Understand your injury.
Twisting pain, swelling, catching, or difficulty straightening can come from a meniscus injury or other knee problems. A knee that is truly stuck needs urgent assessment.
What your evaluation considers
The pattern of symptoms, motion, imaging when needed, and whether a tear could be repaired.
Discuss the treatment options.
- Some tears can be managed with rehabilitation and activity modification.
- Repair or limited trimming may be discussed depending on the tear and symptoms.
- Preserving meniscus tissue is considered when a repair is suitable.
Tell us about your sport, the activities you want to return to, and any previous treatment. An exam and relevant imaging help guide an individualized plan. This page cannot diagnose an injury or determine whether surgery is right for you.
Prepare for your visit.
Bring prior imaging and reports, a medication list, your insurance information, and any required referral. For a second opinion, bring relevant visit notes and operative reports.
For athletes under 18, a parent or legal guardian should help arrange care and confirm consent requirements with the office.
A joint that looks out of place, a new cold or numb limb after injury, or a hot swollen joint with fever or feeling unwell needs immediate medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine online appointment.
Educational reference: AAOS OrthoInfo (opens new tab).