This small cartilage disc between the bones plays an important role. It absorbs shocks and reduces pressure during walking, running, and other sports or physical activities. When it becomes damaged — whether during sports, an unfortunate fall, or even an ordinary movement — it quickly lets you know that something is wrong.
Who Should Be Especially Careful?
Athletes and active people: football players, volleyball players, basketball players, and skiers are among the most at-risk groups. Impacts, jumps, and sudden changes in movement can lead to serious injuries.
Middle-aged and older adults: as people age, cartilage gradually wears down and no longer protects the joints as effectively as in youth. More than 40% of people over 65 suffer from meniscus injuries.
People with previous knee injuries: stretched or torn ligaments weaken the knee and increase the risk of meniscus damage.
People with obesity: excessive body weight places significant pressure on the knees, increasing the risk of damage to the cartilage structures in the joint.
Although these groups are most at risk, it is important to realize that such injuries can affect anyone, whether due to an accident or even a heavy object falling onto the knee.
Symptoms to Watch for if You Suspect a Meniscus Injury
Meniscus injuries can cause various symptoms that reduce comfort and mobility. Pay attention to the following signs:
Knee pain: pain is the most noticeable symptom of a meniscus injury. It can range from mild to severe and is usually strongest when bending or twisting the knee.
Swelling: caused by inflammation and fluid accumulation due to meniscus damage.
Joint stiffness: often caused by inflammation.
Instability: you may feel as if your leg could give way when putting weight on the knee.
Cracking sounds: loud popping or cracking may occur when bending the knee.
Limited movement: a damaged meniscus may reduce the knee’s range of motion, preventing full bending or straightening.
Joint locking: in some cases, a piece of the damaged meniscus can become trapped in the joint space, causing the knee to lock and making it impossible to bend or straighten the leg.
How to Treat a Meniscus Injury?
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, the exact location of the damage, and the patient’s overall health. What can you do before visiting a doctor?
Most importantly, avoid any activity that causes pain. If you exercise or play sports, stop physical activity immediately. Avoid carrying heavy objects and allow yourself enough rest so the injury does not worsen. Applying ice to the painful area is also recommended, as it helps reduce swelling and relieve pain.
The knee should also be stabilized with a compression bandage. During walking, it may be advisable to use a knee brace (if recommended by a doctor). If the knee is significantly swollen, keep the leg elevated above heart level to reduce blood flow and swelling.
If the pain prevents you from sleeping, anti-inflammatory pain relievers may help. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking medication. If the pain does not improve or becomes worse, schedule an orthopedic examination.
You will usually undergo an X-ray examination, although in many cases this is not sufficient and an MRI scan is necessary. During the examination, the doctor may also assess knee mobility using the McMurray, Steinmann, or Apley tests.
Treatment Options for Meniscus Injuries
If the injury is mild or it is not clear whether the meniscus is torn, the doctor may recommend conservative treatment — rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain medication, and reduced physical activity.
If conservative treatment does not help or the injury is severe, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary. This is a day surgery procedure that usually takes around 30 minutes and leaves only two small scars.
After surgery, it is important to follow a recovery regimen and undergo rehabilitation procedures to restore knee mobility. Recovery time varies individually and usually takes from 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the severity of the injury and the complexity of the procedure. In some cases, partial or complete removal of the meniscus may be required.
Trnava Trusts Medican Clinic
If you suffer from knee pain and suspect a meniscus injury, visit our surgery department at the private clinic in Trnava. Our top specialists will take care of you so you can return to everyday life at full strength.
Call us at +421 332 024 312 / +421 918 223 960 or send an email to [info@medican.sk](mailto:info@medican.sk) to book your appointment.
