Not every knee injury is dramatic. People sometimes hear a pop or experience sudden impact that prevents any walking. Sometimes it is more subdued. Serious injuries can happen with a twist during a workout or a sudden change of direction on the field. Sometimes the knee just starts swelling after an otherwise ordinary movement. If pain, stiffness, or catching sticks around, a meniscus tear may be the issue. Meniscus tear treatment in Arlington, VA, can begin at an orthopedic urgent care, where your knee can be examined and an initial treatment plan developed.
A torn meniscus does not always stop you in your tracks. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee. You may still be able to walk, climb stairs, or even exercise, particularly if the tear is small or symptoms are mild. Some people notice pain only with certain movements, while others may have intermittent clicking or discomfort that seems to come and go. Being able to use your knee normally does not necessarily rule out an injury.
What matters is how your knee responds over time. Meniscus tear symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking, catching, or difficulty fully bending or straightening the joint. These issues can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. An orthopedic urgent care visit gives you a place to start without waiting for a traditional specialist appointment.
Your provider can examine the knee, assess your range of motion and stability, and determine whether an X-ray or other imaging is appropriate. An X-ray cannot show the meniscus itself. But it can help identify fractures or other bone-related causes of knee pain. If additional imaging or specialist care is needed, our orthopedic providers can help determine the appropriate next step.
After a meniscus tear diagnosis, treatment depends on the injury and how it affects your knee. Some patients can begin with nonsurgical care such as activity modification, medication, physical therapy, or other measures to control pain and inflammation. With meniscus tear treatment in Arlington, VA, orthopedic urgent care can provide that initial evaluation, help manage symptoms, and connect you with appropriate follow-up care when needed. More significant tears may require a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon.
At OrthoOIC, we make it easy for you to get fast, expert orthopedic urgent care when you need it most. Our team is here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you return to the activities you love. OrthoOIC is proud to be a recognized leader in Virginia orthopedic urgent care, recently named “Best of 2024 Urgent Care” by Business Rate. We welcome patients from Northern Virginia and Washington DC with no referral required.
From sports injuries and workplace accidents to sudden orthopedic emergencies, our team provides fast, specialized treatment when you need it most. We offer extended hours, walk-in availability, and convenient appointments for specialized orthopedic care with an urgent care experience.