Here at Limitless Physiotherapy and Performance, it is common for us to see people with knee injuries. There are different types of knee injuries people can suffer from. Whether it be an injury that has come on over a long duration of time or a sudden trauma to the knee, we are able to diagnose and treat, getting you back doing the things you love.
In this blog post, we will talk about the meniscus – more commonly known as the knee cartilage. Discussions around what the meniscus is, its job, how it can become injured and what we can do to help you will be included in this blog post.
What is the meniscus?
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of tough ‘rubbery’ cartilage that sits within the joint line of the knee (in-between the thigh bone and shine bone) and behind the knee cap.
There is a medial meniscus, which is on the inside of the knee and a lateral meniscus which is on the outside of the knee. Each meniscus is broken down into 3 parts – the anterior horn, the body and the posterior horn. Due to the meniscus being a cartilage structure, it lacks a certain amount of blood flow and therefore if damaged, doesn’t heal as well as other structures on its own.
What is the meniscus’ job?
The main job of the meniscus is to absorb shock and pressure put through the knee due to its ‘rubbery’ nature. With the meniscus being present, it stops the tibia (shine bone) and femur (thigh bone) coming into direct contact and rubbing against each other every time the knee bends and straightens. If this was to happen, it would cause a high degree of friction and subsequently increased pain levels. The meniscus also provides the knee with stability along with the ligaments around the knee. Stability of the knee is important because any abnormal twisting movements of the knee may cause an increase in knee pain. The meniscus also provides lubrication for the knee joint allowing it to bend and straighten freely and fluidly.
How do you injure/damage the meniscus?
The meniscus can be damaged in two ways. The first way is through a long duration of ‘wear and tear’ which ultimately causing Osteoarthritis. The phrase ‘wears and tear’ has negative connotations, however it is important to understand the definition of ‘wear and tear’ is ‘’the loss or damage that occurs to something in the course of normal use’’. This actually suggests ‘wear and tear’ is completely normal and happens to everyone. The research suggests people over 50 are more likely to experience it. Also, the good news is, ‘wear and tear’ doesn’t always equate to pain. Studies have shown that people with positive scans for knee Osteoarthritis can still live pain free with no knee disruptions.
Another way the meniscus can be injured is through a traumatic episode where the knee exceeds its limits of movement and becomes compromised. A common mechanism of injury to the meniscus is when the foot is planted and the knee twists. This can cause the meniscus to tear. This is a common injury in sports like football, rugby, skiing and many more. Depending on the severity of the tear, determines if surgery is required or not.
Signs and symptoms:
A sign of Osteoarthritis in the knee includes morning stiffness and potentially joint swelling.
If you think you have injured your meniscus playing sport, a common sign is pain when changing direction. Also, the knee may feel like it is giving way or locking quite regularly. Also, fully straightening/bending your knee may become painful and restricted.
How can we at Limitless Physiotherapy and Performance help you?
If any of the topics discussed in this blog relate to your symptoms, please get in touch!
Here at Limitless, you will be provided with a thorough assessment where you will first be asked some questions about your knee injury and then taken through some physical tests to help determine the root cause of your pain.
You will then be given a diagnosis, which will be followed by an explanation of where you are now (injury status), where you want to get to (any goals you may have) and how we will help you get there. This will then be followed by a treatment plan, not only to get you out of pain, but to get you back to thoughtless, fearless movement where you will have 100% confidence back in your knee.
Get in contact now:
Email – contact@limitlessphysio.co.uk
Phone – 07776189917