People who work in construction, manufacturing, and industrial professions run a high risk of serious injury at some point in their career. That’s why the lawyers of Golitko & Daly take on-the-job accidents so seriously. Serving people in Indianapolis and Kokomo, IN as well as the entire state of Indiana, we strive to be the most reputable work injury attorneys around.
In many physically demanding professions, there’s a high risk of knee injury. With that in mind, let’s consider meniscus injuries and the potentially lasting effects on people who suffer from them.
About the Meniscus
The meniscus refers to two cartilage discs of the knee. The medial meniscus is on the inner side of the knee, while the lateral meniscus is located on the outer side of the knee. The meniscus functions as a shock absorber between the thighbone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia).
Meniscus injuries are some of the most common kinds of knee injuries that people experience. You may be familiar with the term “torn meniscus,” which you’ve probably heard or read before. Meniscus tears are common among many athletes.
Signs of a Meniscus Injury
Some of the most common signs of a meniscus tear and other meniscus injuries include:
- Popping sensation of the knee
- Severe pain while bending or rotating the knee
- Swelling around the knee
- Stiffness of the knee
- Difficulty bearing weight on a knee
- Difficulty straightening out your leg
- Locking of the knee joint
Causes of Meniscus Injuries
Among workers, meniscus injuries are the result of sudden rotations or twists of the knee area. Common causes of meniscus injuries could include:
- Falls and awkward landings
- Sudden pivots of the knee
- Lifting heavy objects
- Deep squatting motions
- Poor footing while carrying a load
- Direct physical trauma to the knee
Meniscus Repair and Recovery
When treating meniscus injuries, doctors may first recommend conservative procedures that allow the knee to rest and heal itself. This could include icing the knee, reduced physical activity, and taking pain medication to manage discomfort. This will require time off from work to make a full recovery, which can eat away at savings or drive a household into debt.
For more serious meniscus injuries, surgery may be required in order to repair the cartilage. This will take much longer time for recovery, and may be followed up by physical rehabilitation to restore strength and use to the damaged knee. This leads to even higher medical bills over a longer period of time.
Long-Term Effects of a Meniscus Injury
Even after you’ve healed from a meniscus injury, the joint itself may not be fully recovered. You may notice limitations on knee movement and range of motion, which can impact both your daily life and even your professional life. Long-term negative effects on the knee could necessitate joint replacement much later in life.
Holding Negligent Workplaces Accountable
If you suffered a meniscus injury due to an unsafe working environment or negligence by supervisors/co-workers, you may want to consider legal action. Our attorneys can discuss what happened during your accident as well as the aftermath of your injuries. We can let you know if you have a case worth pursuing, and will stand with you every step of the way to hold the negligent person or parties accountable for the harm they caused you.
Learn More About Work Injuries Affecting the Knees
If you would like more information about knee injuries and their affect on your mobility and quality of life, be sure to contact our skilled team of work injury attorneys. Golitko & Daly has three locations in Indiana. You can reach us in Indianapolis by calling (317) 566-9600, in Kokomo by calling (765) 865-9300, and in Bloomington by calling (812) 566-2600.