What is the meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage found in each knee joint, positioned between the femur and tibia. Each knee has two menisci: the medial meniscus on the inner side and the lateral meniscus on the outer side. Their primary roles are to cushion the joint, distribute body weight evenly, and improve stability during movement.
What is a meniscus tear?
There are several types of meniscus tears, each classified by the shape and location of the tear within the cartilage. The most common types include radial, horizontal, bucket-handle, flap, and complex tears. In a meniscus tear, the cartilage is physically damaged or split due to forceful twisting, squatting, or wearing over time. Some of these may be small and cause only mild discomfort, while others can significantly affect knee function.
What causes a meniscus tear?
A meniscus tear is caused by forceful twisting, pivoting, or sudden stopping motions that place stress on the knee joint. Tears commonly occur during activities that involve sudden changes in direction. They can also happen from deep squatting, heavy lifting, or even minor movements in older adults. In younger people, tears are usually the result of trauma, while in older individuals, they are often degenerative, occurring gradually over time.
How to care for your meniscus
To care for your meniscus and reduce the risk of injuries or degenerative conditions try some of the methods below…..
1) Maintain a healthy weight
2) Engage in low impact activities
3) Avoid deep knee bending
4)Strengthen leg muscles and knee flexibility
5)Use proper knee mechanics while exercising
6) Always warm up before exercising
What should I do if I have pain in my meniscus?
If you are dealing with meniscus pain, it is crucial to take immediate action to reduce this discomfort and prevent injury. Initially, resting your knee and applying ice routinely can help reduce pain and inflammation. Other methods such as stretching, wearing compression sleeves and elevating your knee may also be beneficial. However, if you experience severe or persistent pain, or notice a locking or catching sensation in your knee, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.