instability <\/a>in the joint, which may make them unsure of their footing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInstability in the joint is more common with an ACL tear, and the affected individual requires assessment by a qualified orthopedic surgeon or doctor to evaluate the extent of the injury. The doctor will ask the individual to sit on a bed and draw their foot towards their buttocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The practitioner then secures the foot and places pressure on the sides of the knee to check for movement. If the joint moves readily and displays symptoms of looseness, then the doctor may order an MRI scan to check on the damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Often, an injury to the ACL also occurs alongside damage to the meniscus. The MRI scan will show the practitioner the state of both the ligaments and the meniscus, allowing them to make an informed decision on whether or not surgery is an option for the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n14. Locking of the Joint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n People who sustain an injury to the knee joint experience problems with both the ligaments and the meniscus. During the incident that causes the damage, the meniscus may tear, and one or more pieces of the cartilage may end up floating around in the joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In most cases, these pieces of cartilage do not cause any pain or discomfort. However, in some cases, the part of the torn meniscus may end up lodging between the bones of the knee, resulting in the joint locking up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This locking <\/a>sensation may occur at any time, and it does not have to coincide with exertion or movement. The simple act of getting up off of the couch, or getting out of bed in the morning, may cause the piece of the torn meniscus to float into the joint causing locking.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis locking symptom is incredibly painful, and the patient will require surgery to remove the pieces of the torn meniscus from the knee. After surgery, the patient requires extensive physical therapy to recover their range of motion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n
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