Chronic Knee Pain After a Meniscus Tear: How One Patient Found Relief

Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries, especially in athletes who play contact sports. The knee joint is formed by three bones—the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and kneecap (patella). Between the femur and tibia sit two wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage called the menisci, which act as shock absorbers to cushion the joint and maintain stability during movement.

When a meniscus is torn and not properly treated, it can lead to long-term knee problems, including chronic pain and posttraumatic arthritis.

An Athlete’s Story: Living With Knee Pain for 12 Years

Twelve years ago, our patient Adam tore his meniscus while playing high school football. Like many athletes, he sought immediate care at the emergency room, where his knee was stabilized. Although the pain never fully resolved, Adam pushed through it for years.

More than a decade after the original injury, Adam underwent knee surgery, hoping for relief. Unfortunately, the results were underwhelming, and his knee pain persisted.

When a Meniscus Tear Leads to Arthritis

After surgery, Adam explored additional treatment options, including physical therapy and guided exercises with wellness providers. While these treatments offered some relief, the distance from home and work made consistent care difficult.

Over time, Adam’s knee condition worsened. He developed posttraumatic arthritis, a form of arthritis that occurs after an injury to the knee. Meniscus tears and ligament damage can cause joint instability, leading to increased wear and tear and, eventually, arthritis.

As his condition progressed, Adam could no longer run or participate in the sports he loved. His knee pain became debilitating, and he was diagnosed with arthritis and bone spurs in the knee.

Symptoms of Posttraumatic Knee Arthritis

A knee affected by arthritis may become painful, inflamed, and stiff. Symptoms often worsen gradually and may include:

• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee

• Persistent stiffness and swelling

• Increased pain after rest or inactivity

• Pain with physical activity

• Sensation of weakness or knee buckling

• Locking, clicking, snapping, or grinding in the knee (crepitus)

• Loose cartilage interfering with smooth joint motion

Adam experienced all of these symptoms for over twelve years.

Finding Relief at Direct Orthopedic Care

Searching for answers, Adam found Direct Orthopedic Care and decided to seek help again. At DOC, he received immediate orthopedic care without long wait times. His knee was evaluated with X-rays, and he was treated with a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation and pain.

The results were life-changing.

Life After Treatment: Back to Running and Playing Pain-Free

For the first time in more than a decade, Adam is running and playing sports without knee pain. He credits DOC’s flexible hours, convenient locations, and high-quality orthopedic care for helping him regain his active lifestyle.

Get Expert Care for Chronic Knee Pain at Direct Orthopedic Care

If you’re living with knee pain after a meniscus tear, sports injury, or arthritis, Direct Orthopedic Care offers accessible, patient-centered treatment designed to get you back to doing what you love—without unnecessary delays or high costs.

Find a DOC location near you and book an appointment today to receive expert evaluation and personalized care.