Meniscus tears are a common injury among our Eagle County golfing population. Although golf is a relatively safe sport, it involves a lot of pivoting and turning, which can put the knee’s ligaments under stress.

It’s easy to dismiss a meniscus injury as knee pain caused by overuse, but if improperly treated, this injury can cause further orthopaedic trauma later in life.

Did I Tear My Meniscus While Golfing?

Meniscus tears are more prevalent in golfers with pre-existing knee conditions, such as arthritis or instability. All the twisting movements involved in golf can put additional stress on an already strained ligament, causing it to tear.

Some symptoms of a torn meniscus include: 

• Joint stiffness

• Swelling and tenderness around the knee

• Difficulty fully extending your leg or bearing weight

• Instability, popping, or locking 

• Pain during activity or even while at rest

A torn meniscus will need to be examined by an orthopaedic professional. Imaging tests and a physical exam will rule out other knee conditions and discover if there is any damage to the surrounding ligaments.

There are several different ways you can tear your meniscus. Knowing which section of the meniscus is torn and to what extent will help Dr. Sterett recommend a treatment plan that ensures your knee heals properly. 

How Do You Treat a Torn Meniscus

In certain cases, a meniscus tear can heal without surgical intervention. This will depend on the patients:

• Age

• Activity level

• Overall health

• Injury (complexity and location of the tear)

• Pain levels and impacted range of motion

Nonsurgical treatment for meniscus tears can include:

• RICE (Resting, Icing, Compressing, and Elevating the knee)

• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain

• At-home exercises and physical therapy

• Steroid injections to promote healing 

Dr. Sterett and his team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will always recommend nonsurgical treatment of meniscus tears whenever possible. However, if these methods fail to deliver results or manage the painful symptoms, surgery may be required. 

Contact Team Sterett About Your Knee Pain Today

Dr. Sterett is the leading expert in knee orthopaedics. With over 25 years of experience treating knee injuries in the Vail Valley, he and his team are dedicated to providing professional care and designing treatment plans with the patient’s lifestyle.

Contact Dr. Sterett today by call (970) 476-7220 or by completing our online appointment request form. Let’s get you back on the course, pain-free!