The meniscus is a pad of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber. When the knee is pivoted or rotated sharply, the meniscus can be damaged and impact mobility. These are the common signs of a meniscus injury after a collision or fall.
Pain and Swelling
One of the most obvious signs of a meniscus injury is pain typically to the inner or outer side of the knee joint. The pain can vary in intensity from mild discomfort to sharp, severe pain. Additionally, swelling around the knee joint is common and often presents within the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury occurs. The swelling may be accompanied by warmth and tenderness to the touch.
Difficulty Moving or Instability
Those who have sustained a meniscus injury after a collision or fall often have difficulty fully bending or straightening the affected knee. The injury can also cause a feeling of instability, like the knee is “giving way,”, especially during weight-bearing activities like walking, running, or going upstairs. This instability can severely impact mobility, making daily activities more difficult, and can result in a fall, which can cause further or another type of injury.
Popping Sensation
Many people will experience hearing or feeling a popping sensation at the time of the meniscus injury, especially if it occurred during a sudden twisting motion of the knee. This popping sensation may be accompanied by immediate pain and is often an indication that there has been a tear in the meniscus. However, not everyone experiences this particular symptom; its absence does not rule out a meniscus injury.
Limited Range of Motion
A meniscus injury can restrict the knee’s normal range of motion. Flexing or extending the knee fully can be difficult, and it may feel stiff or tight. Activities that require bending the knee, like squatting or kneeling, can exacerbate this limitation and cause pain or discomfort.
Locking or Catching Sensation
In some cases, a torn piece of the meniscus can become displaced within the joint, causing the knee to lock or catch during movement. This happens when the loose tissue gets caught between the moving surfaces of the femur and tibia bones, preventing the knee from moving smoothly. Patients often describe a sensation like the knee getting stuck or catching, and it often requires manipulation to unlock.
Difficulty Bearing Weight
Bearing weight on the affected knee can be challenging and painful after suffering a meniscus injury, especially when trying to stand or walk. The pain may worsen with increased activity or standing for long periods and lead to a noticeable limp or change in gait.
Progressive Symptoms
While some meniscus injuries may cause immediate symptoms, others can develop gradually over time. In such cases, those injured may initially experience only mild discomfort or occasional pain that worsens with continued activity.
Joint Stiffness and Muscle Weakness
Meniscus injuries can lead to stiffness in the joint and muscle weakness around the knee due to reduced mobility and altered gait. Over time, this can contribute to further functional impairment and increase the risk of secondary complications like damage to the cartilage or injuries to the ligament.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you know has suffered any of the above common signs of a meniscus injury after a collision or fall, medical care from an orthopedic specialist is recommended. Getting a prompt diagnosis and the proper treatment can help alleviate pain, restore normal function, and prevent long-term complications associated with meniscus injuries.
Seeking legal advice is also essential if you have suffered a meniscus injury after a collision or fall. You may be entitled to bring a personal injury claim against the responsible party.
Our legal team has more than 40 years of experience seeking justice for accident victims. Our attorneys have sought and won millions of dollars for our injured clients. Don’t allow your health or legal rights to go unaddressed after an accident.
Call 850-601-1111 to schedule a complimentary consultation with no obligations. This consultation will help you explore your legal options. Let us help you fight for fair compensation.
Mark continued his studies at Florida State University College of Law, graduating cum laude in 2008. While in law school, Mark was a member of the Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law and the Journal of Transnational Law & Policy, as well as a certified legal intern with the FSU Public Interest Law Center, where he assisted low-income clients with a wide range of family law issues. He also served as a law clerk intern to The Honorable L. Clayton Roberts of Florida’s First District Court of Appeal.
Loading...