treatment and Rehabilitation

Oh My to a Torn Achilles Tendon!
You know, it is always something!

It was just nine months after I had Morton's Neuroma surgery on my right foot that my left torn Achiles Tendon continued to be problematic. I have battled the issues with the chronic tears to my Achilles Tendon for more than a few years. It really doesn't seem that I will ever be a runner!

In 2011, I had two additional foot surgeries; starting with a bunionectomy of the right foot first. That surgery went fairly well. In a little over 90 days from that surgery, I had bunionectomy of my left foot. That was a bit more challenging for me in that I got a screw in the joint. Since the surgery, we tried to remove the screw without any luck. I am still careful with my recovering torn Achilles Tendon and sure hope that I don't need MORE surgery!

Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker

This is very comfortable -- what I've worn for my torn Achilles Tendon! Enjoy comfort and mobility while recovering from a lower-leg injury with the Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker! This product offers you the support you need with the comfort you desire, while allowing you to make the transition from crutches to walking unassisted with less discomfort.

The Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker has been shown to be effective when used with severe ankle sprains, stable lower extremity fractures, soft tissue injuries, and as part of a rehabilitation program. The air walker's patented pneumatic system allows you to find the ideal level of compression and a custom fit, and allows it to comfortably accommodate the changing levels of swelling that occur during the healing and rehabilitation process.

The user-adjustable aircells can be easily inflated or deflated using the blue air bladder at the top of the brace. The Equalizer Premium Air Walker's unique lightweight design, padding, and aircells help to give you a natural, comfortable gait while healing from your injury. The air walker is universally designed to fit your left or right foot.~ Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker - Large AW0800


In mid December 2007
I had surgery to excise a Morton's Neuroma! When it rains, it pours ... I've also had another MRI of the other foot to rule-out another Morton's Neuroma!

Doctors appointment: February 21, 2008
Release: 8 weeks post-of Morton's Neuroma excision. I had looked forward to this appointment for the past 4 weeks. However, in the meantime, I experienced difficulty with my left foot. I was having 2 separate problems … the classic symptoms of ANOTHER Morton’s Neuroma in my other foot AND the possibility of a torn Achilles tendon!

First, I was officially released being 8 weeks post-op for surgery to excise the Morton’s Neuroma in my right foot. As I’m a multi-tasker ;-), I used my visit to discuss the problems with my left foot. I had mentioned at my prior visit that I was feeling symptoms in my left foot too for a Morton’s Neuroma!

The doctor felt my ankle and mentioned that my Achilles tendon felt thin. He performed a number of manipulations and pressed on various parts of my ankle, asking did it bruise or swell. 3 x-rays of my left foot were taken and I left waiting to be scheduled for an MRI!

MRI: February 22, 2008
Wow ... scheduled the very next day! I was scheduled very quickly for an MRI of my left foot and ankle … pretty amazing that they got me in for the very next day. I had to wait about 1-1/2 hours for my MRI as it seems someone before me either moved during their MRI or the lady in front of me was a last minute schedule.

Another interesting thing I noted is that I’ll probably be billed as 2 separate MRIs … one for the ankle [Achilles Tendon] and the other for the foot [Morton's Neuroma] !!

Doctors appointment: February 28, 2008
MRI Results are in ... There is a chronic partial tear of the Achilles tendon. I have been ordered to begin wearing a Royce Medical orthopedic boot immediately for the next 4 weeks. Follow-up appointment was scheduled for 3 weeks since my doctor is vacationing on the 4th week!

Doctors appointment: April 9, 2008

After 6 weeks in the Royce boot! Well, today was D-day in finding out my progress wearing the Royce boot for approximately 6 weeks. My Achilles tendon definitely is improved to the point that my doctor opts to release me.

My instructions are to wear shoes with a bit of a heel — perhaps 2 to 2-1/2″ heels — rather than flats like I have been wearing. He tells me to be particularly careful of steps, going up and coming down, along with jumping. I haven’t got any plans for that type of exercise, so I should be OK.

However! We are taking a wait and see attitude on my Mortons Neuroma as to whether surgery WILL be scheduled. He said, “Call me when you decide you need it!”

Oh No! Surgery?
The prospect of surgery to repair a torn Achilles Tendon is scary when I see the pictures and videos!

Drop me a line -- Had any Achilles Tendon issues?

Fast forward to today -- I am still plagued by my Achilles Tendon! I sure could use the morale support of my readers as I tackle the next phase of my foot care ... hopefully I won't need surgery to repair the Achilles tendon! But, I'll probably be having surgery for another excision of a Morton's Neuroma!

History: Achilles Tendon : Ruptured or Torn was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on February 22, 2008. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #388 overall. Lens #288 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.