What is the Meniscus?
The meniscus is the medical term for the cartilage in your knee.
The meniscus acts as a cushion and shock absorber, protecting the bones in the knee.
There are two menisci in each knee joint, covering the outside (lateral) and inside (medial) part of the shin bone (tibia) inside the knee.
The meniscus can wear down or away if excessive load is put through the meniscus for a long period of time (Iām talking years).
The meniscus can also tear during activities that put excessive pressure on the knee. In particular exercises that involve twisting/rotating at speed and under load. E.g. skiing, gymnastics.
Common symptoms of meniscus tears are:
š¦µ- pain felt inside the knee joint
- stiffness and swelling
- the knee may catch or lock
- the knee may give way or buckle
To help prevent meniscus damage or problems it is important to wear the correct footwear when exercising, along with making sure the muscles of the leg are strong enough to tolerate the load you are putting them under.
When people talk about a torn cartilage or cartilage problems in the knee they are referring to the meniscus.