TORN KNEE CARTILAGE – MENISCAL TEARS
Meniscus cartilage is a crescent-shaped section of fibrous tissue located between
the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) that serves to cushion and lessen friction
at the junction of those two bones, as well as distribute the load and shock of
walking and running and provide lubrication for the knee joint. Knee cartilage tears
occur frequently as a result of wear and tear from constant pounding and impact.
Often the meniscus can tear without significant injury. Alternatively the meniscus
can tears from a sporting injury. In sports, a meniscal injury often occurs abruptly.
The athlete feels something tear, and the knee may give away and immediately swell.
There will be acute pain and difficulty in walking. Ongoing symptoms include pain
along the side of the knee when the knee twists or flexes, or when there is a combination
of flexing and twisting. There also may be instability in which a piece of cartilage
actually moves in the joint and gives the feeling that the knee is going to give
out. Some may experience a locking sensation when a piece of cartilage gets temporarily
stuck in the joint. In the general population, tears can occur over time, as with
a person who kneels and squats during gardening. Discomfort will gradually increase
along the joint line, with the pain relating to activity. The diagnosis of a meniscal
tear can be made by physical examination by a physician and reliably confirmed with
an MRI.
Recommendations:
- Consult a physician if you think you have a meniscal tear
- Weight control is important to decrease the amount of force across the knee
- Warm up and stretch before, during, and after an activity, for muscle and tendon
flexibility
- Vigorous leg strengthening program and cross-training to build endurance and prevent
injuries due to fatigue
- Develop a Cross-training program to prevent repetitive impact on the knee cartilage
- Use Knee supports