Meniscus Pain

Meniscus knee pain is a common condition that can occur in people of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in athletes and older adults. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located in the knee joint that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). When the meniscus is injured, it can cause pain and limited mobility in the knee joint.

What is this condition?

Meniscus knee pain is usually caused by a meniscus tear. This can happen due to sudden twisting or turning movements, or as a result of wear and tear over time. Meniscus tears are common in athletes who play sports that require sudden changes of direction or quick stops and starts, such as basketball, soccer, and football. Older adults are also at risk for meniscus tears due to the natural degeneration of the cartilage over time.

Common signs and symptoms

The most common symptom of meniscus knee pain is pain in the knee joint. The pain may be sharp or dull and is usually located on the inside or outside of the knee. The knee may also feel stiff or swollen, and it may be difficult to fully straighten or bend the knee. Some people may also experience a popping or clicking sensation when they move their knees.

How can it be treated?

The treatment for meniscus knee pain depends on the severity of the tear. In some cases, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications may be enough to relieve symptoms. Physiotherapy can also be helpful in strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving flexibility. For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the torn meniscus.

There are several surgical options available for meniscus tears, including partial meniscectomy, meniscus repair, and meniscus replacement. Partial meniscectomy involves removing the torn portion of the meniscus, while meniscus repair involves stitching the torn edges of the meniscus back together. Meniscus replacement is a newer procedure that involves removing the damaged meniscus and replacing it with a synthetic or donor meniscus.

Conclusion

Meniscus knee pain is a common condition that can be caused by a meniscus tear due to sudden twisting or turning movements or wear and tear over time. The most common symptoms of meniscus knee pain are pain in the knee joint, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee. Treatment options for meniscus knee pain depend on the severity of the injury.

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Scientific References

1. Arshi A, Cohen JR, Wang JC, Hame SL, McAllister DR, Jones KJ. Meniscectomy for degenerative indications: a review of the literature. J ISAKOS. 2016;1(1):32-37. doi:10.1136/jisakos-2015-000001
2. Gauffin H, Tagesson S, Meunier A, Magnusson H, Kvist J. Knee osteoarthritis and meniscal cartilage damage during adolescence: a case-control study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2016;24(4):597-604. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2015.10.018
3. Papalia R, Del Buono A, Osti L, Denaro V, Maffulli N. Meniscectomy as a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Br Med Bull. 2011;99:89-106. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldr010